Exodus 35–40 describes the Israelites’ efforts to build a tabernacle, where sacred ordinances would help them become a holy people. As you read these chapters, look for the things the Lord asked His people to place in the tabernacle. What might these items represent? What do they suggest to you about increasing in holiness? Especially consider how these items turn your thoughts toward the Savior. A table like this might help you:

In the year after leaving Egypt, the relationship of the children of Israel with Jehovah could be described as inconsistent. And yet, as you read Exodus 35:4–35 and 36:1–7, notice how the Israelites responded to the commandment to build the tabernacle. What do you learn from the Israelites that could help you better serve the Lord?

He may not ask you for precious metals, linens, or wood for a tabernacle. What has the Lord given you, and what is He asking you to offer? When has your “heart stirred [you] up to come unto the work”?

See also Topics and Questions, “Sacrifice,” Gospel Library.

Exodus 40:12–14 refers to ancient ordinances that are also administered in our day in the house of the Lord. Here are some additional verses that can help you learn about how these ordinances testify of Jesus Christ:

• Washing: Psalm 51:2; Ezekiel 36:25–27

• Clothing in holy garments: Isaiah 61:10; Matthew 22:11–14; Revelation 19:7–8

• Anointing: Luke 4:18–19; Acts 10:38

Much of the book of Leviticus may seem strange to us—animal sacrifices, rituals involving blood and water, and laws governing small details of life. But these rituals and laws were meant to teach principles that are familiar—repentance, holiness, and the Savior’s Atonement. To find these principles as you read Leviticus 1:1–9; 4; 16, consider questions like these:

• What words or phrases do I find that remind me of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice?

• What do I learn from these sacrifices about the Savior’s sacrifice?

• How am I like the people who made these sacrifices?

The Lord doesn’t require animal sacrifices anymore. But sacrifice is still an important principle of the gospel. To learn about the kinds of sacrifice the Lord does require, study 3 Nephi 9:19–20; Doctrine and Covenants 64:34. How are you offering these kinds of sacrifices? What does Moses 5:7 teach you about how you should view your sacrifices?

See also “Thoughts to Keep in Mind: The Tabernacle and Sacrifice.”

• At the end of this outline is a picture of the Israelites’ wilderness tabernacle. You might want to look at it with your children and ask them what materials would have been needed to build the tabernacle. Then you could read together Exodus 35:20–29 to find out how these materials were provided. How has the Lord invited us to contribute to building His kingdom?

• Consider reading with them Exodus 36:1 to find out what the Lord gave Bezaleel and Aholiab to help build the tabernacle. You could then talk with your children about what you feel the Lord has given them to help build His kingdom. How can we use these things to bless others?

• Exodus 40:17–34 lists things that were part of the Israelites’ tabernacle. Maybe you and your children could find them in these verses and in the picture of the tabernacle at the end of this outline. Talk about how each part of the tabernacle could teach about the Savior or Heavenly Father. For example, the ark of testimony could remind us of God’s commandments, the altar could remind us of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and so on.

• What holy places do we have today that help us feel closer to Jesus Christ? As part of this conversation, you could watch together the video “Temples” (Gospel Library). You could also sing a song like “Holy Places” (Gospel Library). Share with each other how you feel about sacred places like the temple.