Read Hebrews 8
Highlights:
Jesus seated with highest honor (Heb. 8:1-2). Jesus Christ, the Mediator of a better Covenant, which was established upon better promises (8:6). For this is the Covenant that I will make . . . I will put My Laws in their mind, and write them in their hearts (8:10). The just shall live by faith (10:38).
The Tabernacle and worship system for Israel were revealed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. The system of worship consisted of numerous sacrifices which could not cleanse from sins but could only "cover" them temporarily until Jesus died on the cross. Every detail of this complex worship system was symbolic of the future single sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The Lord Jesus Christ replaced Israel's many priests as well as the high priest and all of the sacrificial worship system. God foretold through His prophet of a future Covenant: I will make a New Covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah (Jer. 31:31; comp. Heb. 8:6-13).
Under the Old Covenant (Testament) worship system, the blood of goats and calves (9:12,19), which were innocent animals, was sacrificed daily for worshipers' sins. Under the New Covenant Christ shed His own blood and entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us (9:24).
The Holy Spirit led the writer of Hebrews to reveal that the Old Covenant had looked forward to a greater and more perfect Tabernacle (9:11). The words more perfect Tabernacle refer to the bodily manifestation of God the Son, since the Tabernacle's contents, as well as the Tabernacle itself, symbolized Christ, His life, ministry, and death, as did all of the sacrifices. Animal sacrifices are no longer acceptable because Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us (9:11-12).
As we publicly confess our faith, we acknowledge that we have renounced the world and its lust of the flesh, and . . . of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:15-17) Our confession shows we remain loyal to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has done so much for us. God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).
Thought for Today:
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified (I Pet. 4:14).
Cross References:
For Heb. 8:5: See Ex. 25:40. Heb. 8:8-12: See Jer. 31:31-34. Heb. 9:20-21: See Ex. 24:8. Heb. 10:5-7: See Ps. 40:6-8. Heb. 10:12-13: See Ps. 110:1. Heb. 10:16-17: See Jer. 31:33-34. Heb. 10:30: See Deut. 32:35-36. Heb. 10:37-38: See Hab. 2:3-4.
Word Studies:
8:10 New Covenant I will . . . write them in their hearts, in contrast to the Old Covenant — written in stone; 9:2 candlestick lampstand; 10:33 gazingstock object of public ridicule; 10:36 patience steadfast endurance, trust; 10:39 perdition state of being eternally lost.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinburg • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Country: Maldives (300,000) 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka • Major languages: Divehi and English • Christian witnessing is banned • 99.9% Muslim; .1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that God hears and answers our prayers (Is. 65:24).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 2:21