Daily Devotions
Make Me a Servant, Just Like Your Son
Reading for August 2nd: Isaiah 23-27
Weekly reading for August 2-8: Matthew 20-24
"...the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Matthew 20:28
The High Priest wore special clothes that were designed to be beautiful and glorious (Ex 28:2). With all of the special embroidery, gold, and precious stones, his clothing resembled that of a king.
However, on the Day of Atonement, he did not wear these clothes, but instead wore a plain garment of fine linen. It consisted of four parts (a coat, undergarment, sash, and turban), all made of the same material. It would have appeared more plain than what the regular priests wore.
I can only speculate, but it seems to me that the fancy priestly garments were worn because the High Priest appeared before the people on behalf of God. He represented God to the people and his clothing should reflect God's glory. But on the Day of Atonement, he was to appear before God on behalf of the people. His clothing was to be simple. Unlike his kingly garments, these garments would more resemble what a slave would wear.
I can't help but see a parallel between the High Priest's clothes on the Day of Atonement and the clothes Jesus wore. Jesus emptied himself of his glory and came in the appearance of a servant (Phil 2:5-8). The night he was betrayed he took off his outer garment to perform the duty of the lowest slave to wash the feet of all the disciples, including Judas (John 13:1-5).
Jesus is once again wearing his glorious robes (Rev 1:12-16), but on this day we reflect on what Jesus wore when he was stripped of all his clothing, dignity, and heavenly glory, humbling himself to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Father, make me a servant, just like your Son!
