Jesus, City of Refuge

Numbers 35

vv.9-34

The cities of refuge

·         The cities of refuge as a picture of Jesus.

o        The Bible applies this picture of the city of refuge to the believer finding refuge in God on more than one occasion:

§         Psalm 46:1, says God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. More than 15 other times, the Psalms speak of God as being our refuge.

o        Hebrews 6:18 says, That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. We can flee to Jesus for refuge!

o        Both Jesus and the cities of refuge are within easy reach of the needy person; they were of no use unless someone could get to the place of refuge.

o        Both Jesus and the cities of refuge are open to all, not just the Israelite; no one needs to fear that they would be turned away from their place of refuge in their time of need.

o        Both Jesus and the cities of refuge became a place where the one in need would live; you didn’t come to a city of refuge in time of need just to look around.

o        Both Jesus and the cities of refuge are the only alternative for the one in need; without this specific protection, they will be destroyed.

o        Both Jesus and the cities of refuge provide protection only within their boundaries; to go outside meant death.

o        With both Jesus and the cities of refuge, full freedom comes with the death of the High Priest.

·         A crucial distinction: The cities of refuge only helped the innocent; the guilty can come to Jesus and find refuge.