Date: May 12, 2024
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 9:15-28

Facilitator Questions:
Themes:  Sin and death, covenants and wills, Jesus is superior
 
Start thinking:  Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• Reread verse 22. What is the main principle? Why does God require blood sacrifice for sin?
• Remember, Jews who were the main audience for this letter had practiced animal sacrifices to atone for sin for thousands of years. What would it be like to live in a culture where life revolved around constant reminders of sin and death and where everyone was obligated to bring animals to be sacrificed?
• How does that environment compare or contrast with our culture? What are the prevailing ideas and attitudes about sin and death today? What are we missing?
• In verses 15-18, the author treats the words “covenant” and “will” as synonymous. How did the death of animals or of Jesus make the old and new covenants enforceable? What is important to know here?
• According to verses 23-26, the old covenant focused on worship and sacrifice at the tabernacle, while the new covenant focuses on worship and sacrifice in heaven. How does this add to the ongoing theme that Jesus is supreme, sufficient and superior?

Start sharing:  Choose a question to create openness.

• What are your take-aways from the conversation we have been having? How does this passage impact you personally?
• Reread verses 27-28. How confident, joyful, fearful or anxious are you about knowing you will die unless Jesus returns during your lifetime?
• How much or how little does your life center on waiting for Jesus to return? How would you live differently if you knew He would come back this week or this year?

Start praying:  Be bold and pray with power.

• Praise and thank God for His amazing plan to redeem humanity from sin and death and bring us into right relationship with Him.
• Pray for a heart to truly, deeply worship God and hate sin.
• Pray that your life will constantly reflect the truth that Jesus died for your sin and you live in His resurrection power.
• Pray that Jesus’ name will be proclaimed and glorified in our church and our community.

Start doing:  Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Choose one or more verses from this week’s passage, memorize it, and repeat it every day.
• Take communion in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice, and thank Him for it being the perfect, ultimate, necessary one to redeem us from sin and death.