How does Exodus 40:25 connect to Jesus as the Light of the World?

Setting the Scene in Exodus 40:25

“He set up the lamps before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”

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The Lampstand’s Purpose: Continuous Light

- Placed in the Holy Place, the golden lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40) held seven lamps.

- Aaron and his sons tended these lamps “from evening to morning before the LORD” (Exodus 27:20-21).

- The light symbolized God’s perpetual presence, guidance, and holiness within the tabernacle.

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Foreshadowing Jesus, the Divine Light

- Physical light in the tabernacle anticipated spiritual light in the Messiah.

- Just as the lampstand alone lit the Holy Place, Jesus alone illumines the human heart.

- The priestly duty to keep the lamps burning points to Christ’s ongoing priestly ministry (Hebrews 7:24-25) that continually brings light to those who draw near.

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New Testament Fulfillment

- “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)

- John 1:4-5: “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

- Revelation 21:23: the New Jerusalem “has no need of sun or moon… for the glory of God illumines it, and the Lamb is its lamp.”

- The continuity:

• Lampstand → earthly symbol

• Jesus → incarnate reality

• Eternal city → consummated glory

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Living in His Light Today

- Walk in the light: Ephesians 5:8-9 calls believers “light in the Lord.”

- Reflect His light: Matthew 5:14-16 urges letting good works shine before others.

- Dependence on His priestly care: As Aaron trimmed the lamps, Jesus sustains faith (Hebrews 12:2).

- Assurance of unbroken presence: the lamp never went out; Christ’s light “will be with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).