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Hebrews: Consider Jesus

We tend to consider ourselves and how worthless we are or how awesome we are. In the book of Hebrews, God wants us to consider who we really are, consider what life is really about, and most importantly Consider Jesus. Join us, as we encourage one another through the book of Hebrews, to Consider Jesus. #hebrews #2021

Starter

What do you like to do to REST?
What issues or circumstances cause you to react with a HARDENED HEART?... a softened heart? Why?
- (A hard heart can express itself in apathy or anger. A soft heart should express itself in truth, grace, and humility: John 1:17)

Pray

Lord help us consider You in all areas of our lives. We ask You to allow our time together help us see and heal our HARDENED HEARTS and teach us how to REST in You.

Study Questions

"Hardened Hearts...Rest"

The book of Hebrews was written to exhort believers and specifically Israelites to consider Jesus in the face of their culture. Some believers were considering turning back to practicing the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, that Jesus fulfilled, so they could escape being persecuted. As the writer walks the hearers and readers through much of the Old Testament ideas and systems, his desire is to clearly show them how to consider Jesus.

God has had the author of Hebrews tell us to keep our attention on Jesus so we do not drift. Then He says to keep trusting Jesus. Now, God tells us to be sure to not HARDEN our HEARTS and in turn lack REST in Him.

READ: Hebrews 3:1-4:16

The Israelites tended to elevate and focus on Abraham, Moses, and David based on the covenants God made though those individuals that God Himself said He would fulfill. Yet, the people of God continued to HARDER their HEARTS towards God message, covenants, and leaders, twisting the terms of the covenants and commands for what they thought would bring them REST in this life.

1. The author of Hebrews refers to them as "holy brothers and companions in a holy calling". Yet, He is telling them to "consider Jesus" (3:1). How can having a clear understanding our identity in Jesus and our heavenly calling help us keep from HARDENING our HEARTS, find REST, and keep considering Jesus?
1. How can our response to the reality of a world of "broken down spirits and hard labor" (Exodus 6:9-13)...
- ...lead us to HARDEN our HEARTS, and refuse to REST in Jesus?
- ...lead us to soften our hearts and find REST in Jesus?
3. What are some of the ways people, like these Hebrews, twist the terms of the covenants and commands of God today because of a HARD HEART and lack of REST in Jesus?

READ: John 5:46-47, John 13:34-38, Mark 8:34-38

1. Jesus tells the Hebrews of His day that He is the fulfillment of everything in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18:15, Acts 3:22, 7:37), especially Moses' words. Jesus then gives them a new commandment, like the old one (love God, love people), except He points to Himself as the new consideration. According to these passages, what will be some of the marks of someone who considers Jesus, does not HARDEN their HEART, and RESTS in Him?
1. What does Jesus honestly tell us to expect in the new commandment/covenant? How is this message twisted today and what does it do to our HEARTS and REST?
1. If you know, discuss what biblical REST looked like in the old testament? What are some critical foundational beliefs we must have and practice if we are to find REST in Jesus and wait for our future land of promise under the new covenant?