8/2 Reading (Exodus 28-30; Luke 23)

I’ve been pretty tired the past few days and I gotta admit, the readings from exodus have been challenging. The instructions are so lengthy and the details are a little overwhelming.

Exodus 28: Chapter is all about vestments for the priests, in this case Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. The vestments are pretty extravagant. The one thing that really stood out to me was the turban Aaron had to wear. We live in a time where there is a lot of confusion and hate towards people who wear turbans. This is based on a lack of understanding of the differences in religions as well as what the Muslim faith is about. It really is a shame that ignorance plays such a large role in our society.

Exodus 29: This chapter is all about the consecration of the priests. The priests go through several rituals. The description is quite impressive. I find the level of detail to be fascinating. The text describes what should be done with each part of the sacrificed animals.

Exodus 30: Additional instructions are given to Moses here. First about the incense altar they are to put in the Tabernacle. Second about the census of the people. I didn’t know that ancient people thought counting them like this could bring disaster. Now the fact that the people are to give a small offering at each census make sense.

Luke 23: Now we get to the Crucifixion. I vaguely remembered that Pilate was hesitant to sentence Jesus to death. Instead he wanted to flog and release him. But he relented when the people continued to push. In other words, Pilate was weak. The people shout for Barabbas to be released. Pilate relented to that as well. The notes don’t add any detail about Barabbas. Instead they tell us to Mt 27.15–23; Mk 15.6–14; Jn 18.39–40. Finally Jesus is crucified and died on the cross during a time of darkness (in the middle of the day). Joseph, a member of the council who didn’t agree to this, asked Pilate for his body and prepares him for burial.

I really don’t have a lot to say about this. I am familiar with this account and don’t question it.