Lutheran Lens Commentary: Exodus 40:1-15

Lutheran Lens Reading of Exodus 40:1-15

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Exodus 40:1-15 as a significant passage that highlights the Law's demands in the meticulous instructions for consecrating the tabernacle and its priests. This text exposes our inability to meet God's holiness on our own, pointing us to the necessity of Christ as our true High Priest who fulfills all righteousness on our behalf. The anointing and consecration are seen as typological of our baptismal identity, where we are set apart and declared righteous through the means of grace. The passage points forward to the Gospel promise that in Christ, God dwells with us and we are made holy by his work, not ours.

Key Language Decisions

The Hebrew word 'mishkan' (tabernacle) emphasizes God's desire to dwell among his people, prefiguring the Incarnation, where 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.' The term 'anoint' (mashach) signifies being set apart for God’s service, paralleling how we view the means of grace as setting us apart in Christ. The detailed instructions underscore the Law, which reveals our inability to achieve holiness apart from divine grace. Our tradition emphasizes these aspects as we see the Law pointing to our need for the Gospel fulfilled in Christ.

Where Traditions Diverge

Unlike Reformed traditions that might emphasize the typological fulfillment primarily in Christ's moral example, we emphasize the sacramental aspects pointing to the means of grace. Our focus is on the Law's function to drive us to Christ, differing from evangelical traditions that might see this as a call to moral improvement or decision. This distinction matters because it underscores our belief in justification by faith alone, not by works.

Pastoral Application

A Lutheran Lens pastor should emphasize the Law’s role in showing our need for Christ, while also highlighting the Gospel promise of God dwelling with us through the means of grace. The congregation should hear how our baptismal identity consecrates us, much like the tabernacle, setting us apart as holy by Christ’s work. It’s crucial to stress that our righteousness comes from Christ alone, not from our fulfillment of any Law, thus providing comfort and assurance. This passage calls us to live out our vocations as a royal priesthood, grounded in the grace given to us through Word and Sacrament.

Cross-References: Hebrews 9:11-12; 1 Peter 2:9; Matthew 1:23; Colossians 2:9-10; John 1:14

Doctrinal Connections: theology of the cross; baptismal identity; means of grace; simul justus et peccator; real presence