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 is your favorite super hero story, romantic story, thriller story, etc. and Why?
• If you are honest, In what area(s) of your life are you looking for a MESSIAH or trying to be a MESSIAH? Why?

Pray

Lord, by faith we pary You help us to believe and live out that You are THE MESSIAH. Help us to Consider You and Consider how all of humanity and creation are declaring and crying out for a Messiah. May we surrender ourlselves to You and in turn call others to Consider Jesus THE MESSIAH.

Study Questions

"THE MESSIAH”

The book of Hebrews was written to exhort believers and specifically Israelites to consider Jesus in the face of their culture. Some believers were 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 in their life now.

Humanity throughout history looks for MESSIAH'S. We look for someone to come and save us, or we look to ourlselves to be a savior. Like the super heros, romance movies, dramas, and thrillers of our day, the naratiives of the Bible stories and our deepest longings continue to ring out. We are looking for THE MESSIAH. From Genesis to Revelation, God promised HE would send the THE MESSIAH. The questions are: What kind of MESSIAH am I looking for and expecting? Has THE MESSIAH already come? Is THE MESSIAH coming again?

READ: Hebrews 9:1-28, Matthew 5:17-19, Luke 24:44-47

1. The author is trying to get his readers and hearers to understand the old covenant, tabernacle, and practices of worship as they Consider Jesus as THE MESSIAH. Discuss the purpose of the old covenant and why was it inadequate.
2. In 9:11-14, we see the difference between Jesus’ sacrifice as THE MESSIAH versus every other sacrifice that came before Him or that we try to make. Why is it vital for us to remeber this to continue to Consider Jesus as THE MESSIAH?
3. What kinds of things mess with your “conscience” making you feel guilt, shame, and regret and/or or pride, arrogance, and greatness?
4. What are some things that you “do” that sometimes make you feel MORE justified and loved by God? LESS? How can that be dangerous?
5. In 9:15-22, have you ever struggled and/or do you struggle with believing that God can and does forgive you? Why? How would you say that you “rely” and “depend upon” the blood of Jesus as THE MESSIAH?
6. In 9:23-28, in what ways is the Hebrew writer again stressing that the sacrifice of Christ is better than anything and anyone else that can be offered?
7. Jesus purifies our consciences from dead work to serve the living God (v14).
   1. What kinds of things mess with your “conscience” making you feel guilt, shame, and regret and/or or pride, arrogance, and greatness?
   2. What guilt, shame or regret do you need to give to Jesus?
   3. How do you want God to cleanse your conscience to serve him?
   4. When we Consider Jesus as THE MESSIAH how can that help transform our conscience?
8. Why do you think we still try to deal with our consciences guilt and shame by rituals, self-help, trying harder, or forgetting? Instead of trusting THE MESSIAH, Jesus, and His body the church?
9. The author if Hebrews talks about a “will.” How is a will completed? How is that significant for us in Considering Jesus THE MESSIAH?