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 alsotranslated 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?
New Testament Reading Plan Week 11: Hebrews 7–11
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?