We understand from these verses that the Lord Jesus suffered and died outside of the walls of Jerusalem, the Jewish religious center, of which the characteristics were a physical temple, an organized priesthood, and physical sacrifices—exterior things that the Lord does not look for today. We as true believers are the dwelling place of God; we all are priests that have free access into His very presence and offer up spiritual sacrifices: the fruit of our lips, the outpouring of our worshiping hearts. Now we are gathered not to a physical place but to a Person who is the center and object, the Lord Jesus Christ, with one authority, the word of God, and one instructor, the Holy Spirit.

When Moses had received the tablets of the law given him by God and came down the mountain after being in God’s presence, he saw the sin in the camp of Israel and did not remain in the camp where God’s holiness had been violated. Even though they were God’s people, he separated from them and moved his tent outside, far from the camp; and those who wanted to meet the Lord also went to this tent of meeting, which was outside the camp.

As we are told to go forth to the Lord Jesus outside the camp, should we be joining ourselves to the religious camp of today, participating and collaborating with that which we know is not according to His word? May we be a help to our brothers and sisters who may not understand the Lord’s desire that we separate from that which is not according to His word by not attending, participating, or collaborating with them and their religious systems even though there may be a reproach as experienced by the Lord.