Treasures of the Tabernacle: Why Study the Tabernacle?

Have you ever flipped through an old photo album? The deeper you go, the more connections you make—seeing family resemblances, understanding stories you’ve only heard in passing, realizing just how deep your roots run. That’s what it’s like studying the Old Testament Tabernacle. It may seem far removed from today, but the more we explore it, the more clearly we see the face of Jesus Christ.

That’s why we’re beginning this new study—Treasures of the Tabernacle: Shadows of Christ—a series that will walk us step-by-step through one of the most beautiful and symbolic structures in all of Scripture. We’ll explore every section, every piece of furniture, every priestly duty—and discover how each one points us forward to the Savior.

But before we enter through the gate and explore the Tabernacle itself, we need to answer one big question:

Why Study the Tabernacle?

The simple answer? Because Jesus is there—in shadow and symbol, in promise and picture.

A Dwelling Place for God

The Tabernacle was the heart of Israel’s worship—a portable sanctuary designed by God Himself to be the place where He would dwell among His people. Moses received detailed instructions on Mount Sinai, not just for laws and commandments, but for an entire system of worship that would reflect God’s holiness, His mercy, and His desire to dwell with man.

This wasn’t just ancient architecture or religious tradition. Hebrews 8:5 tells us that the Tabernacle was built as “an example and shadow of heavenly things.” It was a pattern—a preview—of something greater to come. It was a shadow cast by the real thing: Jesus.

A Foundation for Understanding

Much of the Bible—especially the Old Testament and the Gospels—is hard to fully grasp without understanding the Tabernacle. From the altar of sacrifice to the veil in the Holy of Holies, these elements set the backdrop for Jesus’ ministry and the meaning of His death and resurrection.

Reading the Bible without knowing the Tabernacle is like trying to put together a puzzle without the picture on the box. Everything fits better when you can see the full picture. Studying the Tabernacle is like having the border pieces and a few clusters already in place. Suddenly, you realize how everything comes together—and how every part points to Christ.

A Sketch of the Savior

Think of the Tabernacle as a pencil sketch drawn by a Master Artist. Every line hints at what is to come. But when Jesus enters the scene, the sketch becomes a masterpiece in full color.

The blood of bulls and goats couldn’t take away sin—but they pictured the One whose blood would. The high priest had to enter the Holy of Holies year after year—but Jesus entered once for all. The Tabernacle was a temporary shadow, but Christ is the eternal reality.

A Richer Love for Christ

Why spend time studying a structure we no longer use? Because it reveals more of Jesus. Because it deepens our love for the One who fulfilled every part of it. And because it helps us say from the heart, “Oh, what a Savior!”

Jesus didn’t just give us eternal life. He gave us Himself. And the more we understand what He fulfilled, the more we appreciate what He accomplished. If someone handed you a million-dollar gift, wouldn’t you want to know everything about the one who gave it? How much more should we desire to know our Savior?

Looking Ahead

In the weeks to come, we’ll walk through the Tabernacle together—starting next time at the gate. We’ll uncover how each part of this ancient structure points to our Redeemer. We’ll move from shadows to substance, from sketch to Savior.

So don’t miss a week. And don’t just watch from a distance—lean in. Bring your Bible. Bring your curiosity. Bring your desire to know Christ better.

Let’s step into the Tabernacle. Let’s discover the treasure.

Watch the videos of this Bible study