What does the Ark of the Covenant have to do with Jesus Christ?

Hebrews 9:4 takes us behind the second veil into the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant contained three significant objects: the golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Each of these objects served as a testimony to God's covenant faithfulness while also pointing forward to the person and work of Christ.

The golden pot of manna points to Christ as the Bread of Life. Israel received bread from heaven during their wilderness journey, but those who ate the manna eventually died. Jesus gives something infinitely greater: eternal life. Christ Himself is the true Bread who came down from heaven.

Aaron’s rod that budded points to Christ as God's chosen High Priest and reigning King. God brought life from Aaron's dead rod to vindicate His appointed priest. In an even greater display of divine vindication, God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. The resurrection declares that Jesus is the chosen Priest-King who now reigns over His kingdom.

The tablets of the covenant point to Christ's perfect covenant obedience. Israel repeatedly broke God's covenant, but Jesus fulfilled all righteousness. The New Covenant does not mean that God's law has become irrelevant. Rather, God writes His law upon the hearts of His people through the Holy Spirit.

The three treasures inside the Ark therefore point us to three realities found in Christ: Life, Authority, and Wisdom.

Christ is our Bread of Life.
Christ is our risen and reigning Priest-King.
Christ is our perfectly obedient covenant representative and the King whose Word directs His people.

The Ark was at the center of Israel's worship because God's covenant presence was at the center of Israel's life. Ultimately, the Ark points beyond itself to Christ, in whom God dwells with His people and in whom are found all the treasures of life and knowledge.

Key Scriptures: Hebrews 9:3–4; Exodus 25:10–15; Exodus 16; Numbers 17; Deuteronomy 10:2; Psalm 40:8; Psalm 110:2; John 1:14; John 6:32–35; Hebrews 5:4–5; Hebrews 8:10; Romans 1:4; Colossians 2:3.