In what ways does Exodus 39:36 connect to New Testament teachings on obedience? Verse Snapshot “the table with all its utensils and the Bread of the Presence;” (Exodus 39:36) Obedience Woven into the Tabernacle • Every item—table, utensils, showbread—was fashioned exactly “as the LORD commanded Moses” (v.32, v.42). • The artisans refused shortcuts; they reproduced God’s pattern to the letter (compare Exodus 25:23–30). • Even the perpetual Bread of the Presence testified that Israel would continually live under God’s stated order. How This Mirrors New Testament Obedience • Precise obedience matters – John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – James 1:22 “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Obedience encompasses the mundane – Just as utensils were crafted, believers are urged to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). • Obedience produces a presentable offering – Israel laid the finished pieces before Moses; believers are to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). • Community obedience builds a dwelling place for God – Many hands built one tabernacle; the church is now “being built together into a dwelling place for God” (Ephesians 2:22) through collective submission to Christ’s commands. Jesus—the Living Bread and Model of Perfect Obedience • The showbread pointed forward to Christ: “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). • Christ’s life displayed flawless obedience—“I always do what pleases Him” (John 8:29). • By instituting the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–25), Jesus invites disciples to remember that obedience and fellowship with God are inseparable. Bringing It Home • God still values detail-level obedience; little acts done His way are big in His sight. • Following Christ’s commands is the New-Covenant equivalent of skillfully crafting tabernacle pieces—each act fits into a larger, holy design. • When believers obey, they display the true Bread to the watching world, just as the showbread silently testified inside the holy place. |
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