Good, better, best! (Hebrews 8)      
 
 

Genesis 14: 18-20, recounts the mysterious meeting between Melchizedek, King of Peace, and Abram after his victory over 4 kings. Psalm 110:4 mentions Him again in reference to the promised Messiah. Finally,  Hebrews 7:3 says that Melchizedek was “without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.” If this description in Hebrews is literal (and I think it is) then it is difficult to see how it could apply to anyone but the Lord Jesus Christ Himself!

This seems to be a Theophany or Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ to Abraham.  This would clarify/make sense of the words of Jesus in John 8:56 -58 when He reveals His deity to the Pharisees by saying,

 

“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day and He was glad!” They respond by saying, “You are not yet 50 years old, yet you claim to have seen Abraham!!??” 

 

Jesus states, “Before Abraham was, I AM”, thus revealing that He is God indeed.

 

Opening Question for today: If your car, bike, or equipment develops chronic problems, are you more apt to keep fixing it (DIY or by someone else) or buy a new one? How do you decide “it’s got to go”? When you buy tools/equipment, do you buy good, better, or best?

The Old Covenant was good; the New Covenant is better; Being with Jesus in heaven will be the best!
 
 

Re-read chapter 7: 20-28 and continue with chapter 8: 1-6

 
1. Where is Jesus right now and what is He doing? (also see John 14: 15-18)
 
 
 
 
2. What are some “copies/shadows of the heavenly things” that can be seen in the law, the priesthood, the tabernacle, and the Old Testament feasts? In other words, how do these things reveal/help us better understand the character of God the Father & God the Son (our Lord Jesus Christ)?
 
 

Old Covenant Law (see Psalm 19: 7-11 for times sake!)

 

 

Priesthood – (we’re all getting to be pros at this one!)

 

 

Tabernacle (Note: The tabernacle was in the “heart of the camp”; all the people camped around it. It contained three pieces of furniture in the outer compartment and three in the inner compartment How does each piece foreshadow Jesus Christ?
 
 

Lampstand – Jesus is the  _____ ___ ___ _____ (John 8: 12)

 

Table of showbread – Jesus is the _____ ___ _____(Jn 6:35)                                                                                                       
 
 
Altar for incense – Jesus is our __________! (Heb. 7:25)
 

 

Ark of the Covenant with the 10 commandments – Jesus _________ the ______.  “It is

 

_____________” (John 19: 30)  

 

A pot of Manna – Jesus is the _____ ___ _____(Jn 6:35) (must be worth remembering if we are given 2 reminders!)

 
 
Aaron’s Rod that Budded – Jesus is the ___________ and the _______________ (John 11:25)
 

 

7 Feasts (See attachment. We’ll tackle it together):

  1. Passover –

           

  1. Unleavened Bread –

 

  1. First Fruits –

           

  1. Pentecost –

           

  1. Trumpets –

           

  1. Atonement –

           

  1. Tabernacles –

 

Read verses 7-13

Reflect:  The New Covenant makes a way for us to have a true relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  How much time are you spending on deepening that relationship?  While COVID-19 has served to weaken many relationships, how can we endeavor to deepen ours with Christ during these trying times?  Any Suggestions for the guys?

 

Memorize: “I will put my laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God and they will be my people” (Hebrews 8:10 quoting Jeremiah 31:31)