Key Verse: Exodus 27 & 28
Opening Prayer
Father, we come before You today with humble hearts, asking that You would open our eyes to the truths of Your Word. Lord, as we study these ancient instructions given to Israel, help us to see the deeper picture—the foreshadowing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Convict our hearts, challenge our faith, and draw us closer to You. May we leave this place changed, walking in obedience and gratitude for the great work of salvation You have accomplished. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Introduction
Take your Bibles and turn with me to Exodus 27. Again, Exodus chapter 27.
Folks, in these two chapters, God gives Moses precise instructions concerning the construction of the altar of burnt offering and the priesthood that would minister before Him. Now, at first glance, these details might seem outdated—just ceremonial laws for Israel’s worship. But let me tell you something, church: everything in the Old Testament points to Jesus Christ!
The altar represents the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, and the priesthood represents Jesus as our Great High Priest!
The title of this message is: “The Altar and the Priesthood: A Picture of Christ.”
Are you listening to me, church? You cannot approach a holy God without a sacrifice, and you cannot have access to Him without a mediator! That was true for Israel, and it’s still true today.
I. The Altar: A Picture of Christ’s Sacrifice (Exodus 27:1-8)
Look with me at Exodus 27:1:
And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.
The first thing God commanded to be built in the Tabernacle was the altar of burnt offering. Before you could enter the presence of God, you had to come by way of the altar!
Church, let me tell you something: you don’t get to God without the altar! And today, our altar is the cross of Jesus Christ.
- The wood of the altar reminds us of the wood of the cross.
- The blood of the sacrifices points to the blood of Jesus Christ.
- The fire of judgment represents the wrath of God poured out on Christ for our sins.
Folks, that’s why salvation is by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus. You can’t approach God based on your good works, your church attendance, or your morality. You must come through the sacrifice of Christ alone!
Application
Let me ask you something, church: Have you been to the altar? Have you truly placed your faith in Christ’s sacrifice? Or are you still trying to get to God through your own righteousness? The altar is the only way!
II. The Priesthood: A Picture of Christ’s Intercession (Exodus 28)
Now, turn over to Exodus 28. Here, God gives instructions about the priests who would serve in the Tabernacle. And folks, this is where it gets exciting—because every detail about these priests points to Jesus Christ!
Look at Exodus 28:1:
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office…
God appointed Aaron and his sons to be mediators between the people and Himself. But listen, church: Jesus Christ is now our Great High Priest!
Hebrews 7:25 says:
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Hallelujah! Jesus is interceding for us right now!
Now, let me point out two specific things about the high priest’s garments:
1. The Breastplate of Judgment (Exodus 28:29)
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart…
Church, do you see this? The high priest carried the names of God’s people on his heart!
And let me tell you something: Jesus carries YOUR name on His heart right now! When He went to the cross, He bore YOUR sins! And today, as He intercedes before the Father, He is lifting YOU up in prayer.
That ought to stir something inside of you, folks! Jesus has not forgotten you! He carries you on His heart every moment!
2. The Mitre and Holiness (Exodus 28:36-38)
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
The high priest had a golden plate on his forehead that read “HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” Every time he entered the Tabernacle, he was reminded that he was set apart for God.
And let me tell you something, church: If you belong to Christ, you are called to holiness! You can’t live like the world, talk like the world, and act like the world and still expect to walk in God’s presence.
Hebrews 12:14 says:
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
Folks, are you living in holiness? Does your life reflect the holiness of the One who saved you?
III. The Call to Come to Christ
Now listen to me, folks: there’s only one altar and only one High Priest that can save your soul.
- You must come to the cross, where Jesus paid it all.
- You must trust the High Priest, who intercedes for you even now.
- And you must live in holiness, set apart for His glory.
Let me ask you this: Where do you stand today?
Some of you need to come to the altar for the first time—you’ve never truly trusted Christ as your Savior. Jesus is calling you today!
Some of you are saved, but you’ve been living outside the holiness God has called you to. It’s time to get back to Him!
Everyone whom Jesus called, He called publicly. If you need to be saved, you need to step out and come to Him. If you need to repent, don’t wait another second!
Closing Prayer
Father, we thank You for the altar of sacrifice, for the Great High Priest, and for the holiness You have called us to. Lord, if there are any here today who have not yet trusted in Christ’s sacrifice, draw them now. If there are any who have drifted away from holiness, bring them back. We need You, Lord. Help us to live in obedience and faithfulness to Your Word. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Scripture References
Exodus 27:1 – And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.
Exodus 28:1 – And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office…
Hebrews 7:25 – Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 12:14 – Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.