Lesson: Mysteries of the Ancients
- What was the pattern used for the tabernacle the Israelites built in the wilderness? (Hebrews 8:2, 5) Moses was shown a pattern of heavenly things. The earthly tabernacle was a copy of a greater heavenly reality.
- Sacrificial animals were slain in the courtyard of the tabernacle and offered on the Altar of Burnt Offering. Who did these blemish-free animals point to? (Isaiah 53:5-7; Revelation 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1Peter 1:18, 19) The animals were spotless to represent the sinless Son of God who gaveHis life for us.
- After the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity, the presence of God did not take up residence in the newly built temple. Yet, in spite of the missing “Shekinah” glory, the prophet Haggai made a stunning prediction. What was it, and how did it come to pass? (Haggai 2:7-9) The “desire of all nations” would come to the temple, making it more glorious. This occurred as Jesus, God-in-the-flesh, came and physically taught in the temple.
- One of the many names given to Jesus in the Bible is “Immanuel.” What does it mean? (Matthew 1:23) “God with us.”
- The seven-branched candlestick was the only source of light in the Holy Place. Who or what did it point forward to? (John 1:1-5; 8:12) Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
- Jesus, who was God in the flesh (the most remarkable manifestation of God’s presence among us), brought light to the world in a number of ways. What subject in particular did He shed light on while He was here? (John 14:8-10; 17:25, 26) Jesus showed us what God is really like. He was God in the flesh, which made it possible for sinful human beings to dwell in His presence.
- The table with 12 loaves of bread also pointed to the time when God would manifest Himself in human flesh. In what way is bread a symbol of Christ? (John 6:35, 51; 1 Corinthians 11:23, 24 It represented the body of Christ, which was broken on the cross as atonement for our sins.
- What did the smoke rising from the Altar of Burnt Incense represent? (Revelation 8:3, 4) The prayers of God’s people ascending to the throne of God.
- Who did the priests—and particularly the High Priest—serving in the tabernacle represent? (Hebrews 8:1, 2) Jesus Christ, the High Priest in heaven’s sanctuary.
- The ancient sanctuary is an important key to understanding last-day events mentioned in the book of Revelation. Which elements from the sanctuary are mentioned in the following passages? (a). Revelation 1:12 Seven candlesticks. (b). Revelation 4:5 Seven lamps of fire. (c). Revelation 5:6 A slain lamb. (d). Revelation 8:3, 4 An altar of incense located before the throne (compare with the Ark). (e). Revelation 11:19 John sees an Ark in heaven’s temple. (f) Revelation 14:15; 15:5, 8 A temple is mentioned in heaven.
- When Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn in two, emphasizing the fact that the earthly sanctuary was no longer needed (see Matthew 27:51). Now we have a High Priest in heaven’s sanctuary who longs to represent us. What invitation is given in Hebrews 4:14-16? What is your response?
