How does the veil in Exodus 36:35 foreshadow Christ's role as mediator? Setting the Scene Exodus 36:35 records the crafting of a veil for the wilderness tabernacle: “He made the veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it.” • The veil hung between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, barring all but the high priest from the presence of God (cf. Hebrews 9:3). • Its placement proclaimed both God’s nearness to Israel and the sin-created distance that still remained. The Veil’s Design • Blue – heavenly origin; Purple – royal dignity; Scarlet – sacrificial blood; Fine linen – flawless purity. • Cherubim – guardians of holiness, echoing Eden (Genesis 3:24). • Together these materials preached that entry into God’s glory demands perfection, royalty, sacrifice, and protection—qualities ultimately embodied in Christ. Barrier and Invitation • The veil was a physical “No Entry” sign: sin keeps humanity from God (Isaiah 59:2). • Yet God Himself provided the barrier, hinting that He would also provide the way through it. Christ, the True Veil “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body…” Parallels: • Location – Christ stands where the veil hung, between God and people. • Fabric vs. Flesh – the woven curtain prefigures His incarnate body, torn to grant access. • High-Priestly Role – as the veil allowed only the high priest to enter, Christ, our High Priest, ushers believers in (Hebrews 4:14-16). • Mediator – “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5) Access Granted Matthew 27:51: “At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” • Torn “from top to bottom” signals God Himself removed the barrier. • The once-a-year privilege of one priest became continual access for every believer (John 14:6; Hebrews 10:22). Living Implications Today • Confidence – draw near “with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). • Worship – approach God’s throne freely, yet reverently, through Christ alone. • Witness – point others to the torn-curtain Savior who reconciles sinners to God. |
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