HEBREWS

Chapter 5

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STUDY:

 When I first read this chapter, I didn't grasp the first four verses, that introduced the rest of the chapter.  Maybe you understood it right away- that's awesome!  For those who haven't read the first four chapters of Hebrews, I will remind you that the book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who honored Moses more than needed, and they still followed the Law of the Old Testament, although Jesus' death and resurrection created a new covenant.  Obedience to the Law was no longer necessary, as Jesus came to fulfill it.  It was hard for the Jews to make the change of their exaltation of Moses to Jesus.  The first four verses in this chapter describe that in the Old Testament, there were people chosen to be high priests.  High priests would offer sacrifices on behalf of the sinner.   It connects this high priest role with the role that Jesus took on when He came as flesh to the earth.  He offered up "prayers and supplications" as it mentions in verse 7, and then in verse 10, "being designated by God a high priest..." to "become the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him" (verse 9).  How awesome is this!  If you still haven't got it, let me explain.   So before Jesus were high priests who offered animal sacrifices for sin to make one right with God.  When Jesus came, HE became the "high priest" and instead of offering animal sacrifices for our sins, HE gave HIS life so that we might be right with God.  His death paid for sin once and for all- past, present and future, for "all who obey Him" (verse 9).  Isn't our God good?  So the author here was explaining to the Jews that they no longer needed to offer animal sacrifices for their sins- but that believing and obeying Jesus was enough!   That Jesus' death and resurrection replaced many of the laws and customs that they followed.  

Okay, now on to the study questions!!

  • The ESV Bible uses the word "supplication" in verse 7.  What is the definition of this word?  

  • What is the difference between milk and solid food?

  • What does this text say about those who are mature and receive solid food?

APPLICATION:

  • The Jews were caught up in religious customs and practices.  Today, there are many ways we can be "religious" in our ways.  Jesus says that there is nothing we can do that makes Him love us more, and He didn't die on the cross for all the good things we've done.  It's by His grace and mercy that He died for us- it's all about Him.  Do you find yourself thinking the more you do, the more He will love you?  Are you driven by the things you do, rather than the thing He did?  

  • Verse 9 says that "He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him."  Will you inherit salvation based on this verse?  Bluntly, are you obedient to Jesus?

  • After reading verses 11-14, do you think you receive milk or solid food (immature or mature)?

Read my thoughts on this chapter:

HIGHLIGHTED TEXT:

...He (Jesus) became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.        {Verse 9}

    QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?