Jesus’ high priesthood supersedes any other high priesthood, making His new promises greater than any other covenant before.
Hebrews 7:26-8:13
SERMON OUTLINE
“But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.” (Hebrews 8:6)
Who Is Jesus? (Hebrews 7:26-28)
- Jesus is the High Priest who meets our needs (7:26a)
- He is holy, blameless, and exalted (7:26b)
- He is the once-for-all sacrifice for sin (7:27)
- He is perfect forever (7:28)
What Has Jesus Done? (Hebrews 8:1-13)
- He has entered into the heavenly tabernacle as the high priest (8:1-5)
- He is the mediator of a new covenant (8:6-7)
- What happens with the new covenant (8:8-12):
- God’s instruction will be embedded in our hearts and minds (8:10)
- All people will be able to know God themselves (8:11)
- Forgiveness of sins is available (8:12)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When did you first realize that God was a Being you could actually know? What happened and how have you grown in knowing God over the years?
- As we continue our series “The Final Word: Knowing Christ through Hebrews,” this week we turn to Hebrews 7:26-8:13. Begin your study by praying that God would speak to you through His Word. Then, whether you’re alone or with a group, read that passage aloud.
- According to Hebrews 7:26-28 how does Jesus contrast with the other high priests outlined in the Hebrew laws and covenants?
- With 8:1-2 the author highlights the “main point” that he wants to say. What is it?
- In verses 3-5 looks at Jesus in comparison to the Levitical priests who offered sacrifices in the tabernacle or temple. What are the similarities and differences between them according to these verses?
- Based on the illustration from Exodus 25:40, the theme of a heavenly reality of which the earthly things are just a “copy and shadow” (8:5) continues throughout Hebrews. Read Hebrews 10:1 and Colossians 2:17, and then reflect on what we are learning about spiritual realities here.
- Beginning in verse 6, the author turns from talking about Jesus as the high priest to Jesus as the bringer of a new covenant. What do verses 6-8a tell us about how the new covenant in Jesus relates to the older covenant?
- Verses 8b-12 are an extended quotation from Jeremiah 31:31-34 about the new covenant. What is the substance of this new covenant, mentioned by Jeremiah and fulfilled in Jesus Christ?
- Have you experienced the fullness of God’s blessing through Christ in this new covenant? If so, what are you most thankful for about this blessing? If not, what would hold you back from reaching out to God for His blessing today?
- The final verse of the chapter, 8:13, emphasizes that Jesus has brought something new that makes the previous covenants old or “obsolete.” Why is this significant?
- Return to Hebrews 1:1-4 and reflect on these verses in light of what we have just studied in Hebrews 7:26-8:13. What stands out to you about these verses now in light of our recent study?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study of Hebrews 7:26-8:13? If you are on your own, write that down. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers with one another. Close in prayer. Choose one person in your life with whom you will share something you learned through this study.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Hebrews 7:26-28 or 8:1-2 this week
- Based on the promises of a new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34 quoted in Hebrews 8:8-12 write ten things you are thankful to God for in your life; if you are willing, share this with someone this week
- Watch this video from The Bible Project on covenants to better understand this theme in the Bible.