Date: April 28, 2024
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 8:1-13

Facilitator Questions:
Themes:  Old and New Covenants, Earthly and Heavenly Tabernacles
Start thinking:  Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• Verse 1 begins with the words, “Now the point of what we are saying is this.” What is the point of this passage?
• Verses 1-5 teach that the tent, or tabernacle, God directed Moses to build was a copy and shadow of the tent in heaven. What must the heavenly tabernacle be like, since the earthly one points to it?
• Verse 6 teaches that Jesus has a better ministry than the former priests and He mediates a better covenant, based on better promises. What do verses 8-12 tell us about why the New Covenant is better than the Old Covenant?
• What does the New Covenant have to do with the heavenly tabernacle? Why does the author of Hebrews connect them?

Start sharing:  Choose a question to create openness.

• Read verses 10-11. Explain what it means to you personally that God is your God.
• 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” What evidence can others see that Jesus is your High Priest who indwells the temple of your body and that He has put His law in your mind and heart?
• Read verse 12. What does it mean to you that God is merciful about your iniquities and chooses to forget your sin? Are there ways or times that you struggle to believe it? How do you deal with this struggle?
• Jesus raised the bar on forgiveness in the New Covenant, teaching that we must forgive others for God to forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). How serious are you about getting rid of unforgiveness in your heart? What do you do when it is hard to forgive someone?
• What does all this have to do with Jesus being your High Priest in the true, heavenly temple?

Start praying:  Be bold and pray with power.

• Thank Jesus for being our High Priest. Tell Him why He is so wonderful.
• Thank God for the Holy Spirit’s instruction and correction. Be specific in thanking Him for what He has taught you today.
• Confess and repent of any unbelief, unforgiveness, pride, self-righteousness or any other thing that corrupts your holiness.
• Pray for the Church to become the pure, mature Bride of Christ.

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

• Meditate prayerfully on Hebrews 8:8-12 and Jeremiah 31:31-34 (which is the Old Testament prophecy reference).
• Pray daily for these verses to be fulfilled in your life and in the whole Church.