Justin Houtz

Exodus 38, John 20

DateVersionReading Plan
March 29, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Exodus 38

Observation

The chapter continues in description of creating tabernacle components, materials used and quantities: the altar of burnt offering, bronze basin and the court. Similar to components described in previous chapters, the altar of burnt offering contained acacia wood. However, rather than using gold overlay, the altar overlay along with other elements in this chapter were of bronze and silver. Beyond the making of these features, there are a couple things worthy of note. First is that Exod. 38:8 points out how women ministered at the entrance of the tent of meeting. The CSB Notes says that “little is known about them beyond this mention (cp. 1Sm 2:22–25). The Hebrew verb that describes their service is somewhat rare; a related noun and this verb also describe service by Levites at the tabernacle (Nm 4:23; 8:24).”

Also, we read in Exod. 38:21 that the records were commanded by Moses and was the responsibility of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar, the son of Aaron. Thus, it was the priestly tribe that held the top-level of responsibility but was carried out by Bezalel of the tribe of Judah and Oholiab of Dan.

Application

As with previous chapters pertaining to the tabernacle and the construction of its components, we can appreciate the intricate detail that went into having a means for the LORD to dwell with His people. With great care and craftsmanship were these things fashioned, but even so, the tabernacle was a representation of the original dwelling place we once had with God but lost through sin. May we be reminded of our transgression against our holy LORD, grateful that He has chosen to dwell with us and long for the Day of Christ’s return that we will dwell with Him forever in the New Jerusalem.

John 20

Observation

Mary Magdelene came the tomb early on the first day of the week and saw that the stone had been taken from the tomb (John 20:1). She ran and told Peter and John who ran to the tomb themselves (John 20:3). John arrived first, stooped in to see the linen cloths, but did not go in (John 20:5). When Peter arrived, he went into the tomb and saw the linen cloths and the face cloth which had been on Jesus’ head (John 20:7). At this point, they still did not understand that Jesus had to raised from the dead and they went back to their homes (John 20:9-10).

Mary remained at the tomb weeping and looked into the tomb as she wept (John 20:11). As she did, she saw two angels standing, one at the head and one at the feet of where Jesus’ body had been laid (John 20:12). The angels asked her why she was weeping and she told them that He had been taken and she did not know where He was no lain (John 20:13). Having said this, she turned and saw Jesus but did not realize it was Him (John 20:14). Jesus asked her whom she was seeking and she, supposing Him to be the gardener, pleaded with Him that He tell her where Jesus had been taken so that she could take Him away (John 20:15). Jesus addressed her again, this time only speaking her name, to which she replied in recognition of Him as Jesus (John 20:16). Jesus told her not to cling to Him but that she was to go and tell His brothers that He was ascending to His Father and their Father, to His God and their God (John 20:17). Mary proceeded from there to tell the disciples that she had seen the Lord and all of the things He said to her (John 20:19).

The evening of the same day, Jesus appeared to the disciples who were hiding out of fear of the Jews (John 20:19). Jesus showed them His hands and side and that as the Father had sent Him, even so He was sending them (John 20:21). He told the disciples to receive the Holy Spirit, that if they were to forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven but if they withhold forgiveness from any, it would be withheld (John 20:23).

Thomas was not with disciples at Jesus’ first appearance to all disciples but was told by them that they had seen the Lord (John 20:25). In disbelief, Thomas said that he would only believe if he was able to see the mark of the nails in Jesus’ hands and place his hand in Jesus’ side (John 20:25). Eight days later, Jesus appeared to the disciples (including Thomas) and Jesus told Thomas to place his finger, see Jesus’ hands and put his hand into Jesus’ side (John 20:27). Thomas responded in an a profound gesture of faith, saying, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Jesus told them all that as much a blessing it is to believe because they saw Him, blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe (John 20:29).

The chapter concludes with John saying that there were many more unwritten signs performed in the presence of the disciples (John 20:30). However, all that was written was so that its readers would believe that Jesus is the Christ and that by believing they would have life in His name (John 20:31).

Application

Particularly striking in today’s reading was Jesus’ message to the disciples: “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17). Because of what Christ has done, we are allowed to enter into the blessing of having Jesus’ Father and God as our own. No greater gift could we be given than that of union with the Father and this is only achieved by our full surrender in faith to the sacrificial and propitiatory work of the Son. May we never lose sight of what He has done and that our every breath be in praise of His glorious grace.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for helping me see what I lost because of my sin. Thank You that by Your grace, you sent Your Son to restore me to right relationship with You and that through Him I can be your child.

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