Why is the Tabernacle Empty on Good Friday?
The Tabernacle, a sacred space in the Old Testament, was a place of divine presence and worship. However, on Good Friday, the day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Tabernacle is left empty. This raises a profound question: why is the Tabernacle empty on Good Friday? To understand this, we must delve into the significance of the Tabernacle and the events that unfolded on that fateful day.
The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them during their journey to the Promised Land. It was a place where God’s presence was manifest, and where the people of Israel could offer sacrifices and perform religious rituals. The Tabernacle was divided into two main sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies, was the innermost sanctum where only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement.
On Good Friday, the Tabernacle’s emptiness symbolizes the absence of God’s presence due to the crucifixion of Jesus. The crucifixion was a pivotal event in the history of salvation, as it was through Jesus’ death that humanity’s sins were atoned for and the way to eternal life was opened. The empty Tabernacle signifies the temporary absence of God’s presence on Earth, as He had previously dwelt among the people.
One reason for the Tabernacle’s emptiness on Good Friday is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be pierced and crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5). The crucifixion of Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, and as a result, the Tabernacle, which represented God’s presence, became empty. This emptiness signifies the temporary loss of God’s presence due to the sins of humanity.
Another reason for the Tabernacle’s emptiness on Good Friday is the symbolic representation of Jesus’ death. The Tabernacle was a shadow of the true sanctuary in heaven, where Jesus now resides (Hebrews 9:24). By leaving the Tabernacle empty, the Church is reminded of Jesus’ ascension into heaven and His role as the High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. This empty Tabernacle serves as a reminder of the victory of Jesus over death and sin.
Furthermore, the emptiness of the Tabernacle on Good Friday also signifies the need for faith and hope. In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle was a place where the people of Israel could come to God for guidance and salvation. On Good Friday, the Tabernacle is empty, indicating that the people must now look to Jesus, the fulfillment of the Tabernacle’s purpose, for their salvation. This emptiness challenges believers to trust in Jesus’ sacrifice and rely on His grace.
In conclusion, the Tabernacle’s emptiness on Good Friday is a profound symbol of the temporary absence of God’s presence due to the crucifixion of Jesus. It represents the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the victory over death and sin, and the call to faith and hope in Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this empty Tabernacle, let us be reminded of the true meaning of Good Friday and the eternal salvation that Jesus has won for us.
