The Table, Lampstand, and Altar
(Exodus 25:23-40; 30:1-10; 37:10-29)
Last week, we talked about the Ark of the Covenant in the most secret room of God's house. Today, we are stepping out into the next room to see three more golden treasures!
Inside this part of the Tabernacle, called the Holy Place, God gave Moses very specific plans for three pieces of furniture. First, there was the Table of Showbread. It was made of wood and covered in gold, and it held twelve loaves of bread. This bread reminded the people that God is the one who provides food and takes care of their needs every single day.
Next was the Golden Lampstand. It was hammered out of one single piece of pure gold and looked like a beautiful tree with branches and almond blossoms. Since there were no windows in the Tabernacle, this lampstand was the only source of light. It had to stay lit all the time so the priests could see. Just as the sun provides energy and light for plants to grow, this lampstand showed that God is the source of all spiritual light and life for His people.
Finally, there was the Altar of Incense. This small golden altar was used for burning sweet-smelling spices. The smoke from the incense would drift upward, filling the room with a wonderful aroma. God told the priests to burn it every morning and evening. This was a physical way to show how the prayers of God's people rise up to Him. It is incredible to realize that the same God who designed the complex tabernacle symbols is the same God who listens to us when we pray today!
A Curious Question
God asked for a lampstand that looked like a blooming almond tree and an altar that smelled like sweet perfume. Why do you think God used our senses, like sight and smell, to help us understand who He is?
Jesus Connection
Each piece of furniture in the Holy Place shows us a different part of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life," which fulfills the meaning of the Table of Bread. He also said, "I am the light of the world," just like the Golden Lampstand that lit up the darkness. Finally, the Altar of Incense shows how Jesus prays for us. Because of the gospel, we know that Jesus provides everything we need, guides our path, and carries our prayers to the Father for our salvation.
Discussion Questions
- The Table of Bread had twelve loaves, one for each tribe of Israel. What does this tell us about how God cares for every single person?
- The Lampstand was made of one solid piece of gold. Why do you think God wanted it to be so valuable and beautiful?
- If the smoke of the incense represents prayer, what does that tell us about how God feels when He hears us talking to Him?
- Which of these three items (Bread, Lampstand, or Altar) reminds you the most of God's love today?
“So What” What Can I do?
- How can you be a "light" to someone else this week, just like the lampstand lit up the room?
- When you eat your meals today, can you take a moment to thank God for being the "Bread of Life" who provides for you?
- Since our prayers are like sweet incense to God, what is one thing you want to talk to Him about tonight?
Memorize God's Word
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Hand Motions:
- Your word: Hold hands open like a book.
- Is a lamp: Hold one hand up high like you are holding a torch.
- To my feet: Point down toward your shoes.
- And a light: Spread fingers wide and move them outward like rays of light.
- To my path: Move your hand in a straight line forward.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for being our light when things feel dark and for providing everything we need. Thank You that our prayers are special to You, like the sweet smell of incense. Help us to follow Jesus, our Bread and our Light, every day this week. Amen.
Craft: The Shining Lampstand
Kids will create a representation of the Golden Lampstand to remember that God's Word gives us light.
Materials Checklist
Instructions
- Cut out a lampstand shape with seven branches from the gold cardstock.
- Glue the lampstand onto the center of a paper plate.
- Crumple small pieces of orange and yellow tissue paper and glue them to the top of each of the seven branches to look like flames.
- Use the glitter glue to draw "almond blossoms" along the branches.
- Write the memory verse (Psalm 119:105) around the edge of the paper plate.
Effective Teaching Techniques
- Sensory Engagement: Bring a piece of bread and a scented candle (unlit) to let the kids smell the "incense" and see the "bread" while you tell the story.
- Keyword Reinforcement: Every time you say "Gold," have the kids pretend to shield their eyes from a bright shine.
- Simplification: For younger children, focus on the fact that God makes things beautiful and useful at the same time.