27 Apr 2026

April 27–May 3: “Holiness to the Lord” (Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1–19)

When you see a shadow on the ground, you know something real is standing nearby. This week, we learn that while the Tabernacle was beautiful, Jesus is the "Real Thing" it was pointing to all along.

The Real Thing

"It’s all just a Shadow! Of a better thing to come.
It’s all just a picture! Of the Father and the Son."

Leaving Egypt was just the first step. God's ultimate goal wasn't just to get the Israelites into a new land, but to get holiness into their hearts. He commanded them to build a portable temple—a Tabernacle—in the middle of the desert. Every object inside, from the golden candlesticks to the heavy veil, was designed to act like a shadow of Jesus Christ.

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Set the Stage: The Golden Blueprint

Imagine a million people living in tents made of goat hair and animal skins. In the very center of that camp, God asked for something different: a place of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet. But He didn't just want a fancy building; He wanted to dwell among them.

The Israelites gave their gold, their jewelry, and their time with "willing hearts" to build it. They were creating a space where the "ordinary" world stopped and the "holy" world began. As we look at the Altar, the Bread, and the Light, we are looking at a giant, 3D map showing us how to get back to Heavenly Father.

Need more backstory? Check out our Joy Tier Fireside Moment here.

The Big Idea: From Shadows to Light
Have you ever made shadow puppets on a wall? You use your hands to make the shape of a bird or a dog. The shadow is cool, but your hand is the "real thing."

The Tabernacle was God’s shadow puppet. The Altar (where they offered sacrifice) was a shadow of the Atonement. The Candlestick was a shadow of the Light of the World. The Veil was a shadow of the separation we feel from God. In the song "Shadows," we celebrate the moment the "shadows" aren't needed anymore because Jesus arrived to be the Light, the Bread, and the Savior for everyone, everywhere.

Scripture Bridge

Hebrews 9:11 "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands..."

Lyric Highlight

Shadows
"The Lamb, the Light, the Bread, the Ark
Lighting up the dark. Oh, it’s a beautiful design.
But Jesus is the real thing every time."

Reflect: If you saw a shadow of a person coming around a corner, you would know a friend was coming to see you! How does looking at "shadows" (like the Sacrament or the Temple) help you feel like Jesus is a real friend who is close by?

Family Activity

The "Tabernacle Shadow" Search

Try This: Turn off the lights and use a flashlight to make shadows on the wall.

- Hold up a piece of bread (Jesus is the Bread of Life).
- Hold up a pitcher of water (He washes our souls).
- Hold up a light (He is the Light of the World).

Reflect: Read Exodus 25:8. God wanted to dwell among His people. How can you make your home feel like a "holy place" this week so you can feel the Lord's presence "among" your family?

Watch & Listen

Shadows

Ancient Israel’s worship involved a lot of symbols—smoke, fire, gold, and sacred clothing. This song takes you on a walking tour through the Tabernacle, showing how every object was a 'shadow' pointing toward Jesus Christ.

With a rhythmic, mysterious vibe that builds into a powerful chorus, 'Shadows' helps kids understand that the sacred experiences of the Tabernacle weren't meant to be kept secret forever. When the Veil ripped, it signaled that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the way into God’s presence is now open to all who make and keep sacred covenants. It reminds us that our modern temples aren't just buildings—they are holy places where the 'Real Thing' (Jesus Christ) helps us step out of the shadows and into His light.

Below is a kid-friendly guide to help teach the symbolism of the temple to your children.

Want the full story? Read the complete Fireside Moment or explore the Lyric-Scripture Blueprint in our Joy Tier Deep Dive.

The Tabernacle Spotter’s Guide

Before you hit play, look for these "Shadows" in the song and see if you can find the "Real Thing" they represent.

How to use this with your kids:

Read the list: Briefly explain that each object is a "clue" about Jesus.
Listen for the "Ding": Have the kids raise their hands or shout "Found it!" when they hear one of these objects mentioned in the verses.
The Big Reveal: When the chorus hits, remind them that while the objects are cool, "Jesus is the real thing every time."

The Sacred Shadow	Its Ancient Purpose	The "Real Thing" (Jesus Christ)
The Altar of Sacrifice (Exodus 38:1)	Located in the outer courtyard, this is where unblemished animals were offered to pay the price for sin.	The Infinite Sacrifice: Jesus is the ultimate "Lamb of God." His Atonement replaces animal sacrifice, allowing us to be forgiven and start fresh.
The Laver of Water (Exodus 30:17–21)	A large basin where priests washed their hands and feet to be clean before entering the holy tent.	Baptism & Repentance: To enter God's presence, we must be spiritually cleansed. Jesus washes our souls clean through the waters of baptism.
The Golden Candlestick (Exodus 37:17–24)	A solid gold lampstand that burned pure olive oil, providing the only light inside the holy place.	The Light of the World: Through the Holy Ghost, Jesus provides constant light and direction in our lives when the world feels dark.
The Altar of Incense (Exodus 40:26–27)	Placed right before the veil, sweet-smelling incense was burned here morning and evening.	Personal Prayer: The fragrant smoke represents our prayers ascending to God. Through Jesus, our Mediator, our prayers are "sweet" to the Father.
The Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 37:1–9)	A gold-covered box behind the veil in the "Most Holy Place," representing the presence of God.	Returning to God: Because of Christ's Atonement, the "veil" is opened. We are invited to enter God's presence through sacred covenants.

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Lyric–Scripture Blueprint (Preview)

Did you know these lyrics come straight from the scriptures?
Explore the full Lyric–Scripture Blueprints and deeper activities in the Joy Tier.

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Lyric Highlight	Scripture Bridge	Why It Matters
"First I see the Altar... the fire and the wood."	Exodus 40:6 "And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle." Alma 34:14 "This is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice."	Repentance: The path to God always begins with an altar. It reminds us that we can be forgiven and "burn away" our mistakes because of Jesus’s infinite sacrifice.
"Then I see the Laver, the water in the bowl."	Exodus 30:18 "Thou shalt also make a laver of brass... for washing." Titus 3:5 "He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."	Baptism & Cleansing: Just as the priests washed before entering the Holy Place, we are cleansed through baptism and the Sacrament to be worthy of His Spirit.
"There’s the Golden Candlestick... reminds me that the Savior is the World's True Light."	Exodus 37:17 "And he made the candlestick of pure gold." John 8:12 "I am the light of the world."	Guidance: The Holy Place had no windows. The only light came from the gold lampstand, representing how the Holy Ghost guides us through the "night" of our trials.
"There’s the Table of the Bread... reminds me that He feeds us."	Exodus 25:30 "And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway." John 6:35 "I am the bread of life."	Spiritual Nourishment: The "Bread of the Presence" was always there. It points to the Sacrament and how Jesus provides the daily strength our souls need to survive.