Tag Archives: exodus

Feb13

Seeing Jesus in the Tabernacle: A Deeper Look at God’s Design

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"Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will swell among them."  Exodus 25:8

Seeing Jesus in the Tabernacle

While reading Exodus, I almost got lost in all the intricate details about the construction of the Tabernacle and its accessories. The precise measurements, materials, and craftsmanship felt overwhelming. Every detail seemed so specific, and I wondered why God took such care in giving these instructions.

Curious about the significance of those instructions, I decided to do a little research—and what I discovered was amazing! The Tabernacle wasn’t just an elaborate tent. Every detail reflected God’s holiness and His desire to dwell among His people. Even more awe-inspiring, it was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ! Every element, from the bronze altar to the Holy of Holies, pointed to Jesus’ sacrifice, His role as our High Priest, and His presence among us. Once I saw this connection, it all made sense!

The pattern in the Tabernacle’s design beautifully illustrates a spiritual truth—the closer you get to God’s presence, the more precious and holy everything becomes. From the outer courtyard to the Holy of Holies, the materials used increase in value: bronze in the outer areas, silver as you move inward, and finally, gold in the Most Holy Place. This progression reflects the increasing sacredness of God’s presence and serves as a visual representation of His holiness.

It also points to our spiritual journey. As we draw nearer to God, we are refined, made more valuable, and transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). Jesus, our Great High Priest, made it possible for us to enter God’s presence fully (Hebrews 10:19-22), making us more precious in His sight.

Here’s something else to consider: Can you imagine having to pack up that entire sacred structure—the Tabernacle—every time you moved, then set it back up precisely according to God’s instructions? That was the reality for the Israelites in the wilderness. (Exodus 40: 36 – 38) Every post, curtain, and sacred object had to be handled with reverence and placed exactly as God commanded.

But today, because of Jesus, we don’t have to carry a physical Tabernacle with us—we have His presence with us always! He is our Emmanuel, ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1:23). We don’t need to set up a structure to meet with God because He now dwells within us (1 Corinthians 6:19). What an incredible gift! No matter where we go, we never have to wonder if God is near—He is with us, always.

If you’ve ever struggled to understand those detailed instructions for the Tabernacle that God gave to Moses in Exodus, you’re not alone! Here’s what I discovered that may help you see how beautifully the Tabernacle points to Jesus:

The Tabernacle Items Symbolize Christ

The Tabernacle was God’s dwelling place among the Israelites (Exodus 25:8), but it ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ, who became the true Tabernacle (John 1:14). Each item inside had a deeper meaning, revealing Jesus’ role in our salvation.

The Tabernacle (God’s Dwelling Place) → Jesus, God With Us

  • The Tabernacle was where God’s presence dwelled among the Israelites.
  • Jesus is the ultimate Tabernacle—God dwelling among us in human form.
  • “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)

The Ark of the Covenant → Jesus, Our Access to God

  • The Ark contained the Ten Commandments, manna, and Aaron’s staff—all symbols of God’s provision and authority.
  • Jesus is our true Mercy Seat—through His blood, we receive forgiveness and direct access to God.
  • “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood.” (Romans 3:25)

The Table of Showbread → Jesus, the Bread of Life

  • The 12 loaves of bread represented God’s provision for Israel.
  • Jesus declared Himself the true Bread of Life who satisfies our souls.
  • “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” (John 6:35)

The Golden Lampstand → Jesus, the Light of the World

  • The Lampstand provided light inside the dark Tabernacle.
  • Jesus is the true Light who leads us out of darkness.
  • “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” (John 8:12)

The Altar of Incense → Jesus, Our Intercessor

  • The incense represented prayers rising to God (Psalm 141:2).
  • Jesus, as our High Priest, constantly intercedes for us before the Father.
  • “He always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

The Curtain at the Entrance → Jesus, the Only Way to God

  • The Tabernacle had a curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
  • When Jesus died, this curtain was torn, symbolizing our direct access to God.
  • “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.” (Hebrews 10:19-20)

The Altar of Burnt Offering → Jesus, Our Perfect Sacrifice

  • The Altar was where sacrifices were made for the forgiveness of sins.
  • Jesus is the final and perfect sacrifice for our sins.
  • “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

The Bronze Basin → Jesus, Who Cleanses Us

  • The priests washed in the Bronze Basin before entering God’s presence.
  • Jesus washes and purifies us from sin.
  • “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3)

The Outer Courtyard → Jesus, Our Only Access to God

  • The courtyard was surrounded by a fence, and there was only one entrance.
  • Jesus is the only way to enter God’s presence.
  • “I am the Gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John 10:9)

The Priestly Garments → Jesus, Our High Priest

  • The priests wore holy garments to minister before God.
  • Jesus is our true High Priest, who mediates between us and God.
  • “We have a great high priest… Jesus the Son of God.” (Hebrews 4:14)

Final Reflection

Every part of the Tabernacle foreshadowed Jesus’ role in our salvation. He is:

✔ The dwelling place of God (John 1:14)
✔ The bread that satisfies (John 6:35)
✔ The light that guides (John 8:12)
✔ The sacrifice that saves (John 1:29)
✔ The intercessor who prays for us (Hebrews 7:25)

Through Jesus, we no longer need a physical Tabernacle—we can come directly to God! 🙌

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Light, my Bread, and my Sacrifice. Thank You for opening the way for me to come freely into God’s presence. Help me to rest in You and reflect Your presence in my daily life. In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen.

Want to Go Deeper?

Read: Hebrews 9:11-14, Matthew 5:17, John 14:6