What we see in the old covenant is a shadow of what we have today. God made an effort to have Moses make specific garments for the High Priest. God went into great detail in Exodus 28 about how these should be made and worn. These were holy garments to be used only by Aaron or the next High Priest with “dignity and honor” (Genesis 28:2).
One item to look at is the golden plate of the High Priest. This was worn in front of his turban tied by a blue cord. Although I haven’t seen a translation use the word crown, it does give the similarity of a crown and I believe that it is fine to call the golden plate a crown. This is described in detail in Exodus 28:36-38 which tells us, “36 “You shall also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet, ‘Holy to the Lord.’ 37 You shall [s]fasten it on a violet cord, and it shall be on the turban; it shall be at the front of the turban. 38 It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall [t]take away the guilt of the holy things which the sons of Israel consecrate, regarding all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be accepted before the Lord.”
This golden plate has the inscription written in Hebrew, “Holy unto the Lord”. This was there because as Aaron wore this golden plate, the sin of the holy things would be taken away. Some of these holy things were utensils and bowls used by the priests. When sin entered into this world, it not only effected the people, it effected the world. The most beautiful flowers fades, the fastest animal dies, and even the strongest tree will crack. These show us the tragedy of sin. We need God take away sin. Thankfully God will have a, “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1). If God can use this golden plate to take away the iniquity of these physical objects how much more can the blood of Jesus Christ take away our iniquity?
The garments of the High Priest are shadows of what is our reality today. I don’t believe Jesus is in Heaven walking around like this. Perhaps He does, but that is not the main point. This shows us the beaty of Jesus. I imagine that as God is telling Moses how to make the garments, He telling him with joy because it is a shadow of His only son Jesus. The golden plate is there because all of Jesus’ thoughts are holy unto the Lord.
You are not called to bear the iniquity of your life. We need to give these to Jesus. Give God your burdens. His burdens are easy and light. Even if you have not had good thoughts you can still be blessed because your High Priest took away our sin on the Cross. Jesus wore the crown of thorns because this was the curse that began in the garden of Eden. The curse was that the Earth would grow, “Both thorns and thistles” (Genesis 3:18). Jesus wore the crown of thorns taking away our sin. We deserved the crown of sin, the crown of thorns, and the crown of burdens. Jesus now gives us a crown of righteousness. 2 Timothy 4:8 tells us, “in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
This golden plate reminds us that we are completely accepted in Christ. Hold your head up high and go to Jesus your perfect High Priest. Give your burdens to the Lord and receive your crown of righteousness. Take time to study more on these items in Exodus 28 and Jesus our High Priest in the Book of Hebrews.