Hebrews studies series

Hebrews 8:1-13

THE BETTER AGREEMENT

Hebrews Lesson #15 – A Complete Lesson

· What are some things that are definitely better than when you were a kid?

· What are some things that people say are better but really aren’t?

· If you could make one thing better in America than it is now, what would you make better?

· When God makes something better it is. Why?

· Although the Old Testament (covenant) is great, the New Testament is better. Why?

After looking at the “Picture-Perfect Priesthood” of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, we move on to see our Lord as the Minister of the “New Covenant” in Hebrews 8. The New Covenant is a better agreement because:

1. WE HAVE A BETTER PRIEST – Vs. 1

V After what order were the earthly priests in Israel? Of what order was Jesus as a priest?

V Why could Jesus not be of the Levitical priesthood?

V In Hebrews 7, what are some of the ways that the Order of Melchizedek is better than the Levitical priesthood?

V The words “this is the sum” mean “this is the main point”. The main point is that we have “such an high priest” as described in Hebrews 7.

V What is the main purpose of the high priest?

V How does Jesus’ current position enable him to fulfill the main purpose of the high priest?

V Why is Jesus sitting? Hebrews 1:3, Psalm 110:1

V When the members of the “Sanhedrin”, the Jews’ ruling body of 70 sat in judgment, there were two scribes or secretaries. The scribe which sat at the left hand was responsible for writing condemnations, but the scribe which sat at the right hand was responsible for writing acquittals. Just think, Jesus sits at the right hand of God. He is responsible for mercy, for acquittals. John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Hebrews (Chicago, Moody Press, 1983) p. 207

2. WE HAVE A BETTER PRIEST WHO MINISTERS IN A BETTER PLACE – Vs. 2

ü Every high priest has a place of ministry, a sanctuary. Where was the sanctuary of the Levitical high priest? Where is Jesus’ sanctuary?

ü If Jesus ministers in the “true sanctuary”, what does that tell you about the sanctuary where the Levitical priests ministered?

ü Who, then, is closer to God when He ministers?

ü How is it a comfort to you that Jesus ministers in the real sanctuary or tabernacle?

3. WE HAVE A BETTER PRIST WHO MINISTERS IN A BETTER PLACE WITH A BETTER PERFORMANCE – Vss. 3-6

v Vs. 3 – When a priest comes to God he brings an offering from the people. Sometimes it is a gift, sometimes it is a sacrifice.

v A sacrificial offering was a blood offering for sin. It was offered by the priest. Jesus offered for you the blood sacrifice for sin, once for all. His offering even takes care of the sins we commit after we are saved. 1 John 1:7, 9, 2:1-2

v The gift offering was a meal offering. It represented thanksgiving, commitment and self dedication. They were brought through a priest. Today we bring these offerings to God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:15

v Vss. 4-5 - Although Jesus is not qualified to serve in the earthly tabernacle, he is qualified to serve in the Heavenly tabernacle under the order of Melchizedek.

v In Vs. 5, how is the earthly priesthood and tabernacle a “shadow”?

v Vs. 6 – Jesus’ ministry is more excellent because it is permanent, in Heaven at God’s right hand, and because it is the performance of a better covenant.

v What does a mediator do?

v What is the basis of the Old Testament or covenant?

v What is the basis of the New Testament Covenant? Luke 22:20

4. WE HAVE A BETTER PRIEST WHO MINISTERS IN A BETTER PLACE WITH A BETTER PERFORMANCE OF A BETTER PROGRAM – Vss. 7-13

ê Vs. 7 - What was the fault of the Old Covenant that required a new one?

ê Vs. 8 - The passage being quoted here is Jeremiah 31:31-34. The passage refers to Israel and Judah and there will be a day when this new covenant will be true for them as a nation. Today it is true for us who know Jesus as Savior.

ê Vs. 9 – What made the Old Covenant “faulty”?

ê Vss. 10-12 - According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary, there are four ways that the New Covenant is superior.

1. “An inner inclination to obey God” - I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts:

2. “A firm relationship with God” - and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

3. “The Knowledge of God” - And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. (Note – You don’t need to teach a Christian to know God. He already does. You need to teach him to grow in that knowledge. 2 Peter 3:18)

4. “The Forgiveness of sins” - For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck, editors, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, (Wheaton, Illinois, Victor Books, 1983) p.800

ê Vs. 13 – When was the Old Covenant rendered unnecessary?

ê When did the old covenant cease to function?