Week 9 - The Old Testament
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Family Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:
If you could have one prayer answered in the future, what might it be?
The Old Testament
Exodus 29-40 ~ Leviticus 1-3
1. How would you summarize the purpose of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-40)? What was something new you learned as you read about the Tabernacle and Ark?
2. What connections do you see between the Tabernacle and Ark to Jesus? Why should the sacrificial offerings and process deepen our appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?
3. What do you think it would have been like to be an Israelite outside of the Tabernacle fencing? What do you think it would have been like to be a Levite or priest serving in the Tabernacle?
4. What was the purpose of the pillar of cloud and fire in the Exodus? (Exodus 25:8, 22; 29:43; 40:34-38; Numbers 9:15–17) What do you think it would have been like to be protected, led by, and illuminated by the presence of God and His angel? In what ways does the Holy Spirit work similarly in us today? How should that transform our day-to-day living?
5. The gate of the court could only be entered in by the Levites and priests (Exodus 27:10-16; 38:14-19). In a similar way, Jesus is described as the “door” or “gate” in John 10:9. What are the purposes of a door/gate? Read Revelation 3:20. What does that mean?
6. Why do you think the Tabernacle was fenced off? (Exodus 27:9-18; 38:9-17; 40:33). Read 1 Corinthians 2:14. Why is salvation required to understand and accept the things of God?
7. Several times, the reference to not following the prescribed steps to enter into the Holy Place or Most Holy Place comes with the warning “lest he die.” The bronze wash basin is described (Exodus 30:17-21; 40:7,30-32) as a place for Moses and his sons to wash their hands and feet. Hebrews 10:22 describes Christians as having their “bodies washed with pure water.” How does salvation wash us? How does baptism publicly proclaim and witness this?
8. The Bronze Altar (Exodus 27:1-8; 40:6,10,29) was where the many sacrifices were offered. Skim over Hebrews 9:11-14. What stands out to you from this passage?
9. The Tent of Meeting contained both the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Exodus 25-26:37). Ephesians 2:18-22 describes Christians as being brought near together to God and becoming a “holy temple in the Lord…a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” How does that knowledge, that the church together is the dwelling place for God, sober your perspective on the significance of church gatherings? When God addresses sexual sin in 1 Corinthians 6, he specifically tells the individual believer that their “body is a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6:19-20) and commands us to “glorify God in your body.” How does that convict you? Challenge you?
10. Hebrews 8,9, & 10 give lots of amazing connections to the Tabernacle/Temple and Jesus. What are some connections you can make between Jesus and the: 1) Golden Lampstand 2) Table of Showbread 3) Altar of Incense 4) The High Priest’s Clothing 5) The Veil 6) The Most Holy Place 7) The Ark 8) The Tablets of Stone (10 Commandments) 9) The Manna 10) Aaron’s budding staff 11) The Cherubim 12) The Mercy Seat
11. Matthew 27:51 tells us that the veil of the Temple was torn in two when Jesus died. What is so significant and powerful about this event for Christians today?
General Discussion Questions
• What did you learn about humanity or yourself in the readings this week? About your identity, character or purpose as a Christ-follower?
• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)