Justin Houtz

Exodus 35, John 17

DateVersionReading Plan
March 26, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Exodus 35

Observation

Moses assembled the congregation, telling them that they were to do all the LORD commanded. They were to work for six days but on the seventh have a Sabbath day of solemn rest (”solemn” = formal and dignified), holy to the LORD. The punishment for working on the Sabbath was death and they were not to kindle fire in their dwelling places on this day (Exod. 35:2-3).

Moses conveyed the LORD’s command to them that a contribution to the LORD was to be taken. Whoever was of generous heart was to bring the LORD’s contribution of materials for the various elements of the tabernacle (Exod. 35:5-9). Every skillful craftsman among them was to come and make what the LORD commanded: the tabernacle and all of its components as well as the garments for priestly ministrations (Exod. 35:10-19).

All the congregation then left from the presence of Moses and all whose heart stirred him brought the LORD’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting (Exod. 35:20-21). The listing of materials brought begins with gold and the more rare elements like blue and scarlet yarns, then animal skins and silver or bronze (Exod. 35:22-24). All the skillful women whose hearts stirred them spun with their hands and brought what they had spun (Exod. 35:25-26). The leaders also contributed stones for the breastpiece and ephod along with spices for the anointing oil and incense (Exod. 35:27-28). All whose heart stirred them brought anything for the work that the LORD had commanded by Moses as a freewill offering to the LORD (Exod. 35:29).

Moses then addressed the people and told them that the LORD had called Bezalel and Oholiab by name, filled them with the Spirit, with knowledge, with craftsmanship and teaching to do the work needed. They were filled with every sort of skill to be done by an engraver, designer or embroiderer and any sort of workman or skilled designer (Exod 35:30-35).

Application

Contributions for the tabernacle and its features were commanded by the LORD and it was those whose hearts were stirred that brought them. The word “heart” is mentioned 5x in this chapter and every instance is in reference to the stirring, generosity or movement of the hearts of the people. The LORD moved in them in such a way that they responded in obedience to release of their own possessions what was needed. In much the same way, our giving to the church and kingdom ministries should be of a heart that realizes how everything belongs to God and to grasp the blessing of offering back to Him what He has graciously given.

John 17

Observation

Jesus lifted up His eyes to heaven and prayed to the Father (John 17:1). He acknowledged that the hour had come and that authority had been given to Him over all flesh (John 17:2). He confirmed that eternal life is knowing the Father, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He had sent (John 17:3). Jesus asked that the Father glorify Him with the glory He had with the Father before the world existed (John 17:5).

Jesus manifested His name to the people whom He had been given by the Father out of the world. They belong to the Father and have kept His word (John 17:6). These people now knew that everything that the Father has given Him is from the Father (John 17:7). They knew that the Father sent Him and these were the ones for whom Jesus was praying and not the world (John 17:8). All that belongs to the Father also belongs to the Son (John 17:10). While he was with them, Jesus had kept all given to Him except the son of destruction (Judas) in order that the Scriptures would be fulfilled (John 17:12). His people are not of this world just as He is not of the world and it is for their sake that He sanctifies Himself, that they also may be sanctified in truth (John 17:19).

Jesus then prayed for those who will believe, who will believe in Him through “their word” (John 17:20). He prayed that they may all be one just as He and the Father are one, that the people would be in unity with Jesus and the Father and believe that the Father sent the Son (John 17:21). Jesus expressed His desire that all whom He had been given would be with Him where His is, to see the glory He had been given by the Father before the foundation of the world (John 17:24). Jesus made the Father’s name known to them and will continue to make it known that the love with which the Father loved Him may be in them and He in them (John 17:26).

Application

Jesus prayed for His disciples and for those of future generations who belong to Him. This heartening prayer should be as sweet music to the ears of God’s people, knowing that our Lord continues to intercede on our behalf. He it is who, by His Spirit, intercedes “for us with groanings too deep for words” (Rom. 8:26). This He does in order that we would be in Him just as He is in the Father, to glory in Him whom the Father loved before the creation of all things. May be behold this precious gift of unity with our Lord and treasure it above all else.

Prayer

Father, thank You for all that You have given, that we may receive it with gratitude and bring it to You in sacrificial offering. Father, help us to rightly view our possessions not as our identity or for our comfort but as a conduit of worship and obedience. Father, how awesome are You that, by Your Son, You have made Yourself known that we may be with You. Thank You for all that You have done and continue to do in sanctification and intercession, refining and guarding Your children until Your beloved Son returns to reign in glory.

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