Exodus 25:1 to 25:9; 40:34 to 40:38 God desires to live near his people, and Jesus became the true dwelling place of God with us. Understand the purpose and furnishings of the Tabernacle (Ark of the Covenant, Menorah, Altar). Recognize the glory cloud that filled the completed tent in the wilderness. Connect the Tabernacle to Jesus, who came to dwell ("tabernacle") among us. God gave Moses detailed instructions on Mount Sinai: "Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst." The people brought willing gifts of gold, silver, fine linen, and acacia wood. A Tent for God In the ancient world, kings lived in grand palaces. But God chose to live in a portable tent right in the middle of his people's desert camp! Skilled craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab used their gifts to carve acacia wood, weave fine blue and purple curtains, and overlay furniture with pure gold. The Holy Places and the Ark The Tabernacle had an outer courtyard with a bronze altar for sacrifices. Inside the tent was the Holy Place with the golden lampstand (Menorah) and table of showbread. Behind a thick veil was the Most Holy Place, housing the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments, with golden cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat. The Glory Fills the Tent When the work was finished, Moses set up the Tabernacle. Then something breathtaking occurred: a radiant cloud of glory covered the tent, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle! When the cloud lifted, Israel marched; when it stayed, they camped. God was walking with his people every step of the journey. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory. John 1:14 Why did God tell Israel to construct the Tabernacle in the desert? So that God might dwell in their midst To store extra food To hide from enemies As a palace for Moses So that God might dwell in their midst Exodus 25:8 says: "Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst." What special golden chest sat in the Most Holy Place behind the veil? The Ark of the Covenant The treasure chest of Egypt The golden chariot A bronze statue The Ark of the Covenant The Ark of the Covenant held the Ten Commandments and represented God's holy presence. What covered the completed Tabernacle when God's glory descended? A radiant cloud of the Lord's glory A heavy thunderstorm A flock of birds Desert sand A radiant cloud of the Lord's glory Exodus 40:34 says the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled it. Remember that because of Jesus, God's Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of believers! Thank God that you can talk to him anywhere, anytime. Lord God, thank you that you do not stay far away, but desire to dwell with your people. Thank you that Jesus came in the flesh to live among us and save us. May my heart be a clean, welcoming dwelling place for your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen. Why was it significant that God's tent was placed in the very center of the camp? How is Jesus the fulfillment of the Tabernacle? Explorers understand that the Tabernacle was God's gracious dwelling place in Israel's camp, pointing forward to Jesus dwelling among humanity. Show a simple pop-up tent or picture of a tent. Ask: Why did God choose a movable tent rather than a stone castle? Because God wanted to travel right alongside his people! Where is the Ark of the Covenant today? We don't know where the physical box is, but in Christ we have direct access to God through prayer without needing a golden chest. 5 min Hook & Prayer, 12 min Interactive Narrative, 8 min Memory Verse Unscramble, 5 min Quiz