Hebrews
The Glorious Jesus
Jesus: Greater than the Jewish Religion
Part 3
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is the final discussion of how Jesus is superior to the High Priest. Of special note is that the Lord’s ministry yields a superior result.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand how Jesus is superior to all things in heaven and on earth.
- Feel: Defend the superiority of Jesus.
- Do: Submit to the lordship of Jesus by obedient faith.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as "right or wrong" responses.
It would have cleansed the consciouses of the worshippers and the people would no longer need to offer sacrifices.
The Law was a shadow (an image, not the very form) of good things to come. If it is a shadow, then it is inferior to what was to come. It was only a reflection, not the actual thing itself.
They reminded one of sins each year because they did not take away sins.
Obedience to God's will and a humble heart are what God desires over sacrifices. Jesus' sacrifice was according to God's will. Jesus was willing to sacrifice Himself as a perfect sacrifice. With His sacrifice, there is now no need for the continuance of the animal sacrifices from before. This sacrifice was made on our behalf and removed our sins and enables us to stand clean/acceptable before God.
The Levitical priests continued to offer sacrifices but for no reason except to remind the people of sin and the punishment for it. Jesus, however, as a perfect sacrifice, and according to God's will, offered a final sacrifice and is now seated with God in a position of honor and authority. No other sacrifice remains. Jesus, as our High Priest, presents us before God.
A new covenant (better promise) with intimate knowledge of Him and His will. We are now able to go to Him directly. We are now serving God as priests offering ourselves as sacrifices that are acceptable to God. We do this by offering our praise, thanksgiving, service and prayers to God through Christ our Lord!
As followers of Christ, we receive full forgiveness of our sins because of His sacrifice. Since sin is removed through Him, and only through Him, no other sacrifice is acceptable or needed. This forgiveness allows us to stand before God continuously cleansed of our sins (I John 1:5-10).