Hebrews 8: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Hebrews 8 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Christ is a high priest who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens (vv. 1-2). He serves in the true tabernacle, not made by humans.

Key verse

“For finding fault with them, he said, “Behold, the days come”, says the Lord, “that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;”
Hebrews 8:8 (WEB)

Outline

Hebrews 8:1–2 Christ's High Priestly Role
Hebrews 8:3–4 Nature of Priesthood
Hebrews 8:5–6 Earthly vs. Heavenly Ministry
Hebrews 8:7–12 The New Covenant Promised
Hebrews 8:13 Obsolescence of the Old Covenant

Discussion questions

In v1, what does it mean that Jesus 'sat down on the right hand'?
What does 'the true tabernacle' in v2 refer to?
In vv. 8-9, why does God speak of a 'new covenant' and the failures of the first?
The phrase 'I will be merciful' in v12: what implications does this have for the nature of God's relationship with His people?
How can the concept of God's laws being on our hearts, as in v10, influence your daily decisions?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Hebrews 8: Jeremiah 31, Isaiah 43, 2 Corinthians 3.

Before next time: read Hebrews 9.