Week of January 23 - The People Built the Tabernacle 

One of the key themes of the Bible is God’s desire to live with the people He created. We see this first in God's creating the garden of Eden, placing Adam and Eve into this paradise, and then presumably coming down regularly to be with them.

But when Adam and Eve rebelled against Creator God, one consequence of their sin was expulsion from the garden. No longer would God live with them as He had before.

Generations later, God instructed His people to do something curious: build a tent. Why? This tent, the tabernacle, would not be a place for treasures or food; no animals or people would live in it. This would be God’s tent, where He would dwell among His people, pointing back to Eden.
Whenever the Israelites traveled, they broke down this tent and carried it with them. Then, when they arrived at their destination, they set up the tent once more—strategically and meaningfully placed in the center of the camp. God was not just with His people, He was at the center of His people. That was the place He deserved.

Note one feature of the tabernacle that would later give way to the permanent temple built in Jerusalem: the veil, or curtain. The innermost chamber of the tabernacle was called the holy of holies, or most holy place. This is where God’s presence would be manifested above the ark of the covenant and mercy seat. This sacred area was separated from the next outer chamber—the holy place—by a heavy curtain.

We later learn in Leviticus that only the high priest could enter into the holy of holies once a year—on the Day of Atonement. This curtain, then, was a picture of the ongoing separation between humanity and God because of sin. God wanted to dwell with people, but sin was preventing that from happening in full.

When Jesus came and paid the sin penalty for people, that curtain tore from top to bottom, symbolizing that entry into the holy of holies had been made through Jesus. But sin continues to corrupt the world, which is why one day Jesus will return, put an end to sin and death, and renew creation.

This is how the story of Scripture ends in Revelation—with Christ establishing His kingdom in a new heavens and earth and dwelling with His people forever. What God intended from the beginning will mark the beginning of eternity.
Family Talking points

CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Younger Preschool: God’s people built a tabernacle where they could worship God together. God wants to be with us. God sent Jesus to earth to be with people.
  • Older Preschool: God told His people to build a tabernacle where He would meet with them. God wants to be with us. As part of His plan to save people from sin, God sent Jesus to earth to be with people.
  • Kids: : God told the Israelites to build a tabernacle where He would dwell with them. God wants to be with His people. As part of His plan to save sinners, God sent Jesus to dwell on earth with people.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Younger Preschool: What is worship? Worship is singing, praying, and listening to God.
  • Older Preschool: What is worship? Worship is celebrating the greatness of God.
  • Kids: What is worship? Worship is celebrating the greatness of God.

KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Younger Preschool: Let’s worship God. — Psalm 95:6
  • Older Preschool: Come, let’s bow down and worship him. Let’s kneel before the Lord who made us.  — Psalm 95:6
  • Kids: Come, let’s bow down and worship him. Let’s kneel before the Lord who made us. He is our God. And we are the people he takes care of and the sheep that he tends.  — Psalm 95:6-7
Family Prayer Time
MORNINGS:
Ask God to remind you of His presence throughout your day. How does God’s presence bring us peace? How can our love for others be a reminder of God’s desire to have a relationship with them?


EVENINGS:
Thank God for your church. The church building, like the tabernacle, is a place where we can worship God. Also, thank God that anyone who believes in Jesus has received the Holy Spirit—God dwelling with them and in them. This means we can experience God’s presence at all times in all places.
Family ACTIVITY IDEAS
FOR FUN:
Use blankets and furniture to make an indoor tent. Climb into the tent and read the Bible story together. Tell stories of times when you felt God’s presence with you and celebrate the fact that God wants to dwell with His people.
Supplies: blankets


TO SERVE:
Volunteer to clean or decorate your church for an upcoming service. Work as a family to prepare the space for worship. As you work, talk with your kids about the specific instructions God gave for the tabernacle construction. Remind your kids that the Holy Spirit is God who dwells with, and in, every believer. While the church building is an important place for believers to gather, our worship of God is not limited to this space.
LAST WEEK: The People Worshiped a Golden Calf (Exodus 32–34)
NEXT WEEK: God Deserves Our Worship (Leviticus 1–4)
The Gospel Project is a weekly Bible study that helps kids dive deep into the big story of the Bible—God’s plan to rescue His people through His Son, Jesus Christ. Your child can access free Gospel Project learning games and activities in the LifeWay Kids app reader available in the iTunes or Google Play stores.