Date: April 14, 2024
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 7:11-19

Facilitator Questions:
Themes:  Old and New Covenant Priesthoods
 Start thinking:  Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• Follow the logic of verses 11-14. What question does the author of Hebrews ask, and what conclusion can you draw?
• Since verse 11 tells us that perfection was not attainable through the Levitical priesthood and the law, what do you think God’s purposes were in establishing them?
• Reread verses 13-14. Why do you suppose Jesus came through the line of Judah rather than Levi and Aaron?
• Read verses 15-16. How was Melchizedek an example and foreshadow of Jesus’ priesthood?
• Read verses 18-19. In what sense was the former commandment of the law weak and useless? What is the better hope that enables us to draw near to God?
• Why does the author do this deep dive into the priesthoods of Aaron and Melchizedek?

Start sharing:  Choose a question to create openness.

• How relevant to you is Jesus’ role as our High Priest? How much or how little do you think of Him this way?
• The priest serves as the mediator between people and God. How do you personally experience Jesus bringing you to the Father and the Father to you?
• How familiar are you with the Old Testament? What impact does it have on your understanding of the New Testament?

Start praying: Be bold and pray with power.

• Thank God for His Word, which brings truth to the world, and for giving us ears to hear it.
• Thank God for His love and mercy in giving us the opportunity to draw near to Himself. Confess your need for Jesus to be your Savior and Redeemer, and thank Him for being our High Priest, who sacrificed Himself to make us acceptable to the Father.
• Pray to become an effective, loving witness of God’s grace.
• Pray for a powerful move of the Holy Spirit, so people in our community who don’t know Jesus will come alive in Him.

Start doing:  Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Prayerfully meditate on the concept that no one comes to God on their own and that He has reached out to us through Jesus.
• Find a way to have a conversation with someone about Jesus being our High Priest.
• Make a plan to incorporate Old Testament reading or study into your devotional time.