The High priest at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty (Heb 8aq)

THE HIGH PRIEST, AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE THRONE OF THE MAJESTY

Heb. 8:1-13*

Key verse 8:1

1.      What is the key point of this passage (1-2)? What is the significance of the fact that Jesus is serving in the sanctuary in heaven, at the right hand of God? Think about this by meditating on each of these phrases, ‘right hand of the throne of Majesty’ ‘in heaven’, and ‘true tabernacle’.

2.      What is the essential role of a priest? For what purpose and to who were the offerings brought? How did the earthly priests offer sacrifices? What is the relationship between the Law and covenant? For what purpose did God set these up (the Law and the covenant)? Why could Jesus not be a priest on the earth (4)?

3.      What is the center of the Law and the covenant (5)? How important is ministry in regard to the covenant? What is the proof that the earthly sanctuary is a copy and shadow of the heavenly one (v5)? Think and discuss the similarity between the copy or shadow and the genuine sanctuary in terms of its appearance, form, effectiveness, functionality, role, and completeness. When God showed Moses a heavenly sanctuary, the genuine and real one, what might He have been hoping to accomplish?

4.      Did the first covenant succeed? Discuss how it failed and the extent of the failure(9, 10,11; Jer 31:34). What did God decide to do as He acknowledged the failure of the first covenant (10-11)? Discuss the details of the new covenant. What is the superiority of the new covenant over the old one?

5.      There are two systems: the old one and the new one. Compare the two systems: their place, covenant, promise, and high priests. What does the fact that Jesus is at the right hand of God testify to us about the new system? Think about this by meditating on each of these phrases: ‘right hand of the throne of Majesty’ ‘in heaven’, and ‘the true tabernacle’

6.      Which system do you prefer? Is your system operational in your life? What do the following verses mean in reference to the key verse (Heb. 11:1; Mat 28:20)? What about those who do not feel the need for a high priest? What kind of life do they prefer to live?