Hebrews 9: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Hebrews 9 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The first covenant had rules for worship and a physical sanctuary (vv. 1-2). A tabernacle was set up with the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies (vv.

Key verse

“so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting for him for salvation.”
Hebrews 9:28 (WEB)

Outline

Hebrews 9:1–5 The Structure of the Old Covenant
Hebrews 9:6–10 Priestly Duties and Limitations
Hebrews 9:11–15 Christ as the New High Priest
Hebrews 9:16–22 The Necessity of Blood Sacrifice
Hebrews 9:23–28 Christ's Unique Sacrifice and Second Coming

Discussion questions

In v11, what does it mean that Christ entered through a 'greater and more perfect tabernacle'?
What does the 'blood of goats and bulls' in v13 signify in the context of the old covenant?
The phrase 'once in the year' in v7: what implications does this have for understanding the high priest's role?
In v24, why does the author specify that Christ entered 'into heaven itself' rather than earthly places?
When have you experienced a need for cleansing like the 'dead works' mentioned in v14?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Hebrews 9: Hebrews 10, 1 Peter 1, Isaiah 53.

Before next time: read Hebrews 10.