INTRODUCTION

The Israelites Build the Tabernacle

Bible Point:

We all can serve God.

Key Verse:

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).

Big Picture:

Students will serve God in many different ways.

The Israelites Build the Tabernacle

Exodus 35:4-36:38

Primary students are at a meaningful stage of growth, beginning to experience greater independence and responsibility. Many are learning to make choices about how time is spent, how resources are used, and which activities to join. This lesson offers a positive opportunity to help students understand that time, talents, and treasures can be used in life giving ways to serve God. With gentle guidance, teachers can help students see that every person is invited to serve God with all that has been given.

PLANTING THE SEED

God told the Israelites exactly what they needed to do to build a Tabernacle. It would be a tent that would be used to worship God and would be portable so that it could be taken apart and moved as the Israelites traveled through the desert. Not only did the Israelites complete this huge project, but they also gave everything used to build it as a gift to God. The Tabernacle symbolized the great things that can be accomplished when all of God’s people give joyfully of their time, talent, and treasures, and was a reminder of how God desires to be close to us.

BIBLE POINT

We all can serve God.

KEY VERSE

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).

FAMILY FUN

Tabernacle Chews

This week make a pan of Rice Krispies Treats or buy some. Cut them into squares, and as a family, build them into a tabernacle. Talk about how difficult it must have been to construct such an awesome building. Remember how the Israelites followed the directions God gave them.

READY, SET, GROW!

Choose a way you’ll serve God this week with words, deeds, or both.

• One day this week when you’re getting ready (when you’re brushing your teeth, washing your hair, or eating breakfast), use that time to dedicate your day to serving God. Ask God to use you in each moment of that day, and as often as possible remind yourself that you’re serving God with everything you do that day.

• Use one of your God-given talents to help someone else. You might help a neighbor with yardwork, paint a picture for someone who’s sick, cook a good meal for your family, or play music for someone who needs to be encouraged. Do that thing for God, and serve God as you use your talent.

• Pay attention to the things you see and the things that happen around you. When you see someone using a talent God gave them, thank that person for blessing you with that talent. For example, if a clerk at the grocery store is very kind, thank that person for blessing you.