The High Priest and the Artisans
(Exodus 28; 31; 39)
Over the last few weeks, we have explored the rooms and the furniture of the Tabernacle, like the Bronze Altar and Basin we saw last week. Today, we are learning about the special people God chose to build the house and work inside it!
God chose Aaron to be the first High Priest, but he couldn't just wear his everyday clothes. God ordered special garments of splendor for him. He wore a blue robe with bells on the bottom, a colorful vest called an ephod, and a Breastplate of Judgment set with twelve sparkling jewels. Each jewel had the name of one of the tribes of Israel carved into it, so that whenever Aaron went into God’s presence, he carried the names of the people right over his heart.
But how were these beautiful clothes and the golden furniture actually made? God didn't just give Moses the plans; He gave the people spiritual gifts to do the work. God called two men, Bezalel and Oholiab, and filled them with His Spirit. He gave them the skill and the creative wisdom to work with gold, silver, stone, and wood. They weren't just handy men; they were artists who used their talents to help the people worship God. This shows us that God cares about the work of our hands and the things we create for His glory.
When the work was finally finished, Moses inspected everything. From the tiny gold thread in the Priest's robe to the heavy bronze altar, every single piece was made exactly as God commanded. Just like the Tabernacle craftsmanship was perfect, God’s plan for us is perfect too. When the Tabernacle was set up and the Priests were dressed, the building wasn't just a tent anymore; it was the place where the Creator of the universe lived among His friends. It reminds us that God wants to use our unique talents and skills to build His kingdom and show His love to the world.
A Curious Question
The High Priest wore the names of all the people on his chest so he would always remember them when he talked to God. If you were the High Priest, how would it feel to know you were carrying your whole family and all your friends into God's presence with you?
Jesus Connection
Aaron was a great High Priest, but Jesus Christ is our Perfect High Priest! While Aaron wore jewels with names on them, Jesus actually carries our names in His heart forever. He doesn't need a special robe because He is already full of glory and grace. Because of the gospel, we know that Jesus is in heaven right now, talking to the Father for us and making sure we have a way to be close to God forever. He is the one who fulfills every promise of salvation.
Discussion Questions
- The bells on the Priest's robe made noise so people knew he was working. Why is it important to know that our High Priest Jesus is always working for us?
- Bezalel and Oholiab were filled with God's Spirit to do art. Do you think God gives us special skills today to help others? Like what?
- There was a gold plate on the Priest's turban that said "Holy to the Lord." What does it mean for us to be holy in our school or at home?
- If you could have used your favorite talent to help build the Tabernacle, what would you have done?
“So What” What Can I do?
- God gave Bezalel and Oholiab special skills. What is one thing you are good at that you can use to help your church or your family this week?
- Since Jesus carries your name in His heart, how can you show others that they are important to Him too?
- When you do your chores or homework this week, try doing it "exactly as God commanded" by doing your very best work for Him.
Memorize God's Word
"He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work." (Exodus 35:35)
Hand Motions:
- He has filled them: Cup your hands together and move them from your stomach up to your head.
- With skill: Tap your temple with your finger like you're thinking.
- To do: Hold your hands out in front of you and wiggle your fingers.
- All kinds of work: Move your hands in a big circle to show "everything."
- Exodus 35:35: Hold hands open like a book.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for giving us talents and skills to use for You. Thank You for our High Priest, Jesus, who loves us and carries our names in His heart. Help us to use our hands and our minds to do good work this week and to always remember that we belong to You. Amen.
Craft: The Jeweled Breastplate
Children will create a "Breastplate" to remember that God loves His people and keeps them close to His heart.
Materials Checklist
Instructions
- Cut your cardstock into a square shape to represent the breastplate.
- Punch two holes at the top corners and tie the yarn or cord through them so you can wear it like a necklace.
- Stick 12 jewels onto the cardstock in four rows of three.
- Under each jewel (or on the back), write the name of someone you want to pray for this week.
- Use the glitter glue to decorate the edges, making it look like garments of splendor.
Effective Teaching Techniques
- Visual Display: Review the last three weeks! Briefly point to pictures of the Ark, the Lampstand, and the Altar to show the workplace of the Priest.
- Affirmation: During the craft, walk around and tell each child a specific skill or gift you see in them (e.g., "I see God gave you the gift of being a good helper").
- Sensory: If you can find small bells, shake them to let the kids hear what the Priest sounded like as he walked.