The Presence: Lesson 2 - Mysteries of the Ancients

Question #1: What was the pattern used for the tabernacle the Israelites built in the wilderness? (Hebrews 8:2, 5)

Question #2: Sacrificial animals were slain in the courtyard of the tabernacle and offered on the Altar of Burnt Offering. Who did these blemish-free animals point to? (Isaiah 53:5-7; Revelation 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18, 19)

Question #3: After the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity, the presence of God did not take up residence in the newly built temple. Yet, in spite of the missing “Shekinah” glory, the prophet Haggai made a stunning prediction. What was it, and how did it come to pass? (Haggai 2:7-9)

Question #4: One of the many names given to Jesus in the Bible is “Immanuel.” What does it mean? (Matthew 1:23)

Question #5: The seven-branched candlestick was the only source of light in the Holy Place. Who or what did it point forward to? (John 1:1-5; 8:12)

Question #6: Jesus, who was God in the flesh (the most remarkable manifestation of God’s presence among us), brought light to the world in a number of ways. What subject in particular did He shed light on while He was here? (John 14:8-10; 17:25, 26)

Question #7: The table with 12 loaves of bread also pointed to the time when God would manifest Himself in human flesh. In what way is bread a symbol of Christ? (John 6:35, 51; 1 Corinthians 11:23, 24)

Question #8: What did the smoke rising from the Altar of Burnt Incense represent? (Revelation 8:3, 4)

Question #9: Who did the priests—and particularly the High Priest—serving in the tabernacle represent? (Hebrews 8:1, 2)

Question #10: The ancient sanctuary is an important key to understanding last-day events mentioned in the book of Revelation. Which elements from the sanctuary are mentioned in the following passages?

A: Revelation 1:12

B: Revelation 4:5

C: Revelation 5:6

D: Revelation 8:3, 4

E: Revelation 11:19

F: Revelation 14:15; 15:5, 8

Question #11: When Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn in two, emphasizing the fact that the earthly sanctuary was no longer needed (see Matthew 27:51). Now we have a High Priest in heaven’s sanctuary who longs to represent us. What invitation is given in Hebrews 4:14-16? What is your response?