Exodus 29:1 "... hallow them for ministering to Me as priests ..."

Animal sacrifice pointed to consecration to serve by blood. Feeding on unleavened bread pointed to consecration by putting away known sin. Our Saviour, High Priest was holy from all eternity yet as man He consecrated Himself (John 17:19 ). He set Himself apart for God the Father and the Father's holy purposes. He also is the sanctification of His people (1 Corinthians 1:30 ). Because He became our sanctification, that is, we are set apart to God in Him, we can function as a kingdom of priests, for the use and service of God.

Aaron and sons, to be ready to serve, need to be cleansed by water. In contrast to Christ who never needed to be cleansed, being without sin and did no sin. Yet, as the spotless Lamb of God, nevertheless submitted Himself to John's baptism, to identify Himself with sinners and fulfill the Aaronic pattern. (Matthew 3:13-17 ).

Hebrews 7:26 "For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens."

Their cleansing in water symbolised regeneration.

John 3:5 "Unless one is born of water, and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

Titus 3:5 "He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit."

Christ gave Himself for the church to cleanse it and present it to Himself a spotless church.

Ephesians 5:26 "That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word."

Cleansing by the Word fits us for service.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do the things brought for the ceremonial consecration of the priests have their spiritual significance in your consecration (Exodus 29:1-3 )?
   • Did your High Priest who from eternity was holy, as a man consecrate himself (John 17:19 )?
   • Who is your sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30 )?
   • Are you taking the action of consecration because it is the will of God (1 Thessalonians 4:3 )?

2. For what purpose were Aaron and his sons cleansed by water (Exodus 29:4 )?
   • How did the spotless Lamb of God identify Himself with sinners (Matthew 3:13-17 )?
   • In contrast to Aaron, what was your High Priest (Hebrews 7:26 )?
   • Why is Jesus your perfect intercessor?
   • What is the aim of Christ's atonement for the Church (Ephesians 5:26-27 )?
   • What is the spoken word intended to do for you?