How does Exodus 35:14 connect to Jesus as the Light of the World? Setting the Scene – Exodus 35:14 - “the lampstand for the light with its accessories, its lamps, and oil for the light.” (Exodus 35:14) - Moses is overseeing the gathering of materials for the tabernacle. Among gold, silver, and fabrics, God specifically names the lampstand and its continual supply of oil. - Nothing in the tabernacle is ornamental; each piece is designed by God to reveal something about His character and redemptive plan. What the Lampstand Meant Then - Continuous illumination inside the tent: the priests never ministered in darkness (Exodus 27:20–21). - Seven-branched design: fullness, perfection, and divine completion. - Pure gold: deity and glory. - Oil beaten from olives: a costly, pure fuel—often a picture of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:1–6). Stepping Toward Christ – Prophetic Echoes - Light disperses darkness—God’s first creative word (Genesis 1:3). - Israel called to be “a light for the nations” (Isaiah 42:6). - The Servant of the LORD portrayed as a “light to the Gentiles” (Isaiah 49:6). All of these threads converge on one Person. Jesus States It Plainly - “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) - “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (John 9:5) - “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.” (John 12:46) From Shadow to Substance - Lampstand = shadow; Christ = substance (Colossians 2:17). - Pure gold ➜ Christ’s undiminished deity (John 1:1). - Continual oil ➜ the Spirit resting upon Him without measure (John 3:34). - Seven lamps ➜ the perfect, complete revelation of God in the face of Jesus (Hebrews 1:3). - Priests served by that light ➜ believers today “a royal priesthood” serving in His continual illumination (1 Peter 2:9). Living in His Light Today - Walk honestly—light exposes and heals (1 John 1:7). - Shine outward—“You are the light of the world… let your light shine” (Matthew 5:14-16). His light becomes ours. - Look ahead—“The city has no need of sun or moon… for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:23). The lampstand of Exodus 35:14 was never just furniture; it pointed beyond the tabernacle to the Messiah who would blaze forth as the true, eternal Light. |
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