THEMES
Overarching Theme: Standing firm in the realities of a better covenant
Chapter Three Theme: Learning a lesson from the wilderness
BACKGROUND
In chapter 2 we saw the importance of appreciating the humanity of Jesus. Now we are presented with a contrast between the role of Moses and the ministry of Jesus. The writer then brings a lesson from Israel’s time of wandering in the wilderness, using Psalm 95:7-11 to emphasise the opportunities they missed. It is a pivotal chapter as it paves the way for greater contrasts to come.
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Make sure you watch the video covering Hebrews 3 and have a Bible ready in front of you.
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Verses 1-6
These verses start by encouraging us to fix our eyes on Jesus who is the builder of the house and head over it. In this the writer compares him with Moses who was faithful in the house. The writer then states that we are the house,as long as we hold firmly to our confidence and hope.
Question
How does ‘fixing our eyes on Jesus’ help us to hold firm to our confidence and hope?
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Verses 7-14
Here the writer explains the significance of the Holy Spirit’s message in Psalm 95:7-11 about not hardening our hearts. These verses are then used to show the importance of encouraging each other to stand firm. The writer particularly emphasises the importance of the word ‘Today.'
Question
When the writer speaks about being ‘hardened by sin’s deceitfulness’, what does it mean and how can it happen?
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Verses 15-19
These verses are introduced by a repetition of Psalm 95:7-8. The rebellion referred to happened at a place called Meribah, which means quarrelling. The writer focuses on the consequences of the Israelites’ rebellion and unbelief in the wilderness, even though Moses was leading them to freedom out of Egypt. This is in preparation for further lessons to come in Chapter 4..
Question
Given the way the writer of Hebrews is making his case, this could be a good moment to read Romans 15:4. Here Paul speaks of learning from things written in the past. Discuss the possibility of things in the past not only having been written down for us to learn from but actually having been set in place for us to understand God’s overall plan.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
This chapter introduces us to learning lessons from the past. This was important for Jewish believers in Jesus, as God had chosen their nation to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus. This makes their history relevant for us too.
PRAYER & REFLECTION
As you end your time of study as a group or individually, focus your thoughts on God’s thoroughness in preparing the world for the coming of Jesus.
Father God
Your patience throughout history touches our hearts.
You endured more from your creation than we can ever imagine,
Yet your love and commitment never faltered.
Help us to learn from that as we seek to encourage each other.
We want to stand firm in you and be strong for one another.
Strengthen us as we turn away from rebellion and unbelief
and fix our eyes on Jesus as our apostle and high priest.
In his name we pray,
Amen