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1. In Hebrews 7, the writer resumes discussion of Jesus as the Great High Priest introduced in Hebrews 2 and explains that a change in the priesthood necessitated a change in the law. No person could live up to the Levitical law’s high standard (vv. 11–22). How is Christ’s priesthood different from the Levitical priesthood (v. 17; see also Heb 9:28, 10:10)? If the Levitical law was weak (v. 18), why did God implement it at all (see Rom 3:10–20, 7:7–13)?

2. Hebrews 8:8–12 quotes Jeremiah 31:31–34 where God first hints at this change in the law. In it, he promises to make a new covenant where his law would be in people’s minds and written “on their hearts.” How is this new covenant dramatically different than the first? (see v. 11–12)

3. The earthly tabernacle serves as a reminder of how inaccessible God is apart from the death of Jesus. Once a year, the high priest entered the tabernacle with the blood of bulls and goats to atone for (cover) his sins and the sins of the people. What kinds of sins were temporarily covered (Heb 9:7)? Did this clear the worshipper’s conscience (v. 9)? In contrast, what will the blood of Christ do (Hebrews 9:13–14)?

4. Hebrews 10 explores what it means to be in the new covenant where the believer’s sins are paid for by Jesus’ sacrifice. This gives believers confidence to enter God’s presence—but what does it have to do with meeting together and encouraging one another (vv. 24– 25)? In other words, what will help Christians truly love and serve God and refrain from repeating past sins?

5. The Greek word translated “faith” in Hebrews 11 is also translated in the New Testament as “trust” and “confidence.” Verse 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” What is the most difficult thing God has called you to trust or have confidence in him for?

1. Hebrews 2:1 introduces a recurring theme of Hebrews: abandoning the faith. What verb is used to describe this abandoning, and what is the remedy (also given in v.1)? Think about your own experiences: Have you seen this happen to people you know and love? What can Christians do to take the warning of this verse seriously?

2. Hebrews 3 employs Moses as a type of Christ, as it does  other OT figures and objects (e.g., Melchizedek, the tabernacle/temple, the high priest, etc.). But how does the author compare Christ to Moses in vv. 1–6? What does this contribute to the author’s argument so far in Hebrews? (Think back to 1:1–4.)

3. Hebrews 4:14–16 introduces another type, the Great High Priest. What makes Jesus the greatest high priest (vv. 14–15, and continuing at 5:1), and what benefit does it provide believers (4:16)?

4. It has been said that 5:11–6:20 could be removed from Hebrews, and Hebrews would remain intact logically. The purpose of this section, then, is mainly rhetorical, a “kick [in the pants].” There are certainly interpretive challenges in this section (does it imply you can lose your faith? If so, what about verses like John 6:39, John 10:27–30, or Philippians 1:6?). However, if its primary purpose is rhetorical, what effect does it have? How does it motivate the original audience and us today? That is, if you think less about the potential theological dilemmas and more about responding wisely to these warnings, what is your response?

5. Although 5:11–6:12 is unsettling, 6:13ff ends on a note of hope. On what grounds do we place our confidence to continue in the faith? Circle, underline, or highlight the words that describe God’s character, purposes, and actions to save his people.