This portion of Hebrews features the longest citation of Hebrew scripture found in the New Testament, a portion of Jeremiah. How does this reference in 8:8-12 support an argument that the author is trying to make about a new covenant through Jesus?
There are allegories that may have been better suited for the original audience and may be lost on readers today. Is it possible for the symbolic rhetoric of Hebrews to speak to a twenty-first century audience? How should we engage with them given the passage of time and changes to our world?
Applying the Text:
What does ‘convenant’ mean to you? Does the meaning of the word change outside of your church? Does this passage from Hebrews change how you think about covenant?
How does the language of ‘sacrifice’ operate in your faith practice? How does the word ‘sacrifice’ change when talking about Jesus’ sacrifice, as the author does here, and sacrifices you make in your own life? How are they the same?
The Yom Kippur observance practiced by our Jewish siblings may a look a little bit different today than it did during this author’s time. How do we teach this passage from Hebrews in our communities while acknowledging this fact?