Thu June 4

Listen up, little ones

Listen for the word better.

Reading

Hebrews 8:1-6—Jesus is Superior

Optional Reading

Exodus 25:31-40

Keys for kids

• Jesus is a better priest.
• Jesus is ministering in a better reality.
• Jesus is mediator of a better covenant.

Questions

1. How is Jesus a better priest?
2. How is Jesus ministering in a better reality?
3. How is Jesus mediator of a better covenant?

Notes

(See Saturday for authors.)

Jesus is the high priest we need. His high priesthood is fitting for us—it matches the measure of what we need. Jesus is a better priest than any who went before him. Hughes notes that apart from its unspeakable glory, the supremacy of his priesthood is seen in that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father (cf. Heb 1:3). His posture points to his completed work. But he is not seated in inactivity! He lives to make intercession for us (Heb 7:25) and he serves/ministers in the true tabernacle.

Moses served well in making the tabernacle. But these things were pointing to a better reality—a heavenly reality. Not only did they point to the heavenly tabernacle where Jesus serves, but they were, in effect, copied from the heavenly tabernacle.

Finally, in this section the author points out how Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant. We’ll look at that better/new covenant tomorrow, but for now realize that if the covenant is better, by implication the mediator of that covenant is better. Jesus is superior in every way. His ministry is superior in every way. So, for these Hebrews, why go back to what was good in favor of what is best.

Jesus is in heaven (Heb 7:26), but if He were on earth (v4), He wouldn’t be a priest. Yet He is our high priest (Heb 7:26, 8:1). He is our high priest.

Swedish Method questions

Praise

Psalm 110b, 111d

Prayer

1. Again, rejoice in Jesus as your perfect high priest.
2. Pray for the preparation for preaching God’s Word this Lord's Day.
3. Pray for a member of our church, for your family, and for a non-Christian friend/family member.