Jesus in the Tabernacle: When You Feel Far From God
The Bible doesn’t pretend nearness to God is effortless. In fact, it has a great deal to say about distance, fear, and longing. Today, we’ll visit the book of Exodus and explore the symbolism of Jesus in the tabernacle of God’s people.
As the people wandered in the wilderness after escaping from Egypt, God commanded them to build a tabernacle, a portable tent where they would meet with him. The tent was a visible sign that God chose to dwell among his people. Every detail of the tabernacle conveyed a message.
Furthermore, every part of the tabernacle pointed to Jesus, the One who would fulfill God’s plan for his people.
Let’s look at some specific ways the tabernacle points to Jesus, welcoming those who feel distant from God.
Jesus in the Tabernacle: When You Feel Far From God
When God’s people constructed the tabernacle, it became the place where sacrifices were offered to make atonement for sin. It was a place of worship and prayer, a place where sinful people could approach a holy God.
The tabernacle was also a teaching tool.
Every structure, furnishing, color, and ritual taught Israel about God’s holiness and his desire to redeem them from sin.
Even the layout symbolized the journey toward God. The tabernacle consisted of an Outer Court, Holy Place, and Most Holy Place. These areas became increasingly sacred, symbolizing the approach toward God, requiring intentional movement away from sin toward holiness.
Let’s look at how some of the structures within the tabernacle pointed to Jesus.
Symbolism of Jesus in the Tabernacle
The Gate: Jesus Is the Way to God
The tabernacle had just one entrance.
Christ fulfilled this symbolism by becoming the only way to God and eternal life. He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV).
If you are searching for God today, Jesus is the way to find him. Turn to Jesus and draw near to God by receiving Jesus as the Savior and Leader of your life.
The Altar: Forgiveness Has a Cost
Just inside the gate stood the altar of sacrifice. Before prayer and service, there was blood.
This might sound harsh, but it was honest.
Animal sacrifices were made at the bronze altar, reminding the people that sin hid a cost, requiring life, blood.
Ultimately, Jesus became the sacrifice to make atonement for us (John 1:29).
God never asked his people to pretend they weren’t broken. If you feel weighed down by regret, failure, or mistakes, Jesus doesn’t minimize your pain. He absorbs it.
None of us are worthy to approach God by pulling ourselves together. We approach through Jesus, who already stepped in front of us to pay the price for our sins.
Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God. We no longer sacrifice animals to make atonement for our sins because Jesus paid the price, once and for all.
The Bronze Laver: Jesus Cleanses Our Hearts
After the altar came a bronze laver. Priests washed here before entering the Holy Place.
This laver typified Christ, who cleanses our hearts (John 13:8).
If you feel unworthy of being used by God, Jesus says, “Come, let me wash you.” Gently, patiently, over time, he wants to cleanse you and heal you.
The Lampstand: Light in the Darkest Places
The Holy Place of the tabernacle had no windows. The only light came from the lampstand.
God knew his people could not see clearly without his help. Jesus came as the light of the world (John 8:12).
If you feel confused, grieved, or unsure about the next step, Jesus isn’t asking you to figure it out on your own. He doesn’t expect you to find clarity apart from him.
Jesus offers light for the next step. Will you follow him into the light?
Jesus in the Tabernacle: More Symbols
The Bread: Provision for Emptiness
Twelve loaves of bread represented God’s provision and presence with his people.
Jesus came to be the Bread of Life (John 6:35). He sustains us daily.
Do you feel spiritually exhausted, emotionally depleted, or tired of keeping up the pace of your life? Jesus isn’t asking you to give more. He invites you to draw near to him and receive. Come hungry. He is waiting to fill you.
The Altar of Incense: When You Don’t Know How to Pray
Incense was to remain burning on the altar always. As it rose before God, it symbolized prayer even when the people were not speaking.
Jesus came to become an intercessor for God’s people, praying for us even when we are silent (Hebrews 7:25).
When our prayers feel weak, distracted, or even silent, we are still lifted before God. Jesus prays for us.
The Veil: Jesus Gives Us Access to God
A thick veil separated the Most Holy Place, the part of the tabernacle where God’s presence dwelled. Only the High Priest entered beyond the veil, and only once a year.
When Jesus died on the cross, this veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). Only God could have done this.
Jesus had made a way for God’s people to access God. Jesus’ body was torn so that the barrier separating us from God could fall.
If you feel distant from God, hear this: God removed the barrier. He pursues you with open arms. Turn to him, and he will embrace you.
The Most Holy Place: The Fullness of God Dwells With Us
The innermost part of the tabernacle was the place where God’s presence dwelled.
When Jesus walked on earth, all the fullness of God dwelled in him in bodily form (Colossians 2:9). Jesus is the Most Holy Place, and through him, God came to us. He dwells with the wounded.
The tabernacle was a promise of God’s coming fullness to dwell among us.
The Ark of the Covenant: Jesus Established a New Covenant
The ark of the covenant was a gold box containing the tablets with the 10 Commandments, manna from the wilderness, and Aaron’s rod, which had blossomed as a sign from God. It represented the covenant between God and his people.
Jesus established a New Covenant when he came. He fulfilled the Old Testament Law; he became the Bread of Life; and he replaced Aaron as the eternal High Priest. Jesus became the mediator of a New Covenant between God and his people (Hebrews 9:15).
The Mercy Seat: In Jesus, God’s Justice Was Satisfied and His Mercy Poured Out
The High Priest sprinkled blood on the mercy seat once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people.
Jesus made atonement for all who would receive him. In him, God’s justice was satisfied, and his mercy was poured out.
Final Reflections on the Symbolism of Jesus in the Tabernacle
The tabernacle was a shadow of God’s eternal plan through Christ. Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s plan. He was, and is the Way, the Sacrifice, the Cleanser, the Light, the Bread of Life, the Intercessor, our Access to God, and the Dwelling Place of God.
When you feel far from God, remember that God bridged the gap between heaven and earth. He came to dwell with you. Turn to Jesus and ask him to lead you. He is waiting.
What can the tabernacle teach us about following God? Read here to learn about the symbolism of Jesus in the tabernacle. #faith #Jesus #BibleStudy Share on XIf this teaching on Jesus in the tabernacle blessed you, I invite you to explore our family devotionals and library of free devotionals and eBooks. May you experience the love and God in deeper ways!
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