◄ Hebrews 8 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary Christ’s Eternal Priesthood Hebrews 8 presents a profound message of transformation, hope, and renewal. Jesus, as our High Priest in heaven, mediates a New Covenant that surpasses the old, promising not only a deeper personal relationship with God but also a transformative power that comes from the laws of God written in our hearts. In the face of this, we are challenged to embrace this New Covenant, knowing that through it, we are brought into a better promise, a superior hope, and a more intimate knowledge of God. Section 1: Jesus, the High Priest in Heaven (verses 1-2) The chapter begins by presenting Jesus as a High Priest seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly sanctuary, not made by human hands. His ministry surpasses those of the priests on earth. Section 2: The Superior Ministry of Jesus (verses 3-5) Jesus is described as offering superior gifts and sacrifices in the heavenly sanctuary, which serves as the perfect model that the earthly tabernacle merely copies. The earthly priests serve in a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of the heavenly one. Section 3: The New Covenant (verses 6-13) The author introduces the New Covenant, explaining that Jesus has obtained a superior ministry. The old covenant had faults, and the promise of a New Covenant as foretold by Jeremiah signifies its obsolescence. The New Covenant promises internal transformation and personal knowledge of God for all, from the least to the greatest. The chapter ends by confirming that the Old Covenant is now obsolete. Hebrews 8 continues the discourse on the high priestly ministry of Jesus Christ, introducing the concept of the New Covenant as superior to the Old Covenant. The chapter encapsulates the major shift from the Old Covenant, emphasizing the transcendent high priesthood of Jesus and the promise of a renewed relationship between God and His people. Teaching Points The Role of Jesus as High Priest Hebrews 8:1-2 emphasizes that Jesus is our High Priest, seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, serving in the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. A Superior Ministry Verse 6 states, But now Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises. The Limitations of the Old Covenant Verses 7-9 explain that if the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second. The fault was not with the covenant itself but with the people who could not uphold it. The Promise of a New Covenant Verses 10-12 quote Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises a new covenant, writing His laws on the hearts and minds of His people, offering forgiveness and a personal relationship with Him. The Obsolescence of the Old Covenant Verse 13 concludes that by calling this covenant new, He has made the first one obsolete, and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. Practical Applications Embrace the New Covenant Recognize and live in the reality of the New Covenant, understanding that it is based on grace and a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Internalize God's Laws Allow God's laws to be written on your heart and mind, guiding your daily actions and decisions. Seek Forgiveness and Transformation Regularly seek God's forgiveness and transformation, knowing that He remembers your sins no more. Cultivate a Personal Relationship with God Engage in prayer, worship, and study of the Word to deepen your relationship with God, who desires to be known personally by each of His children. People 1. Jesus Christ Jesus is the central figure in Hebrews 8, described as the High Priest who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven. This emphasizes His divine authority and His role in mediating the new covenant. The Greek term used for "High Priest" is "ἀρχιερεύς" (archiereus), highlighting His supreme priestly role. 2. The Lord The Lord is referenced in the context of establishing a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. This refers to God, who initiates and fulfills the promises of the new covenant. The term "Κύριος" (Kyrios) is used in Greek, signifying God's sovereignty and authority. Places 1. Heavenly Sanctuary The chapter discusses the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man (Hebrews 8:2). This refers to the heavenly place where Jesus serves as a high priest. The Greek term used here is "σκηνή" (skēnē), which means "tent" or "tabernacle," indicating a divine, spiritual realm rather than a physical location on earth. 2. Earthly Tabernacle While not directly mentioned in Hebrews 8, the earthly tabernacle is implied as a shadow of the heavenly one (Hebrews 8:5). This refers to the tabernacle used by the Israelites, which was a physical structure where priests performed sacrifices. The Greek word "ὑπόδειγμα" (hypodeigma) is used to describe it as a "copy" or "example." 3. Mount Sinai Although not explicitly named in Hebrews 8, the chapter alludes to the giving of the first covenant, which took place at Mount Sinai. This is where Moses received the law, which is contrasted with the new covenant mediated by Christ. Events 1. The High Priest's Ministry in Heaven The chapter begins by summarizing the main point: "We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven" (Hebrews 8:1). The Greek term for "high priest" is "ἀρχιερεύς" (archiereus), emphasizing Jesus' supreme role in the heavenly sanctuary. 2. A Minister in the True Tabernacle Jesus is described as "a minister in the sanctuary and the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man" (Hebrews 8:2). The Greek word for "minister" is "λειτουργός" (leitourgos), indicating a public servant or one who performs religious duties. 3. Earthly Priests and Their Offerings The text explains that "every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices" (Hebrews 8:3). This highlights the necessity of Jesus having something to offer, contrasting His heavenly ministry with the earthly priests. 4. A More Excellent Ministry Jesus' ministry is described as "more excellent" because He is the mediator of a "better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises" (Hebrews 8:6). The Greek word for "mediator" is "μεσίτης" (mesitēs), indicating one who intervenes between two parties. 5. The Fault of the First Covenant The chapter notes that "if that first covenant had been without fault, no place would have been sought for a second" (Hebrews 8:7). This implies the need for a new covenant due to the inadequacies of the old one. 6. The Promise of a New Covenant Quoting Jeremiah, the author writes, "The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah" (Hebrews 8:8). The Greek term for "covenant" is "διαθήκη" (diathēkē), which can mean a testament or agreement. 7. The Nature of the New Covenant The new covenant is described as being different from the one made with the ancestors: "I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts" (Hebrews 8:10). This internalization of the law signifies a transformative relationship with God. 8. Forgiveness of Sins The new covenant includes the promise: "For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12). The Greek word for "forgive" is "ἵλεως" (hileōs), indicating a gracious pardon. 9. The Obsolescence of the Old Covenant The chapter concludes by stating, "By speaking of a new covenant, He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear" (Hebrews 8:13). This signifies the transition from the old covenant to the new, emphasizing its fulfillment in Christ. Connections to Additional Scriptures Jeremiah 31:31-34 The prophecy of the New Covenant, which Hebrews 8 references. 2 Corinthians 3:6 Paul speaks of being ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. Matthew 26:28 Jesus refers to His blood as the blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Romans 8:3-4 Discusses the law's inability to save and how God sent His Son to fulfill the law's requirements. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for the New Covenant Thank God for the New Covenant and the grace it brings through Jesus Christ. Guidance to Internalize God's Laws Pray for the Holy Spirit's help in writing God's laws on your heart and mind. Forgiveness and Renewal Ask for forgiveness for past sins and for the strength to live a transformed life. Deeper Relationship with God Seek a deeper, more personal relationship with God, growing in knowledge and love for Him. As we reflect on Hebrews 8, may we be encouraged by the superior promises of the New Covenant and the intimate relationship we can have with God through Jesus Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hebrews 8 emphasize the superiority of Jesus' ministry over the earthly priests? 2. How do the roles and responsibilities of Jesus as a High Priest differ from those of the high priests of the Old Covenant? 3. How do the concepts of the earthly sanctuary and the heavenly sanctuary contrast in this chapter? 4. In verses 6-13, the New Covenant is introduced. How does the New Covenant improve upon the Old Covenant? 5. What does it mean when it says the New Covenant will write God's laws on people's minds and hearts? 6. How is the obsolescence of the Old Covenant demonstrated in your own life? 7. How does understanding the New Covenant impact your personal relationship with God? 8. What aspects of the Old Covenant are identified as faults or shortcomings in Hebrews 8? 9. What does the phrase "they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest" mean in the context of the New Covenant? 10. How can the promise of the New Covenant encourage you in your current life circumstances? 11. How does the concept of the New Covenant change our understanding of sin and forgiveness? 12. What implications does the heavenly priesthood of Jesus have on your understanding of intercession and mediation? 13. How does the notion of a "better covenant" shape your understanding of God's plan for humanity? 14. How would the knowledge of Jesus being our High Priest in heaven affect your daily life decisions? 15. In what ways can you see the transformative power of the New Covenant at work in your life or in the lives of others? 16. How can the principles of the New Covenant be applied to modern-day societal issues? 17. How can understanding the New Covenant influence your interactions with others? 18. If the New Covenant involves God's laws being written in our hearts and minds, what does that mean for our personal accountability to God? 19. How can the promise of everyone knowing God in the New Covenant inspire you to share your faith with others? 20. What steps can you take to live more fully in the reality of the New Covenant? Topics 1. The High Priest of a New Covenant Hebrews 8 begins by emphasizing the role of Jesus as the High Priest of a new covenant. The text states, "We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven" (Hebrews 8:1). The Greek term for "high priest" (ἀρχιερεύς, archiereus) underscores Jesus' supreme and eternal priesthood, contrasting with the temporary and imperfect priesthood of the Old Covenant. 2. A Heavenly Ministry The chapter highlights that Jesus serves in a "sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man" (Hebrews 8:2). This points to the heavenly nature of Christ's ministry, as opposed to the earthly tabernacle used by the Levitical priests. The Greek word for "sanctuary" (ἅγιον, hagion) signifies a holy place, emphasizing the divine origin and perfection of Jesus' ministry. 3. The Insufficiency of the Old Covenant Hebrews 8:5 explains that the earthly priests "serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven." This suggests that the Old Covenant was a mere foreshadowing of the New Covenant. The Greek term for "shadow" (σκιᾷ, skia) indicates something that is not the reality itself but points to a greater truth fulfilled in Christ. 4. The Promise of a New Covenant The chapter quotes Jeremiah 31:31-34, emphasizing God's promise of a new covenant: "The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah" (Hebrews 8:8). The Greek word for "new" (καινός, kainos) implies something unprecedented and superior, highlighting the transformative nature of this covenant. 5. The Internalization of God's Laws In the new covenant, God declares, "I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts" (Hebrews 8:10). This signifies a shift from external adherence to internal transformation. The Hebrew root for "inscribe" (כָּתַב, kathab) in the original prophecy suggests a deep, permanent engraving, indicating the profound change in the believer's relationship with God. 6. The Forgiveness of Sins The new covenant promises, "For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12). This highlights the complete and final forgiveness offered through Christ's sacrifice. The Greek term for "forgive" (ἵλεως, hileōs) conveys the idea of mercy and pardon, underscoring the grace inherent in the new covenant. 7. The Obsolescence of the Old Covenant The chapter concludes by stating, "By calling this covenant 'new,' He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear" (Hebrews 8:13). The Greek word for "obsolete" (παλαιόω, palaioō) suggests something that is worn out and no longer effective, reinforcing the superiority and permanence of the new covenant established through Christ. Themes 1. The High Priesthood of Jesus Hebrews 8:1-2 emphasizes Jesus as the "high priest" who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven. This theme highlights the superiority and eternal nature of Christ's priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood. The Greek term "ἀρχιερεύς" (archiereus) underscores His role as the chief priest. 2. The Heavenly Sanctuary In Hebrews 8:2, the text refers to Jesus serving in the "true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man." This theme contrasts the earthly tabernacle with the heavenly one, emphasizing the divine origin and perfection of the heavenly sanctuary. 3. The New Covenant Hebrews 8:6-13 discusses the establishment of a "better covenant" with "better promises." This theme is central to the chapter, highlighting the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, which is founded on the work of Christ. The Greek word "διαθήκη" (diathēkē) is used for "covenant," indicating a binding agreement or testament. 4. The Obsolescence of the Old Covenant The chapter concludes with the idea that the old covenant is becoming obsolete and will soon disappear (Hebrews 8:13). This theme underscores the fulfillment and surpassing of the Mosaic Law by the new covenant through Christ. The Greek term "παλαιόω" (palaioō) is used to describe the process of becoming obsolete or aging. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions