Who is God?

God does not tolerate idolatry, but he does relent from destroying his people (Exo.32). He relents when (1) one interceded between God and man, (2) his glory is at stake, and (3) he recalls his covenant (Exo.32.11-14). God's glory is in raising the dead to life, spiritually and physically (John 11). His glory is in the view of those who believe (John 11.40).

Who is man?

Men quickly leave the one true God, turn to idols, and think nothing of it (Exo.32.1-6). When interrogated, though, men are capable of coming up with incredible excuses (Exo.32.24; cf. 32.4). Men have earth-bound sight apart from God's gracious revelation (John 11.12,21ff,32).

Where is the Gospel?

God's wrath toward sinful man is entirely appropriate, but his wrath is diverted through covenant, intercession, and the supreme value of his glory (Exo.32). Jesus brings the new and better covenant, he intercedes for us, and he glorifies the Father through his death and resurrection - he drank the cup of God's wrath for us! "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'” (John 11.25-26)