Exodus 27 finishes the instructions for the tabernacle and the items that it contains. The entire tabernacle is quite substantial and yet it is meant to be transportable. God has even arranged for that by way of putting rings through which poles are threaded so that the people can carry the larger pieces. A lamp is placed outside of the area where the Ark of the Covenant rests and the lamp is to remain lit at all times. Aaron and his sons are given the task of tending to the light.

Exodus 28 gives instructions for the vestments Aaron and his sons are to wear. Pastors often complain about the weight and heat that their robes afflict, but they are nothing compared to the vestments Aaron wears. Some items of note are the two onyx stones that become epaulets containing the names of the 12 sons of Israel. The breastplate of judgment with 12 stones set in gold also with the names of the 12 tribes. These provide a reminder before God. Aaron’s robe has bells all around the bottom so that they will ring when he goes into the holy place of the Lord, as it says so he won’t die. There is also a gold signet placed on a turban Aaron wears that says “Holy to the Lord.” Aaron is to take on any guilt in the offerings he brings to God. God will see the signet and find favor with the people. The priests even have special underwear they must wear when they enter the tent of meeting so that they won’t bring any guilt on themselves and die. Moses is to anoint, ordain and consecrate them to the task of being the priests representing the people before God in the tent of meeting.

It is apparent that the priests are dressing for battle. They bear the judgment of the Lord and must be protected. But they also bear the reminder that they have been made holy in God’s sight. This is a serious charge and duty they are to perform for the people of Israel.

In Matthew 28 a new week dawns. The two Marys come to the tomb. There is an earthquake and an angel of the Lord rolls the stone away. The guards that Pilate assigned are scared stiff. The angel tells the women not to be afraid. Jesus is not here, because he has been raised, just as he told them. They see the empty place where he had lain. The angel tells them to go to the disciples and tell them the good news.

While they are running Jesus meets them and they fall at his feet. Jesus tells the women to go to the disciples.

Meanwhile some of the guards tell the chief priests what has happened. The priests and elders pay the soldiers off to spread a lie that the disciples came in the night and stole the body.

The disciples meet Jesus in Galilee where his ministry began. They meet Jesus with awe and doubt. Jesus commissions them to go into the world and make disciples, baptizing them in name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus promises to be with them always.

Even with the evidence in front of them the priests could not give in to God’s plan. They continued to try to thwart Jesus and his purposes. As we know, they failed.