Jesus: A Better Priest, Covenant, and Sacrifice

Jesus: A Better Priest, Covenant, and Sacrifice

You must respond to at least 2 of the following questions. Consider these questions with the information in your textbooks in mind, but feel free to use other sources as needed to add to the conversation.

Question/Prompt: 1. In what sense was the Law a “shadow” (10:1)? What are the “good things to come” in 10:1? Explain the benefit of animal sacrifices according to Hebrews 10:1–18. Contrast the sacrifice of Jesus to the animal sacrifices of the Temple. How is the sacrifice of Christ superior to animal sacrifices? How is Jesus’ high priestly role different from the priests in the Temple? To what and to whom does Hebrews 10:14 refer? How can Christians today relate this information to their lives?

2. List and define the 2 weaknesses of the old Levitical system as mentioned in Hebrews 9:6–10. List and define how Jesus as priest and sacrifice is described as superior in 9:11–15. Compare and contrast the 2 systems. How is Jesus superior to the old system? What does Jesus accomplish that cannot be accomplished within the limitations of the old system? What does it mean that a Christian can have his conscience purified from dead works? What are “dead works”? What is a “mediator” and how does this role fit in the concept of covenant? What impact should this material have on Christian life today?

3. Contrast the priesthood of Jesus with that of the priests under the old covenant as shown in Hebrews 8:1–13. In what sense is the worship of the old covenant a shadow or copy of the heavenly sanctuary? What are the differences between the ministry obtained by Christ and the ministry of earthly priests? What does the heavenly priesthood of Jesus provide that the old priesthood could not? In what sense is the old covenant becoming obsolete? How would you relate this material to Christian life today?