Title: Jesus - Light and Life

Text:  Exodus 25:1-2, 8-9, 31-40; 27:20-21

Outline

I.    God’s Presence and Plan (25:1-2, 8-9, 31-40)

II.   Our Purpose (27:20-21)

Application Questions

1. Have you ever been somewhere where you felt a 'weight' in the air—a presence so profound you could ‘feel’ it? What made that situation feel like that?

2. In thinking about the book of Exodus, what have been your thoughts, generally, when you read through chapters 25 to the end of the book as the chapters that primarily have the instructions and execution of the Tabernacle? 

3. READ Exodus 25:1-9. The instructions to build the tabernacle start with a heart check. God requests a contribution from the people to build it, not compulsory, but a calling to do so. What does the “lavishness” of the materials required communicate to us today about our spiritual lives?

4. READ Exodus 27:20-21. In what way is a Christian like a lamp that produces light? In what way do Christians merely reflect God’s light?

5. The materials that God commanded to be made and put in the tabernacle largely, but not exclusively, symbolize his presence with His people. How do these items connect back to the Genesis 1-2 narrative? How do they look forward as well (think of the book of Revelation)?

6. What are some of the ways the tabernacle and its various furnishings were fulfilled in Christ and His Church? How might the consciousness of this fulfillment enhance your worship of God? (READ Revelation 1:12-13, 20; 2:1 for the lampstand connection and helping to answer the question)

7. READ Matthew 5:14-16. In looking back also to Exodus 27:20-21, how can you, this week, shine the light of Christ? What do you need to make sure you do?