Unit 21, Session 5: The Temple Was Completed
Ezra 4:24–6:22
Christ Connection: God's people rebuilt the temple so they would have a place to worship God. Years later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be with His people. Now God dwells not in the temple, but directly with His people. Because of Jesus, we don't need a temple anymore.
Adult Connection Point:
In the most holy place of the temple was the ark of the covenant, the top of which served as the mercy seat, where the blood of the sin offering was to be sprinkled. The ark signified the presence of God. A great curtain separated the most holy place from the rest of the temple and all those outside to observe the offering. Only when the high priest returned could they know that God had accepted the sacrifice.
According to the author of Hebrews, the death of Jesus ushered in a new era. At the moment Jesus died, the curtain separating the most holy place from God’s people was split from top to bottom. This signified that God Himself was giving open access to His presence (Matt. 27:50-51).
The author of Hebrews points back to the events of the cross as the “new and living way” by which God made this possible. Jesus the High Priest offered Himself as the full and final sacrifice, and the symbol that served as a constant reminder that more sacrifices were needed—the curtain—was removed.
Voices from Church History
“Christians approach God confidently, completely at home in the situation created by Christ’s saving work. They enter ‘the Most Holy Place,’ which, of course, is no physical sanctuary but is, in truth, the presence of God. And they entered it by ‘the blood of Jesus,’ i.e., on the basis of his saving death.” –Leon Morris (1914-2006) [Leon Morris, “Hebrews,” in Hebrews Through Revelation, vol. 12 in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981), 103.]
Family Devotion:
Materials: interlocking blocks, wooden blocks, or other building material; Bible; computer (optional)
Recall the Bible story about the Israelites building only a foundation and an altar (Ezra 1-3) upon their return to Jerusalem. Fifteen years had passed and only now were they finally completing the temple. Work together as a family and create your own temple.
Use pictures from your Bible or online to help get started.
Ask, “What was governor Tattenai’s concern about the rebuilding of the temple, and how was it resolved?” Reiterate that although a new king now resided over Judah, God’s plan for the Israelites to rebuild the temple remained. God once again wanted to reside with His people. God not only sent prophets to encourage the people but provided for the supplies from a foreign nation!
Summarize the Christ Connection by reminding your family that God wants to reside with His people. When He sent Jesus, He did just that. He walked and talked with people.
Today, we don’t need to go to a temple to spend time with God, but rather we can have a direct relationship with Him through Jesus.
Sing along with one of the songs from Unit 21, celebrating that God wants to relate directly with each of you.
Pray, thanking God for sending His Son, Jesus, so you can have a relationship with Him.
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