In 1 Kings 6-8, Solomon embarked on the project his father, David, had first envisioned: building a temple for God. It was no small task, yet Solomon set out to create a place for God to dwell with His people. Though the fullness of our omnipresent God cannot be contained by manmade structures, the temple represents a greater fulfillment: God would send His Son to live, die, and rise again so that God’s people would dwell in His presence forever.
What was the temple’s purpose? Why do we no longer need the temple today?
Solomon built the temple as a place for God’s people to worship and experience His presence—similar to the role the tabernacle had previously held for Israel. The temple was a reminder of God’s promise to never leave or forsake Israel and to remain faithful to His covenant promises. Because Solomon sought to honor the Lord as holy, he spent seven years thoughtfully and intricately designing the temple’s every detail.
Solomon dedicated the temple to the Lord and blessed Israel as they stood before it. He recalled God’s faithfulness in rescuing their ancestors from Egypt and then in establishing the throne of his father David. Solomon prayed to the Lord, esteeming Him as the gracious God who keeps His promises. Solomon recognized God’s glory and might, stating that He could not be contained by a man-made temple. Solomon asked the Lord to hear their prayers, forgive them, righteously judge them, and uphold their cause for His glory. Lastly, Solomon urged Israel to be devoted to God’s ways.
In Jesus, we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell among His people. Jesus came to earth to provide the way for God’s people to worship Him in Spirit and in truth wherever they are. Before Jesus’ ascension, He promised His followers that the Holy Spirit would come, giving them power to share the gospel and follow Jesus’ commands. Now, believers become living temples of God, indwelled by the Holy Spirit and being built up together into one house of worship. (1 Peter 2:5).
Lead boys and girls to see that Jesus has made the way for believers to dwell with God forever. Remind kids that Christians can worship God anywhere through His Spirit living in them and that one day, God’s people will worship Him face to face.
Listen to the Weekly Leader Training for Preschool & Kids
Every week, members of The Gospel Project for Kids team offer guidance to help you as you prepare to teach every session to preschoolers and kids.
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