The Explanation

God had a big job for Aaron and his sons. They would become priests, the men who stood between God and the people. But you could not just walk in and say "I am a priest now." God said, "This is the thing that you shall do to them to make them holy."

First came water. Aaron and his sons were washed clean at the door of the tent where God met with his people. Then came the clothes. Not ordinary clothes. A blue robe, a golden vest called the ephod, a special chest piece, and a turban with a holy crown on it. Moses poured oil on Aaron's head. Oil running down over his hair, down his beard. That oil meant: this man now belongs to God in a special way.

Then came the animals. A young bull and two rams. Aaron and his sons put their hands on the bull's head, right before it was killed. Some of its blood was put on the horns of the altar. This was a sin offering, because even priests were not perfect. They needed to be made right with God before they could serve him.

The first ram was burned completely on the altar. Smoke going up like a pleasant smell to God. Then came the second ram, and this part is strange and wonderful. Blood was put on Aaron's right ear, his right thumb, his right big toe. Ears to hear God's word. Hands to do God's work. Feet to walk God's paths. Every part of the priest belonged to God now.

Aaron and his sons even ate part of the meal, at the door of the tent, but only them. No stranger could eat it, because it was holy, set apart. Whatever was left had to be burned, never wasted, never treated like ordinary leftovers.

This whole ceremony lasted seven days. Every day a bull was offered again, the altar was cleaned and made holy again. And every single day, morning and evening, two lambs were offered. One when the sun came up, one when it went down. Every day. Forever, God said.

What Does This Mean?

Why so much washing, so much blood, so many days? Because God is holy, which means completely good, completely pure, shining like nothing else. And people are not. Not even priests. If sinful people wanted to come close to a holy God, something had to happen first. Blood had to be shed. Someone, something, had to take the place of the one who deserved to die.

This was not God being harsh. Look at what he says at the end. "I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God." God wanted to live close to his people. That was always the point. The blood and the washing made a way for that closeness to happen safely.

The Common Thread

Every morning and every evening, a lamb died. Day after day, year after year. That should make you think. It was never quite enough, so it had to happen again and again.

Then, much later, John the Baptist looked at Jesus and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." Jesus was the one lamb who did not need to be offered again and again. His blood was enough, once, forever. Aaron needed washing and blood before he could serve God. We need Jesus before we can come close to God too. He is our way in.

For You

You cannot make yourself clean enough for God, not by trying harder or being extra good this week. But Jesus already made you clean if you trust him. Today you could thank him for that, simply, in your own words, maybe before you fall asleep tonight.

Talk About It

Why do you think God wanted Aaron washed and dressed so carefully before he could serve as priest?

What does it mean that Jesus is called "the Lamb of God"?

Praying Together

Dear God, thank you that you wanted to live close to your people. Thank you for Jesus, the Lamb who makes us clean. Help us come to you every day, morning and evening, just like the lambs on the altar. Amen.