Post by Admin on Feb 23, 2017 7:25:28 GMT
The scripture reading for tonight was fairly long, and full of strong images and ideas. One that we focused on was in verse 15, where Christ is called the “mediator” of the new covenant. Considering the word “mediator,” we talked about human mediations, where one person works privately with one side and then another to negotiate a compromise; with our Lord, it would instead be that as mediator, he teaches us to see and understand our sin, so that we repent and change, since God will not compromise about sin. Some preferred the term advocate to understand the role of Jesus. The verse could also more simply be describing Jesus as the mediator or bridge between the old covenant and the new one.
Another word that stimulated discussion was “blood.” The passage makes clear that in the old covenant, blood was considered proof that an agreement was valid and an inheritance passed along. The old covenant had an atonement process for past sins that relied on the blood of animals. Hebrews states that this was an earthly, temporary, process. In the new covenant, the forgiveness is eternal, and it relies on the sacrificial blood of Christ.
Another word that stimulated discussion was “blood.” The passage makes clear that in the old covenant, blood was considered proof that an agreement was valid and an inheritance passed along. The old covenant had an atonement process for past sins that relied on the blood of animals. Hebrews states that this was an earthly, temporary, process. In the new covenant, the forgiveness is eternal, and it relies on the sacrificial blood of Christ.