Hebrews 10:1-18 – Old vs. New

Read Hebrews 10:1-18

It’s a big deal that Jesus is our High Priest. The preacher has kept with this topic for several chapters so that we would understand how Jesus has changed everything. While Jesus’ role ushers in the new covenant, he clarified that he wasn’t doing away with the old laws but simply bringing them up to date, given his role in our lives. But Jesus did cancel the old covenant promise, replacing it with a better promise.

In fact, the Holy Spirit declares here the message we heard a few verses ago. “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” We don’t have to worry about what laws God wants us to pay attention to because he will put them into our hearts and minds. We won’t be able to miss them, and hopefully we’ll be more obedient. Continue reading “Hebrews 10:1-18 – Old vs. New”

Hebrews 9:1-28 – How it Works

Read Hebrews 9:1-28

The sermon continues with great discussion about worship, the differences between the old and new covenant practices, and we can see behind the curtain of how it all works. I’m not sure how the preacher/author got all this information, but I have to believe it was divinely provided so that we would understand how Jesus’ sacrifice changes everything.

The preacher would know that his audience would struggle and benefit greatly from an encounter with God. Speaking of how God is more attainable now that the great chasm of sin and separateness has been filled by our relationship with Jesus Christ. Continue reading “Hebrews 9:1-28 – How it Works”

Hebrews 8:1-13 – Jesus is Our High Priest

Read Hebrews 8:1-13

Now we are returning to our main point. How fortunate we are to have a High Priest who sits on the throne of God, offering us better promises than ever before. There is nothing wrong with all the High Priests who have gone before. They are simply limited to what they can offer. How do we respond to that? Take some time to reflect on that.

All that is said about Jesus’ identity as High Priest and the new covenant can only serve to comfort us with hopeful expectation. Our response should be to remain faithful, unlike those given the old covenant. They turned their back on God, despite God’s grand provision for them. In turn, God turned his back on them. Continue reading “Hebrews 8:1-13 – Jesus is Our High Priest”

Hebrews 7:1-28 – Who is Melchizedek?

Read Hebrews 7:1-28

It’s like the author knew we’d be asking the question, wondering who this Melchizedek character was. We don’t know a lot about him, but the author seems to have made some assumptions based on other Biblical texts in Genesis and Psalms. My favorite description is to think of Melchizedek as a king of justice and peace.

Melchizedek was not a descendant of Aaron, like all the other High Priests appointed by God. But neither was Jesus, and yet Jesus became the “perfect” High Priest. Even with this explanation, Melchizedek’s identity is still obscure. It makes me want to know more about Melchizedek’s back story. Continue reading “Hebrews 7:1-28 – Who is Melchizedek?”

Hebrews 5:1-6:20 – Ready for Solid Food?

Read Hebrews 5:1-6:20

I don’t want to rush past the discussion about Jesus as our High Priest. There are some critical messages for us to be thankful for. Jesus was chosen to be the perfect High Priest. Humans in the role of High Priest up to Jesus had always been sinful themselves. Not only were they responsible for the sins of others, but they also had their own to deal with.

Jesus was sinless, already crying out for those around him as he walked the earth. Yet he was made perfect because he could understand those sins have been tempted by them. The author says, “Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.” Jesus’ afflictions did display his obedience brilliantly. What a great role model for us to follow. Continue reading “Hebrews 5:1-6:20 – Ready for Solid Food?”

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