We are halfway through our Hebrews reading! In Ch. 7, the author began by connecting Jesus to the priestly order of Melchizedek. He is our Great High Priest, surpassing and fulling the Old Testament priestly roles through his one perfect sacrifice. The author wraps up his comparison in 10:18 and transitions to addressing the listeners. The effects of Christ’s sacrifice are astronomical and affect the way we hold relationship with God today.
Read Psalm 40, then read Heb 10:1-10. Why does the author quote Psalm 40 in his argument? What is the point he is making by quoting this old testament verse?
Read Heb. 10:19-22 carefully and consider the importance of these verses. The author has spent 9 chapters drawing readers into the crucial reality of Christ’s sacrifice. The word “therefore” signals a shift to address the readers. In other words, “Because of Christ, this is why we can approach God with confidence!” Reflect on the importance of these words and consider how people within the Old Testament may have longed for this type of freedom and close connection with God.
Notice the five practices believers can exercise outlined in Heb. 10:19-39. Read the following verses to determine the practices: Heb. 10:22, 10:23, 10:24, 10:25, 10:26-35.
