Justin Houtz

Exodus 36, John 18

DateVersionReading Plan
March 27, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Exodus 36

Observation

The LORD told Moses that Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled craftsman whom the LORD had put skill and intelligence to do the work needed for the construction of the tabernacle as the LORD commanded (Exod. 36:1). Moses then conveyed this command to all the craftsmen whose minds the LORD put skill and whose hearts were stirred to do the work (Exod. 36:2). The craftsmen received from Moses all of the materials that were contributed by the people to do the work (Exod. 36:3). The people were bringing contributions every morning to the point that all the craftsmen came to Moses and told him that they had more than enough (Exod. 36:5). Moses then gave command to the people to do nothing more for the contribution for the sanctuary because what they had was sufficient to do the work and more (Exod. 36:6-7).

Focus then shifts to the craftsmen and the making of ten curtains for the tabernacle (Exod. 36:8-9). The curtains were coupled together with loops and clasps and details are provided as to how they were clasped together (Exod. 36:10-19). Description of the tabernacle frames is then provided, the number of frames, materials used, how they were placed and that they were overlaid with gold (Exod. 36:20-34). The chapter concludes with description of the making and. placement of the veil and screen, both made with blue, purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen.

Application

The abundant generosity of the people along with the great detail of the construction of the tabernacle are worthy of reflection. The people were responding every morning in obedience to the command given by the LORD through Moses in bringing their contributions for tabernacle construction. This continued until enough had been obtained and they had to be restrained from bringing more. We see in this a picture of the consistent, day-to-day faithfulness we are to have with our kingdom contributions, to joyfully give of the money, time and resources we have been entrusted to steward.

The detail of the tabernacle construction and the materials used (of the highest quality and value) also point to the supreme value of our LORD and our worship of Him. As precious as these earthly materials were/are, nothing can be compared to the all-surpassing worth of our greatest treasure in Christ. In Him is found ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction of our every longing and what grace did He pour out in sacrifice of His Son, that through Jesus were are restored to right relationship with Him.

John 18

Observation

After Jesus prayed to the Father, He went to a garden with His disciples where he was intercepted by Judas who had procured a band of soldiers, officers from the chief priests and Pharisees with lanterns, torches and weapons (John 18:3). There was confrontation between them and Jesus was bound to led to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiphas, the high priest that year (John 18:13). Caiaphas had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people (John 18:14)

Simon Peter followed Jesus along with “another disciple” whom most scholars identify as John. They entered into the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus, but Peter stood outside the at the door (John 18:16). The other disciple went to the servant girl who kept watch at the door and brought Peter in (18:16). The same servant girl asked Peter if he was one of Jesus’ disciples and Peter said, “I am not” (John 18:17).

The high priest questioned Jesus and afterward Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest (John 18:24). Peter, who had been standing and warming himself, was questioned twice more if he was a disciple of Jesus. He denied both inquisitions and following the second (the third in total), a rooster immediately crowed (John 18:27).

Jesus was then led by the Jews from the house of Caiphas to the governor’s headquarters and Pilate asked the Jews what accusation they were bringing against Him (John 18:28-29). They responded to Pilate with an answer that, “in effect, that they had already tried the case and found Him guilty. All they wanted Pilate to do was to pronounce the sentence.” (BBC) (John 18:30). Pilate told them to handle Jesus themselves but they said that it was not lawful for them to put anyone to death (John 18:31). This was to fulfill what Jesus had previously spoken about what kind of death He was going to die (John 18:32).

Pilate then entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews (John 18:33). An exchange takes place between Jesus and Pilate over Jesus’ kingship and the kingdom (John 18:34-38). Pilate then went out and told the Jews that he found no guilt in Jesus. He asked whom he they wanted released for the Passover custom and whether it should be the King of the Jews (John 18:39). The Jews cried out again to have the robber, Barabbas, released over Jesus (John 18:40).

Application

Equally striking to the way in which Jesus was betrayed and His complete mockery of a trial was the unwavering manner He proceeded through it all. From beginning to end, He remained steadfast in humility and self-proclamation of ultimate power and Kingship. He knew Himself to be wholly righteous and yet took the mistreatment of being bound (John 18:24), accused (John 18:30) and rejected for release (John 18:40). He spoke of His kingdom not of this world and His purpose to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37). And He did all of this knowing that He would not be withheld the cup given Him by the Father (John 18:11). Jesus went to the cross in complete and willful submission to the Father, taking upon Himself all the punishment of our guilt yet deserving of none. Spotless, blameless and perfect in every way, He was beaten so that we could be healed, broken so that we could be made whole, killed so that we could be made alive in Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are the One for whom my heart most desires. Help me to live in self-sacrifice and generosity, joyful in giving everything you have graciously entrusted to me. Lord Jesus, let the gospel of Your worthy sacrifice and victory over death saturate my heart to the overflow, sustaining my faith in the truth of Your boundless love, obedient to the call of a cruciform life and that it would all be for Your glory.

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