Justin Houtz

Exodus 20, John 2

DateVersionReading Plan
March 11, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Exodus 20

Observation

Exod. 20:4-6 – God commanded that no carved image or likeness was to be made, that He is a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate him, but showing steadfast love to thousands who love him and keep His commandments. Idolatry and hatred for God are connected and is starkly contrasted against love for God that is connected to keeping His commandments.

Exod. 20:18-21 – Moses told the people not to fear, for God had come to test them, that the fear of Him may be before them, that they may not sin. The two references of “fear” in Exod. 20:20 are actually two different words in the Hebrew. “In the same breath Moses told the people not to fear (Don’t be afraid) but to fear (lit ‘so that the fear of him will be before your face’). They should not fear that God might capriciously exterminate them. Nevertheless, the purpose of the frightening display is that they might recognize God’s power, his presence, and his holiness and be motivated to avoid sin and consequent judgment.” (CSB Notes)

Exod. 20:25 – The LORD commanded Moses to tell the people that, if they made an altar, they should not build it of hewn stones. No tool was to be be wielded on it because by doing so it would be profaned. “The altar speaks of Christ as the way of approach to God. Man could contribute nothing to the perfection of Christ, either by the tools of personal effort or the steps of human achievement.” (BBC)

Exod. 20:26 – God commanded that no one was to go up by steps to the altar that their nakedness be exposed on it. According to the FSB Notes, this “Prevented someone standing below the altar level from seeing under another person’s garments. In view of the rules for priests’ clothing when serving at the altar (Exod 28:42), this command was likely directed at lay persons worshiping at private altars (v. 24).” (FSB)

Application

Through Moses address of the people in Exod. 20:20, we get a helpful distinction between the type of fear we are to have and that which we are not. The fear of cowering or escape God leads to death but a reverential fear—one of worship and awe—draws us closer to Him. The pursuit of intimacy with God must thus be properly balanced, understanding Him as both gracious Father who delights in the earnestness of His children to seek His presence but also that He is holy and righteous Lord.

John 2

Observation

John 2:6 – John recounts the capacity of the six water jars for the Jewish rites of purification as twenty or thirty gallons. This is an interesting detail to provide as it gives us an understanding of the scale of the miracle Jesus would soon perform in turning the water into wine. Although, it seems appropriate to recognize that, while an impressive quantity of water and wine were involved, it was a mere pittance of Jesus’ full miraculous capabilities.

John 2:23-25 – Jesus did not entrust Himself to the many who believed in His name because He knew all people, needing no one to bear witness about man because He knew what as in man. “No one knew the heart of man better than the Lord Himself. He had no need that anyone should teach or enlighten Him on this subject. He had full knowledge of what was in man and why man behaved as he did.”

Application

Jesus knows the heart of man. Dovetailing somewhat with the reflection from Exodus, Jesus’ knowledge of the heart of man should fill us with both gratitude and healthy fear. We should be endlessly thankful that the Creator of all things has chosen to know us but also espouse a rightful fear before His holiness and righteousness.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are holy and righteous, awesome in might and power. Thank You that by Your Son You have granted us entry into Your presence, that by the grace poured out in His blood we have been gifted closeness and relationship with You.

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