Description

Download the requirements for the Sanctuary honor by clicking on the download link above.

Sanctuary

Complete the 8th Grade Encounter Curriculum Unit 8.4 “Sanctuary” or equivalent academic program regarding the Sanctuary, or complete the following:

1. Explore the parts of the sanctuary described in Exodus 25-40:

1. Name the three main sections of the tabernacle complex beginning with the courtyard.
   
2. Name the furnishing created for each section of the sanctuary. Explain what materials (wood, gold, furs, etc.) were used to make each part. Explain what each piece of furniture represents.
   
3. Describe the number and type of coverings of the sanctuary. Tell what each covering represents.
   
4. Create a list of at least 10 words that you believe need to be understood completely to make the sanctuary story make sense. Create a basic definition for each of the words.
   

2. Draw a scale model of the sanctuary on 11 x 17 (A3) piece of paper, the courtyard, and the position of all the furnishings (remember to add N, S, E, W).
3. Engage in a See/Think/Wonder activity with artistically rendered images from the sanctuary. Journal/take notes about what you SEE when you look at each image, what you THINK ABOUT when you see the picture, and what you WONDER ABOUT GOD when you see each image. Images displayed (printed or media display) should include:

1. Sanctuary and courtyard
   
2. Altar of burnt offerings
   
3. Laver/wash basin
   
4. Candlestick
   
5. Table of shewbread
   
6. Altar of incense
   
7. Ark of the covenant
   
8. High priest
   

4. Discover and discuss the following in small groups. Have someone in each group record notes to share with larger groups or your instructor.

1. Why did the Israelites need a sanctuary? Was it to be for God’s benefit or theirs? Consult Exodus 25:8-10 as you create your answer.
   
2. What do the sanctuary, Jesus’ birth/ministry, and Jesus’ second coming all have in common? Consult Exodus 25:8, Matthew 1:22-23, and Revelation 21:3-4 for your answer. Summarize how this might be a key theme of the sanctuary.
   
3. What role did the sanctuary play in demonstrating the forgiveness of sins? Why don’t we need the same system to receive forgiveness today? Consult Romans 3:23, 6:23, Genesis 4:3-7, John 1:29, Hebrews 9:22-28, and 1 John 1:9.
   

5. Briefly list the following information about the priests who served in the sanctuary:

1. What tribe they belonged to, and the family they all descended from.
   
2. When and how the priestly family was chosen.
   
3. Functions of a priest in the daily service of the sanctuary and on the Day of Atonement.
   
4. A description of the clothing of a common and the high priest.
   

6. Discover the following about daily sacrifices and the annual Day of Atonement:

1. Survey Leviticus 1-5 to discover the types of offerings God commanded to be offered at the sanctuary. Briefly describe the types of offerings offered at the sanctuary. What was each type of sacrifice’s frequency and purpose? Use a simple chart or table to outline your summary.
2. After reading Leviticus 16, summarize the ceremonies on the Day of Atonement. Use the questions “Who,” “What,” “When,” “Where,” and “Why” to build your summary. If possible, watch a reenactment of the Day of Atonement online.
   

7. Discuss or journal a response to the following questions:

1. What would make a sin sacrifice of a lamb difficult for you personally?
   
2. When you think about actions and decisions you have made recently, how would needing to kill a lamb to receive forgiveness potentially affect the choices you make?
   
3. Write a note or draw a sketch as a response to God’s forgiveness of your sins.
   

8. Do one of the following:

1. Make or assemble a simple 3D scale model of the sanctuary using molding media, cardstock, LEGO, or other artistic media.
   
2. Use foil, cardboard, newspaper, or similar temporary construction materials to create full-sized or nearly full sized models of one or more of the pieces of sanctuary furniture.
   
3. With string and tent stakes, or their equivalent, measure out and outline the dimensions of the sanctuary.
   
4. Assist with the set up and take down of a full-size model of the sanctuary if available in your area.
   

9. For each part of the sanctuary created above, draw, illustrate, or explain how that item helped the Israelites understand God’s love and care for them, and how it helps us today understand Christ’s ministry for us.
10. As a summary activity, do one of the following:

1. Create a symbol out of a material of your choice or find an object symbol that will remind you of God’s salvation/forgiveness and/or His true character of love as you have seen demonstrated whilte earning this honor. Share why that symbol/object illustrates this concept. If possible, put it in a place where you can see it often.
   
2. Create a pipe cleaner sculpture to represent the biggest message from this honor that you want to remember. Share. (Ensure personalized sharing: “I want to remember ______________.”)

Skill Level 2
Original Honor 2004

Sanctuary, Advanced

Complete the 8th Grade Encounter Curriculum Unit 8.4 “Sanctuary” or equivalent academic program regarding the Sanctuary, or complete the following:

1. Earn the Sanctuary honor.
2. Discuss the following:

1. How does the sanctuary help us understand God’s reaction to the “sin problem” that has been present from Genesis 3 through the Exodus (and is present until the End of Sin after the millennium)?
   
2. How do the different parts of the sanctuary service on earth illustrate the role of Christ as our Savior? Consult Hebrews 4:14-16 and Hebrews 9:1-10:22 as part of your discovery.
   

3. Do the following:

1. Read the instructions for the Daily Sacrifice and the Day of Atonement found in Exodus 29:38-42, Numbers 28:3-8, Leviticus 16, Romans 12:1-2. Define “sacrifices” and “atonement.” Since the sanctuary was a symbol of Christ’s ministry, what can be learned from these services that have meaning for us today? Evaluate through discussion or journaling how you think these symbols illustrate God’s ongoing love and care for YOU.
   
2. Read Daniel 8:14 and the SDA Bible Commentary on the passage. What is the role of the sanctuary in this passage? How does Daniel see the sanctuary having a role in his 2,300 day/year prophecy? How might the “cleansing” mentioned here be like the cleansing on the Day of Atonement?
   

4. Journal then discuss the following questions:

1. What environment makes God’s presence most real to you?
   
2. If you could design a special place where you could feel close to God, what would it be like?
   
3. What would be the focal point? How would you furnish this place?
   
4. How might you come into God’s presence when you can’t go to a place of worship?
   
5. How do you think “sanctuaries” of today can meaningfully provide special places to feel God’s presence?
   

5. Determine the key messages of the sanctuary. Then, do one of the following individually or in pairs:

1. Create a Bible study with more than five texts that shows how the sanctuary foreshadows Christ’s ministry for sinners, demonstrates a solution for the sin problem, and is the overarching answer to Christ’s role throughout history. Present the study.
   
2. Create a board or card “trivia” game that requires knowledge recall and critical thinking about topics presented in this honor. Demonstrate the game.
   
3. Create a presentation for younger children’s group, Sabbath School class, or group worship about one or more portions of the information about the sanctuary you have learned while earning the Sanctuary honors. Center your presentation around one key point (ex. God’s forgiveness). Include at least one Bible text and one illustration in your presentation (no more than five minutes in length).
   

6. In your discovery and study of the sanctuary, a lot of bloodshed has been covered and mentioned. Why did God require so much sacrifice and bloodshed?
7. Do one of the following reflectively at the conclusion of your honor study:

1. Choose, listen to, and evaluate three songs that illustrate the themes present in the doctrine/teachings of the sanctuary. Share your playlist and evaluation with others.
   
2. Create a poem, song, whiteboard animation, or equivalent that demonstrates your understanding of the key theme(s) from the sanctuary that you feel are of most value to young people today.
   
3. Participate in a planned and formally organized “Sanctuary Prayer Walk.” After completing the prayer walk, journal about your experience.
   
4. Write a prayer or series of shorter prayers that you imagine having with God as you envision walking to each of the pieces of furniture in the sanctuary. Focus each portion of the prayer on things in your life or experiences related to the significance of that piece of furniture.
   
5. Plan a service (vespers or equivalent) on the topic of God’s mercy. Include a hands-on application of the forgiveness Christ offers as a part of the service.

Skill Level 3
Original Honor 2004

Spiritual Growth, Outreach and Heritage Ministries
North American Division
2019 Update