The Rebuild Begins Outline

Ezra 3 NLT

In early autumn, when the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled in Jerusalem with a unified purpose. Then Jeshua son of Jehozadak joined his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel with his family in rebuilding the altar of the God of Israel. They wanted to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, as instructed in the Law of Moses, the man of God. Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the altar at its old site. Then they began to sacrifice burnt offerings on the altar to the Lord each morning and evening. They celebrated the Festival of Shelters as prescribed in the Law, sacrificing the number of burnt offerings specified for each day of the festival. They also offered the regular burnt offerings and the offerings required for the new moon celebrations and the annual festivals as prescribed by the Lord. The people also gave voluntary offerings to the Lord. Fifteen days before the Festival of Shelters began, the priests had begun to sacrifice burnt offerings to the Lord. This was even before they had started to lay the foundation of the Lord’s Temple. Then the people hired masons and carpenters and bought cedar logs from the people of Tyre and Sidon, paying them with food, wine, and olive oil. The logs were brought down from the Lebanon mountains and floated along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Joppa, for King Cyrus had given permission for this. The construction of the Temple of God began in midspring, during the second year after they arrived in Jerusalem. The work force was made up of everyone who had returned from exile, including Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jehozadak and his fellow priests, and all the Levites. The Levites who were twenty years old or older were put in charge of rebuilding the Lord’s Temple. The workers at the Temple of God were supervised by Jeshua with his sons and relatives, and Kadmiel and his sons, all descendants of Hodaviah. They were helped in this task by the Levites of the family of Henadad. When the builders completed the foundation of the Lord’s Temple, the priests put on their robes and took their places to blow their trumpets. And the Levites, descendants of Asaph, clashed their cymbals to praise the Lord, just as King David had prescribed. With praise and thanks, they sang this song to the Lord: “He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!” Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s Temple had been laid. But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The others, however, were shouting for joy. The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance.

Building on the Foundations of Faith

Bible Passage: Ezra 3

Summary: Ezra 3 recounts the initial steps taken by the returned exiles in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of laying a strong foundation for their worship and community life.

Application: This passage serves as a reminder that both individuals and congregations must establish strong spiritual foundations based on faith and obedience to God. As we face challenges today, we can reflect on what our personal and communal foundations are built upon, fostering a sense of purpose and resilience in our Christian walk.

Teaching: This sermon can teach about the necessity of starting any major undertaking, especially in our spiritual lives, with the right foundations—namely, a commitment to prayer, worship, and unity among believers. It highlights the importance of collective effort in achieving communal goals.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the rebuilding of the temple, we see foreshadowing of Christ as the ultimate cornerstone in our faith, fulfilling and surpassing the Old Testament structures with His body as the true temple. This points to the need for every believer to be built into His church, establishing Him as the foundation of our lives.

Big Idea: Every step we take in rebuilding our lives and community must begin with Jesus as our firm foundation, ensuring that our faith is resilient against the challenges we face.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Ezra's return to Jerusalem and the challenges faced in rebuilding the temple. Utilize Logos to examine commentaries that discuss the significance of the altar in verse 2 and the communal worship practices that were re-established. Additionally, look into any textual variations in translations that might affect the understanding of the foundational themes.

1. Commune to Construct Foundations

Ezra 3:1-3

Perhaps you could discuss how the unity and collective effort of the people gathering as one to rebuild the altar symbolizes the importance of community in the foundation of our faith. Highlight how their fear did not deter them but rather drove them to seek God's presence. Stress the need for our communal foundations to rest on Christ, helping us stand firm in adversity.

2. Commitment through Celebration

Ezra 3:4-6

You could emphasize the significance of the exiles observing the Feast of Booths and offering sacrifices, showing their dedication to God's commandments despite their precarious circumstances. Use this as an analogy for modern believers to prioritize spiritual disciplines, using them as a ‘foundation’ upon which daily Christian life should be built. Connect these acts to Christ's sacrifice and how they point to Him as our ultimate foundation.

3. Coordinate and Contribute

Ezra 3:7-9

Maybe explore how the provision of resources and labor outlines the necessity of proper planning and deliberate action in laying foundations for any endeavor. This section can suggest that we must actively build and maintain our spiritual foundations, knowing that Christ provides all we need to succeed. Encourage congregants to contribute their gifts to further God's work, much like the builders of the temple.

4. Celebrate the Cornerstone

Ezra 3:10-13

Highlight the powerful response of the people in praising the Lord as the foundation of the temple was laid, juxtaposing the joy and weeping. Suggest that this illustrates the mixed emotions that accompany change and growth in faith. Encourage believers to express joy in Christ even amidst uncertainty, recognizing Him as the cornerstone of their lives. This reflects the importance of worship in solidifying our faith foundations.

As you navigate public life, you may encounter situations that challenge your values, like witnessing injustice or dishonesty. Reflect on the idea of having a firm foundation; your faith can guide your actions. When confronted with ethical dilemmas, pause and pray for strength and wisdom. Take a stand for what is right by advocating for the oppressed or volunteering in community service projects. This will not only reinforce your values but also serve as a witness to others about the importance of a strong moral foundation.

How does the passage reflect God’s faithfulness to His people despite their fears and challenges?

In what ways does Ezra 3 illustrate the significance of sacrificial worship in establishing a strong foundation of faith?

What lessons can we draw from the mixed responses of joy and sorrow in the people regarding the new temple's foundation?

In what ways can you share your story of faith with others to help them understand the necessity of a strong foundation?