Exodus 28:1—29:37: God's Holiness
REGARDLESS OF OUR CHURCH AFFILIATION and the various names we give our leaders, we recognize their role in corporate worship. Too often we see the man or woman in leadership and fail to focus on God himself. The focal point of worship is, after all, God, and not the priest or pastor. God's plan for Israel's priesthood pointed to his own holiness and to human sin. Priests and worshipers alike needed atonement for their sins. This study will help you examine your own motives in worship.
Warming Up to God
What do you need to tell God before you read his Word? Confess today's sin or today's frustrations—and let God listen to you as your loving Father.
Read Exodus 28:1—29:37. »
Discovering the Word
- How and why did God give special status to the sons of Aaron?
- What would the precious stones mean to the Israelites in their relationship with God (28:9-12, 21, 29)?
- What facts about God's nature are emphasized by these garments (28:35-36, 38, 43)?
- What do they teach about our spiritual condition and its consequences?
- What offerings were made for the priests (29:1-3)?
- Why do you think God went to such elaborate measures for his priests' garments and for their ordination?
Applying the Word
- How can we develop an appreciation of our own sin and God's holiness in our worship?
- If you had been one of Aaron's sons, what would have been your major feelings and impressions about God and about your ministry?
- Jesus is our great high priest. What benefits do we receive from him (Heb 2:14-18; 5:1-3, 7-10; 9:11-15; 10:19-25)?
Responding in Prayer
Pour out your requests to God, knowing that Jesus, your High Priest, will plead to the Father on your behalf.
For Further Study
Authentic Leader (Jesus 101 Bible Studies) by Bill Donahue