The author suggests that this community is being tested in some way. What stands out as a response in this letter to some kind of hardship? What advice is the author providing?
How does the image of Jesus suffering function in chapter 5? Why does the author use such a graphic depiction of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? How does it make you feel, and how might it have made an early listener of this letter feel?
How do the author’s metaphors work in this letter? Does the variety help support a point, or are they at times distracting or confusing? Which is the strongest?
Applying the Text:
Hebrews 6 calls us toward “perfection,” which seems a difficult feat. How do you understand this charge in your life? Do you find it useful or daunting? What does it look like for you?
This portion of Hebrews is concerned with Jesus as our “great high priest.” Is this how you understand Jesus in your prayer life? Are there others who fill the role of teacher or mentor in the Christian life?