Exodus 35:1-29 repeats much of what Yahweh had already told Moses in chapters 25 through 30, but with a key difference: the verbs shift from command to accomplishment. Pastor Bobby Lugo walks through the two preliminary commands given before construction begins, the Sabbath and the call for materials, and then through the list of those who actually brought what they had.

The sermon dwells on the phrase "whoever is of a willing heart." God is not imposing a tax on Israel or laying a heavy yoke on them; He draws His people by kindness and leaves the amount to their own judgment. The congregation goes out from Moses' presence, and those whose hearts were stirred come back at once with gold, yarn, acacia wood, spun goat's hair, onyx stones and spices. The background is the golden calf, so this giving is the fruit of mercy received and restoration granted.

From there the sermon asks whether the Sabbath, a sign carrying the death penalty, is the greatest commandment, and turns to Matthew 22 where Jesus answers with Deuteronomy 6. The Ten Commandments are traced out as loving God and loving neighbor, with the closing point that neither is possible without a renewed heart, which comes through the gospel.

In this sermon

• Exodus 35 repeats chapters 25 through 30, but the verbs change from command to past tense
• Two preliminary commands come before construction: the Sabbath and the materials
• Chapter 31 gave the Sabbath as a sign that Yahweh is the one who makes Israel holy
• Israel is not to set aside one sign of holiness in order to erect another
• The new prohibition on kindling a fire keeps them from an early start on the work, and calls for trust
• The contribution is voluntary: a king who does not burden his subjects with taxes
• Paul's teaching that God loves a cheerful giver, and that giving is measured by what a person has
• Those whose hearts were stirred came and brought immediately, after the golden calf and the second set of tablets
• Men, women skilled at spinning, and the rulers each gave out of what they had
• Matthew Henry on the wealth plundered from Egypt being devoted back to God
• Jesus in Matthew 22 answers from Deuteronomy 6, and the first four commandments show love for God, the last six love for neighbor
• The ability to love God and neighbor comes from a renewed heart, and renewal comes through the gospel of Romans 1:16-17
• Assurance rests on the promise of Genesis 3:15, fulfilled in the one who has come

Chapters
0:00 Welcome and where we are in Exodus
2:19 Reading Exodus 35:1-29
6:03 Prayer before the sermon
7:14 The Sabbath command from chapter 31
10:34 No fire kindled on the Sabbath
12:10 A contribution from a willing heart
14:51 God loves a cheerful giver
17:03 The people go home and return with gifts
20:26 The golden calf and godly sorrow
23:44 Men, women and rulers all contribute
28:33 Is the Sabbath the greatest commandment
29:36 Jesus answers the lawyer in Matthew 22
35:26 A renewed heart through the gospel
40:32 Assurance in Christ and closing prayer

Scripture: Exodus 35:1-29 · Exodus 31:12-17 · Exodus 25 · 2 Corinthians · Matthew 22:34-40 · Deuteronomy 6:5 · John 3 · Romans 1:16-17 · Genesis 3:15

About Mercy and Grace Church
Mercy and Grace is an expository preaching church in National City, California, committed to preaching Christ, and him crucified, by Scripture alone, to the glory of God alone. Each week Pastor Bobby Lugo and our teaching elders walk verse by verse through God's Word.

Join us in person — Sundays at 12:00 PM, 1200 E. 8th Street, National City, CA 91950.
Website: mercyandgracechurch.com
Email: ncmercyandgrace@gmail.com