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BOOK OF HEBREWS

THE INCOMPARABLE CHRISTBy MAX LUCADO

Nelson Impact

Copyright © 2006 Nelson Impact
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4185-0955-2

Contents

How to Study the Bible...................................ivIntroduction to the Book of Hebrews......................viiLesson 1 Jesus Understands Us............................1Lesson 2 Keep the Faith..................................11Lesson 3 God's Rest......................................21Lesson 4 Jesus, Our High Priest..........................31Lesson 5 Perseverance....................................41Lesson 6 God Forgives and Forgets........................51Lesson 7 A Sacrifice for Sins............................61Lesson 8 Confidence in Christ............................71Lesson 9 Faith in God's Promises.........................81Lesson 10 Suffering Serves a Purpose.....................91Lesson 11 The Fear of the Lord...........................101Lesson 12 Serving Others.................................111

Chapter One

LESSON ONE

JESUS UNDERSTANDS US

REFLECTION

Think for a moment about how you cope with hurts and disappointments. These are the bumps and bruises we gather almost every day. Some last a brief time; others stay with us for life. Where do you usually turn for comfort when you are hurting?

SITUATION

The writer of Hebrews intended to highlight the uniqueness of Christ. From the first sentence of this letter to the last, Jesus is presented as the final word from God. In that day, there was a fascination with angels among the Jewish culture, but the author made it clear that angels pale in comparison to God's Son. The point was not to disparage angels but to demonstrate the surpassing greatness of Christ and his effective ministry on behalf of those he came to save.

OBSERVATION

Read Hebrews 2:10-18 from the NCV or the NKJV.

NCV

10 God is the One who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share his glory, so he made the One who leads people to salvation perfect through suffering.

11 Jesus, who makes people holy, and those who are made holy are from the same family. So he is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. 12 He says, "Then, I will tell my fellow Israelites about you; I will praise you in the public meeting."

13 He also says, "I will trust in God." And he also says, "I am here, and with me are the children God has given me."

14 Since these children are people with physical bodies, Jesus himself became like them. He did this so that, by dying, he could destroy the one who has the power of death-the Devil-15 and free those who were like slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. 16 Clearly, it is not angels that Jesus helps, but the people who are from Abraham. 17 For this reason Jesus had to be made like his brothers in every way so he could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. Then Jesus could bring forgiveness for their sins. 18 And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself suffered and was tempted.

NKJV

10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying:

"I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."

13 And again:

"I will put My trust in Him."

And again:

"Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."

14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

EXPLORATION

1. Why did God allow his Son to suffer?

2. What effect did Jesus' victory over death have on Satan?

3. What can free people from their fear of death?

4. Why is Jesus the perfect High Priest for us?

5. In what ways is Jesus able to help us?

INSPIRATION

Abandon. Such a haunting word.

On the edge of the small town sits a decrepit house. Weeds higher than the porch. Boarded windows and a screen door bouncing in the wind. To the front gate is nailed a sign: Abandoned. No one wants the place. Even the poor and desperate pass it by.

A social worker appears at the door of an orphanage. In her big hand is the small dirty one of a six-year-old girl. As the adults speak, the wide eyes of the child explore the office of the director. She hears the worker whisper, "Abandoned. She was abandoned."

An elderly woman in a convalescent home rocks alone in her room on Christmas. No cards, no calls, no carols.

A young wife discovers romantic e-mails sent by her husband to another woman.

After thirty years on the factory line, a worker finds a termination notice taped to his locker.

Abandoned by family.

Abandoned by a spouse.

Abandoned by big business.

But nothing compares to being abandoned by God.

"At noon the whole country was covered with darkness, which lasted for three hours. At about three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud shout, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, my God, why did you abandon me?'" (Matt. 27:45-46 TEV).

By the time Christ screams these words, he has hung on the cross for six hours. Around nine o'clock in the morning, he stumbled to the cleft of Skull Hill. A soldier pressed a knee on his forearm and drove a spike through one hand, then the other, then both feet. As the Romans lifted the cross, they unwittingly placed Christ in the very position in which he came to die-between man and God.

A priest on his own altar. (From Next Door Savior by Max Lucado)

REACTION

6. How are Jesus' pain and temptation relevant to us?

7. In times of trouble, why do we turn to other people rather than to Jesus?

8. In what way does God equip us to reach out to others with compassion?

9. How should Christians respond to the pain that comes their way?

10. How has knowing Jesus increased your sensitivity to and compassion for others?

11. What can you do to show God's love to someone who is hurting?

LIFE LESSONS

One of the times we tend to feel alone is when we are facing temptation. It's common for us to think our struggle is unique. But this passage reminds us that Jesus knows what we face. He "gets" it. He has faced the same temptations. He knows. He understands. He wants to help. Will we let him?

DEVOTION

Lord, we stand in awe of you for what you have done-you left your throne to live among us; you faced temptation, ridicule, and shame so that you could understand us; and then you died on a cross to save us from our sins. You gave up everything so that we could spend eternity with you. Help us to grasp the depth of your love. And as we experience your great love for us, help us to share it with others.

For more Bible passages about Jesus' ability to help hurting people, see Job 36:15; Psalms 46:1; 121:1-2; 147:1-5; Isaiah 41:10; 53:3-5; Romans 8:26-27.

To complete the book of Hebrews during this twelve-part study, read Hebrews 1:1-2:18.

JOURNALING

How has Jesus shown his love for me? How can I thank him?

Chapter Two

LESSON TWO

KEEP THE FAITH

REFLECTION

Recall a time when a Christian friend encouraged your faith. Describe your situation at the time and what specific actions or statements that person used to help you. What have been the long-term results of that person's ministry?

SITUATION

In the hierarchy of Jewish heroes, none equaled Moses, the giver of God's Law and leader of the great exodus from Egypt. He exhibited every aspect of strong spiritual and moral leadership. In the history of Israel no one seemed to have done more than Moses. And yet, the writer of Hebrews says that he was nothing compared to Jesus, God's Son. As he was faithful, we, too, should keep the faith to the end.

OBSERVATION

Read Hebrews 3:1-14 from the NCV or the NKJV.

NCV

1 So all of you holy brothers and sisters, who were called by God, think about Jesus, who was sent to us and is the high priest of our faith. 2 Jesus was faithful to God as Moses was in God's family. 3 Jesus has more honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 Every house is built by someone, but the builder of everything is God himself. 5 Moses was faithful in God's family as a servant, and he told what God would say in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as a Son over God's house. And we are God's house if we keep on being very sure about our great hope.

7 So it is as the Holy Spirit says:

"Today listen to what he says. 8 Do not be stubborn as in the past when you turned against God, when you tested God in the desert. 9 There your ancestors tried me and tested me and saw the things I did for forty years. 10 I was angry with them. I said, 'They are not loyal to me and have not understood my ways.' 11 I was angry and made a promise, 'They will never enter my rest.'"

12 So brothers and sisters, be careful that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart that will turn you away from the living God. 13 But encourage each other every day while it is "today." Help each other so none of you will become hardened because sin has tricked you. 14 We all share in Christ if we keep till the end the sure faith we had in the beginning.

NKJV

1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, 2 who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. 3 For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. 5 And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, 6 but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

"Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. 10 Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, 'They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.' 11 So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest.' "

12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.

EXPLORATION

1. Why is Jesus worthy of greater honor than Moses? How does the comparison affect Moses?

2. How can people demonstrate that they belong in God's house?

3. What warning does the Holy Spirit give to us?

4. Why do some people turn away from God?

5. What practical advice does this passage offer us on remaining faithful to God?

INSPIRATION

Equipped with the right tools, we can learn to listen to God. What are those tools? Here are the ones I have found helpful.

A regular time and place. Select a slot on your schedule and a corner of your world, and claim it for God. For some it may be best to do this in the morning. "In the morning my prayer comes before you" (Ps. 88:13 NIV). Others prefer the evening and agree with David's prayer: "Let my ... praise [be] like the evening sacrifice" (Ps. 141:2 NCV). Others prefer many encounters during the day. Apparently the author of Psalm 55 did. He wrote, "Evening, morning and noon I cry out" (v. 17 NIV). Some sit under a tree, others in the kitchen. Maybe your commute to work or your lunch break would be appropriate. Find a time and place that seems right for you.

How much time should you take? As much as you need. Value quality over length. Your time with God should last long enough for you to say what you want and for God to say what he wants.

Which leads us to a second tool you need-an open Bible. God speaks to us through his Word. The first step in reading the Bible is to ask God to help you understand it. "But the Helper will teach you everything and will cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name" (John 14:26 NCV) ... Will I learn what God intends? If I listen, I will.

There is a third tool for having a productive time with God. Not only do we need a regular time and an open Bible, we also need a listening heart. Don't forget the admonition from James: "The man who looks into the perfect mirror of God's law, the law of liberty, and makes a habit of so doing, is not the man who sees and forgets. He puts the law into practice and he wins true happiness" (James 1:25 PHILLIPS).

We know we are listening to God when what we read in the Bible is what others see in our lives. It's one thing not to know. It's another to know and not learn. Paul urged his readers, "Whatever you have learned and received and heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice" (Phil. 4:9 NIV).

If you want to be just like Jesus, let God have you. Spend time listening for him until you receive your lesson for the day-then apply it. (From Just Like Jesus Devotional by Max Lucado)

REACTION

6. Why should believers distinguish between faith and feelings?

7. How can you determine if your faith is real?

8. What can you do to ensure that your faith will endure?

9. How can you avoid hardening your heart against God?

10. What is the danger for Christians who neglect the fellowship of other believers?

11. What Christian friend can you encourage in spiritual matters? How?

LIFE LESSONS

Both Moses and Christ serve as examples of faithfulness to God. Do we really want to hear God say to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant?" The alternative attitude to God's Word is described as "hardening our heart." We know what this means even when we hear the expression for the first time. We've stiffened our wills, backs, and hearts against others, against God. This is familiar territory for most of us. Is it where we want to live? In contrast, God offers us rest-his rest. (More on this in the next lesson.) Beyond the help God offers, we have one another. This passage reminds us that we ought to have the habit of encouraging others. We can help each other toward faithfulness.

DEVOTION

Father, we ask you to deepen our faith in you. Give us the strength to withstand temptation, overcome doubt, and remain loyal to you. At the end of our lives, may we hear your words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

For more Bible passages about remaining faithful, see Deuteronomy 11:13-18; 1 Samuel 12:24; 2 Samuel 22:26; 1 Kings 2:3-4; 2 Chronicles 19:9; Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 28:20; Matthew 25:19-23; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 10:12-13; 3 John 1:3-5; Revelation 2:10; 17:14.

To complete the book of Hebrews during this twelve-part study, read Hebrews 3:1-19.

JOURNALING

What steps can I take this week to strengthen my faith in God?

Chapter Three

LESSON THREE

GOD'S REST

REFLECTION

Many people have misconceptions about what it means to find true peace. Reflect on what life is like when peace reigns. When peace is lacking, what's in its place? How would you summarize your personal understanding of peace?

SITUATION

While discussing Israel's experience in the wilderness, the book of Hebrews makes it clear that God intended for his children to enter the Promised Land, a land of rest, peace, and plenty. Due to their disobedience and stubbornness, though, one generation was not allowed to enter that promised rest. Drawing on that historical event that all his Jewish readers would have recognized, the author uses it as a powerful analogy for the deeper and broader "salvation rest" that God calls all believers to enter.

OBSERVATION

Read Hebrews 4:1-11 from the NCV or the NKJV.

NCV

1 Now, since God has left us the promise that we may enter his rest, let us be very careful so none of you will fail to enter. 2 The Good News was preached to us just as it was to them. But the teaching they heard did not help them, because they heard it but did not accept it with faith. 3 We who have believed are able to enter and have God's rest. As God has said,

"I was angry and made a promise, 'They will never enter my rest.'"

But God's work was finished from the time he made the world. 4 In the Scriptures he talked about the seventh day of the week: "And on the seventh day God rested from all his works." 5 And again in the Scripture God said, "They will never enter my rest."

(Continues...)

Excerpted from BOOK OF HEBREWSby MAX LUCADO Copyright © 2006 by Nelson Impact. Excerpted by permission.
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