Jesus’ Descent from Glory to Hell
From the Presence, through the sanctuary, to the altar and outside the gate
MOST HOLY PLACE
Ark of the Covenant
Glory → Birth at Bethlehem
The preexistent Son leaves the Father’s glory; the Word tabernacles among us and the Bread from Heaven is born in Bethlehem.
John 17:5 · John 1:14MOST HOLY PLACE
Mercy Seat
Circumcision — 8th day
The covenant sign becomes Jesus’ first shedding of blood, anticipating the blood presented at the Mercy Seat.
Luke 2:21 · Hebrews 9:5The heavens open and the Son is manifested to Israel as He crosses the boundary into public ministry.
Matthew 3:13–17HOLY PLACE
Altar of Incense
40 days fasting / temptation
Prayer, fasting, consecration, and perfect devotion ascend to God in the wilderness.
Matthew 4:1–11HOLY PLACE
Golden Lampstand
Calling of the disciples
Christ the Light calls others to become lights: “Ye are the light of the world.”
Matthew 4:18–22 · 5:14HOLY PLACE
Table of Showbread
Teaching / feeding ministry
The Bread of Life feeds the multitudes through His disciples; the Word and Bread are given to Israel.
John 6:35 · Matthew 14:19Christ crosses the threshold from public ministry into His Passion and deliberately approaches the sacrifice.
John 12:12–16OUTER COURT
Brazen Laver
Trial / examination
The spotless Lamb is examined, no fault is found in Him, and Pilate washes his hands before the people.
Matthew 27:22–24 · John 19:4OUTER COURT
Brazen Altar
Crucifixion / death
Passover is fulfilled at the Cross. “It is finished”; Jesus completes the sacrificial descent through His death.
John 19:16–30After dying on the Cross, Jesus descends into Hell—the lower parts of the earth and the realm of the dead.
Matthew 12:40 · Ephesians 4:9 · 1 Peter 3:18–19