Part 1

Exodus 3:16 - “Now go and call together all the elders of Israel. Tell them, ‘The LORD, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has appeared to me. He told me, “I have been watching closely, and I see how the Egyptians are treating you. NLT

Exodus 18:13-27 - The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening.14When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here?

Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?” 15Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. 16When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties.

I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them his instructions.” 17“This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. 18“You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.

19Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. 20Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives.

21But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 22They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you.

Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. 23If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”

24Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions. 25He chose capable men from all over Israel and appointed them as leaders over the people. He put them in charge of groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.

26These men were always available to solve the people’s common disputes. They brought the major cases to Moses, but they took care of the smaller matters themselves. 27Soon after this, Moses said good-bye to his father-in-law, who returned to his own land. NLT

The term Elder continued to be used throughout the

time of the Judges.

Judges 8:16 - Then Gideon took the elders of the town and taught them a lesson, punishing them with thorns and briers from the wilderness. NLT

Elders & Saul

1 Samuel 15:30 - Then Saul pleaded again, “I know I have sinned. But please, at least honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel by coming back with me so that I may worship the LORD your God.” NLT

Elders were involved with the temple procession of Solomon

1 Kings 8:3 - When all the eldersof Israel arrived, the priests picked up the Ark. NLT

Elders were involved in advising the King

(1 Kings 12:6-8)

- Brought murders to trial (Dt. 19:12; 21:1ff; Josh. 20:4)

Other Roles the Elders Played

- Punished disobedient children (Dt. 21:19)

- Inflicted penalty for slander (Dt. 22:15) and for noncompliance with marriage laws (Dt. 25:7ff)

- Enforced the law (Dt. 27:1; Lev. 4:13ff)

Other Roles the Elders Played

- A judicial body formed to give judgment on certain cases. They gathered in the gates of the city and pronounced rulings.

A Clear Distinction Between

Priests (Clergy) and Laity

With the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 A.D. the priesthood lost its main religious base in society; in their role as

teachers the Priests were replaced by the Pharisees and the Rabbis in the synagogues.

ISBE

New Testament LeadershipElders and Priests in the N.T.

The Priesthood in the NTThree Types

1. The Priesthood of the Jews

2. The Priesthood of Jesus

3. The Priesthood of the Believer

The CLASH

The Jewish Priesthood vs.

The Priesthood of Jesus

Jesus was a threat to the contemporary Jewish

priests and their privileges.

Matthew 12:6 – I tell you, there is one here who is even greaterthan the Temple! NLT

John 2:19 – “All right,” Jesus replied. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” NLT

Mark 10:45 – For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his lifeas a ransom for many.” NLT

According to the book of Hebrews Jesus’ Melchizedek priesthood is superior to the

Levitical priesthood in the following ways: (ISBE)

1. It is Eternal (Hebrews 7:1-3)

2. Levi offered sacrifices to Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:4-10)

3. The promise (Psalm 110:4) of another order to supersede the Levitical makes clear its imperfection (Hebrews 7:11–14)

4. The Melchizedek priesthood was attained, not by the law of a fleshly commandment (Hebrews 7:16), but by the power of an endless life (Hebrews 7:15–19).

5. The former priests were many because of death, but Jesus priesthood is uninterrupted because He lives forever (Hebrews 7:23–25).

6. Jesus’ better priesthood is also accompanied by an oath(something the old Levitical priests did not have), making certain Jesus gives a superior covenant (Hebrews 7:20–22).

7. Jesus is our sinless high priest (Hebrews 7:26–28) who enters a better sanctuary to offer the perfect sacrifice, (Hebrews 8:1–13 [Hebrews vv. 8–12; Jer. 31:31–34 as scriptural evidence of the inadequacy of the old system]).

8. In contrast to the imperfect sanctuary of the old covenant (Hebrews 9:1–5) and its repeated and imperfect rituals, Christ entered a more perfect tent, once for all to offer the perfect sacrifice of himself (Hebrews 9:11–14).

a. As a result Christ is mediator of a new and better covenant ratified by His blood (Hebrews 9:15–22).

9. His once-for-all offering of himself has put away sin forever (Hebrews 9:23–28).

The incompleteness of the old offerings, which needed continually to be offered and which could not perfect the one making the sacrifice, is surpassed by Christ’s perfect, obedient offering made once-for-all (Hebrews 10:1–18).

10. Apart from Hebrews, John’s writings also offer further insight into Jesus’ priesthood (John Ch. 6, 14-17; Rev Ch. 5, 19, 21 & 1 John 1-2).

Summary

Old Testament LeadershipElders and Priests

in the O.T.

1. Origin is in the ancient patriarchal family institution of the Hebrews.

2. God commanded Moses to gather the Elders.

3. A clear distinction existed between Priests (Clergy) and Laity.

New Testament LeadershipElders and Priests

in the N.T.

The Priesthood in the N.T. Three Types

1. The Priesthood of the Jews

2. The Priesthood of Jesus

a. The Clash - The Jewish Priesthood vs. The Priesthood of Jesus

Meditate & Apply

Thank the LORD for Hisexpression of Love and Protection in both the O.T. and N.T. by providing Human leadership for His family.

Next Week

1. The third expression ofpriesthood in the N.T. –The Priesthood of the Believer

2. Elders and Deacons in the N.T.