Daily Lectionary | Exodus 25 & Matthew 23-end

Exodus 25

Summary

Exodus now moves into a section that deals with the construction of the Lord’s sanctuary, the tabernacle. At the outset, we see this construction project is a work of the people and their gifts.

The first piece of furniture is the most important, the Ark of the Covenant. The Lord tells Moses to put the testimony, the tablets of stone written by the finger of god, into the ark. At the geographical and spiritual heart of the people of Israel will be the law of God. 

On top of the ark is a mercy seat, like a throne for Yaweh, flanked by two cherubs. This is where the Lord promises to meet with Moses. 

Next there are plans for the table, along with instructions for implements of the table--bowls to pour drink offerings. On the table will be the bread of Presence. 

Next there’s a lampstand fashioned out of gold that looks like a tree. All of this is made from the patter the Lord shows Moses on the mountain (v. 40).

Reflections

The tabernacle will be the place of Israel’s worship and liturgical life and its all according to the pattern God gave Moses. What sort of patterns do we have for our own worship? 

Matthew 23:13-39

Summary

The Pharisees are blind guides who have ignored basic principles of mercy and justice. And Jesus pronounces woes on them for it. The woes may very well echo the beatitudes in reverse. 

The Scribes and the Pharisees believe they would not have taken part in killing the prophets old, but this is exactly what they are in the process of doing. Jesus’ woes turn into a lament of Jerusalem, the city that kills its own prophets. 

Reflection

What connections do you see between the Beatitudes in chapter 5 and the woes in this chapter?