Bible Reading
Exodus 25:8 “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.”
[46:18]Hebrews 9:1-14 “Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation. But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”
[40:48]Exodus 31:1-6 “The Lord said to Moses, 'See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you:”
[56:34]Observation questions
- What purpose does God give for the sanctuary in Exodus 25:8, and what does that reveal about His desire toward Israel? [01:03:51]
- What details about the ark, the veil, and the Most Holy Place show that God’s presence was guarded and not casually approached? [52:52]
- What pattern can be seen in the materials used from the Most Holy Place outward into the courtyard, and what levels of access existed within the tabernacle? [55:04]
- According to Exodus 31:1–6, what abilities did God give Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other workers for building the tabernacle? [56:34]
Interpretation questions
- Why would God give such exact instructions for the tabernacle rather than allowing Israel to design a place of worship according to their own preferences? [47:51]
- How do the restricted access to the Most Holy Place and the continual sacrifices explain both God’s holiness and humanity’s sinfulness? [01:00:14]
- Hebrews describes the earthly tabernacle as a copy and shadow. What does that mean for understanding the relationship between the tabernacle and Christ’s work? [01:09:20]
- Jesus gives believers confidence to draw near to God, yet that confidence is not arrogance. What is the difference between confidence in Christ and confidence in oneself? [01:12:07]
Application questions
- God’s holiness means that He is not manageable, ordinary, or made in humanity’s image. Where might a casual view of God show up in personal prayer, worship, speech, or daily choices? [53:13]
- The tabernacle shows that sinful people cannot approach God on their own terms. When is there a temptation to rely on being religious, doing good things, or comparing oneself with others instead of trusting Christ alone?
- God supplied the design for the tabernacle and also supplied people with the skill to carry out the work. What gifts, training, opportunities, or strength has God provided that could be used to serve His people? [57:11]
- The repeated blood sacrifices show that sin is serious and reconciliation is costly. How should Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice shape the way a believer responds to sin—both with honest repentance and with hope? [01:12:44]
- God chose to dwell among a stubborn and rebellious people. When life is difficult and the heart is tempted to grumble or doubt God’s nearness, what truths about Christ’s presence can help? [01:13:12]
- The torn veil means that believers may draw near to God through Jesus. What would it look like this week to make use of that access in a specific situation—such as fear, temptation, conflict, grief, or a major decision? [01:11:34]
- The central question is whether a person belongs to God’s people through Christ. Is there confidence in belonging to Him, or is there uncertainty that needs an honest conversation with a mature Christian leader? [01:14:15]
