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Hebrews 9:1–10 “Beyond the Veil of Blood”

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5–7 minutes

Hebrews 9:1-10 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

The “first covenant” (v.1) refers to the Law of Moses. Through Moses, God commanded the Israelites to construct the “tabernacle” (also translated as “sanctuary” or “tent of meeting,” v.2) as recorded in Exodus chapters 25–30. This tabernacle was divided into the “Holy Place” and the “Most Holy Place” (v.3). The Holy Place was where the priests entered to perform their sacrifices, while the Most Holy Place could only be entered by the high priest. These two areas were separated by a “veil.” In the Holy Place stood the lampstand and the table that held the bread of the Presence. In the Most Holy Place were the “altar of incense” and the “ark of the covenant.” The ark (also translated as “ark of the law” or “ark of the testimony”) was a sacred object symbolizing the presence of God. Inside the ark were the “gold jar of manna,” “Aaron’s staff that had budded,” and the “stone tablets of the covenant” (v.4), which contained the Ten Commandments. Above the ark were the “cherubim” overshadowing the “atonement cover” (also translated as “mercy seat”) with their wings (v.5). “Cherubim” are winged creatures that serve to guard what is holy.

After briefly explaining the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, the author shifts focus to the difference between the two. Priests were allowed to enter the Holy Place at any time (v.6). In contrast, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year. When he entered, he had to bring the blood of a sacrifice to atone for both his own sins and the sins of the people (v.7). The high priest’s act of atonement included himself.

The fact that the Holy Place (referred to as the “outer room”) and the Most Holy Place were separated signifies that “the way into the Most Holy Place” had not yet been revealed (v.8). The Most Holy Place was a replica symbolizing the throne of God. Therefore, this separation meant that the way to God’s throne was still closed. The phrase, “This is an illustration for the present time” (v.9), points to the reality that people were still separated from God. Though they offered sacrifices according to the Law, those offerings could not make them completely clean. The “time of reformation” (v.10) refers to the moment when the way to God’s throne would be opened. When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom. This signified that the way into the eternal Most Holy Place—that is, the Kingdom of God—had been thrown wide open.

Meditation:

The Law is both a testimony of God’s grace and a witness to human sinfulness. Within the Law, we see God’s love and care for humanity. Yet at the same time, the Law reveals that humans fall short of God’s high standards. The Law is a temporary provision, given with the understanding of human sinfulness. The Apostle Paul referred to the Law as a “guardian” (Galatians 3:24). The Greek word translated as “guardian” is paidagogos, which referred to a household servant—usually an older slave—who was responsible for teaching children basic knowledge before they were sent to a formal teacher. To be under a paidagogos meant that a person was still a child. In the same way, to be under the Law means to remain under the influence of sin.

The tabernacle, which was prepared for the people of Israel to offer sacrifices to God, was called the “tent of meeting” because the Israelites gathered there and also referred to as the “sanctuary” because it was consecrated by God. This structure reveals both God’s grace and human sinfulness. Because human beings are weak and inevitably fall into sin, God provided the tabernacle and the priestly system as a means to address their sin. However, this system could not make anyone truly perfect. Even the high priest had to offer sacrifices for his own sins continually. The curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place symbolized the barrier of sin that separated God and humanity. Because of sin, the way into the Most Holy Place—that is, the throne of God—was blocked.

But when Jesus died on the cross, that curtain was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). It was as if God Himself took hold of the top of the curtain and tore it apart. Through this, the way into the Most Holy Place—into God’s presence—was opened wide for all. Anyone who relies on the power of Jesus Christ’s precious blood can now enter into God’s Most Holy Place.

Prayer:

We pass through the precious blood and enter into the Most Holy Place of God. Though we are still stained by sin and often fall short, we stand today before God’s throne by the power of the eternal sacrifice that the Lord has offered. Cover us with Your righteousness, Lord, and make us holy. We pray in Your name. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Jesus opened the way to God. Even though we sin and make mistakes, we can still come close to God, not because we’re perfect, but because Jesus gave His life for us. His love covers us, and now the way to be with God is wide open.

  • For Preschool-Lower Elementary
    • Where do you feel safe and loved? Did you know God wants to be close to you just like that?
    • Can you think of a time when you did something wrong but someone still loved you? How is that like what Jesus does?
  • For Upper Elementary-Middle School
    • What does it mean to you that we can now come directly to God because of Jesus?
    • Do you ever feel like you’re not “good enough” for God? What helps you remember that Jesus’ love makes a way?
  • For High School
    • What are some “curtains” that feel like they separate you from God today?
    • If you really believed the way to God is open to you every day, how might that change how you live or treat others?

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