Relevant Verses: Genesis 3

Theme: Theme: A Fractured World

Leading Question: Was it really a question of picking and eating the wrong kind of fruit?

Genesis 3 is an exceptionally rich story, full of irony and ambiguity about a world of loss and pain and death, but also a story with the promise for a restored world at its very core.

First, it is important to note that the identification of Genesis 3 as the “fall of humanity” and “fall into sin” cannot be interpreted with terminology and concepts specific to sin. The word “sin” is not mentioned anywhere, neither the word “fall.” ...

Relevant Verses: Genesis 1-2

Theme: The Wonder of Creation

Leading Question: How would you describe a good world?

Genesis 1–2 contains the two primary biblical stories about creation of the universe where God brings order to the sky, the land, and the seas and fills the earth with living beings. These chapters stand in contrast to other ancient creation stories which centre around chaos, warring gods, and humans created to serve the gods. The two chapters address questions about the nature of God, the world, and humanity; about the reason for a seven-day week and Sabbath rest; about the intimate relationship between ...

Relevant Verses: Hebrews 13

Leading question: What is the most important admonition in the book of Hebrews?

Some eighteen admonitions are packed in to Hebrews 13. How should we identify which one is most important or which ones are most important?

Question: Is the title of the lesson, which also reflects this week’s memory verse, the most important: “Let brotherly love continue” (KJV)?

Comment: Of all the admonitions, this one seems to come closest to Jesus’ one-verse summary of his message: “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you” (Matt. 7:12)

1. Let mutual love continue

2. Don’t neglect hospitality ...

Relevant Verses: Hebrews 12-13

Leading question: What makes a kingdom “unshakeable”?

The reference to an unshakeable kingdom comes at the end of Hebrews 12. The section in which it appears is worth noting as it is jam-packed with vivid and potentially troubling images.

Heb. 12:25-29: See that you do not refuse the one who is speaking; for if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject the one who warns from heaven! 26 At that time his voice shook the earth; but now he has promised, “Yet ...

Relevant Verses: Hebrews 10-12

Leading question: What can we learn from the way New Testament writers remodel Old Testament stories?

The official study guide declares: “Hebrews 11 and 12 are probably the most-loved chapters of the book.” So let’s ponder the “faithful” characters described in chapter 11. We can go through the characters and add names under each of the following headings. The results should stir up some lively class discussion:

1. Hebrews’ version is glossier that the Old Testament original.

Abraham

*laughed (as did his wife Sarah

...

Relevant Verses: Hebrews 9-10

Leading question: Is there more than one way to find full and direct access to God?

Comment: From the perspective of Hebrews, the way to find access to God is through the veil with Jesus. The result is stated in the memory text for today’s lesson:

Hebrews 9:24: For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

The author of Hebrews trumpets the amazing truth which he has experienced: Jesus gives direct access ...

Relevant Verses: Hebrews 9-10

Leading Question: “Why were sacrifices needed?

Our leading question comes from one of the sections of the official study guide. And it triggers several more questions. And one of them focuses on the question of why sacrifices were necessary.

Question: Is it possible that sacrifices were not God’s idea in the first place?

Comment: One of the tantalizing verses of that great penitential Psalm, Psalm 51, suggests that animal sacrifices were, in fact, not God’s idea, certainly not his ideal:

Psalm 51:15-17 Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 For you have ...

Relevant Verses: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8

Leading Question: Is the covenant described in Hebrews 8 a brand new one, or a renewed covenant as it is Jeremiah 31?

Hebrews 8:8-12 is a straightforward quotation of the New Covenant promise in Jeremiah 31:31-34. But by placing it in a new setting, Hebrews contrasts the Old and New covenants rather than seeing them as complementary. In short, Jeremiah breathes continuity and renewal, Hebrews announces contrast and obsolescence.

Question: Are there any clues in Hebrews that the author is taking a different approach than is found in Jeremiah?

Hebrews 8:6-13: But Jesus has now obtained a ...

Relevant Verses: Hebrews 7

Leading Question: Can you point to a time in your life when Jesus was an “Anchor” of your soul?

Comment: The passage in Hebrews that refers to the “Anchor of the soul” is one that takes us to heavenly places where Jesus is a presence for us (Hebrews 6:19).

Hebrews 6:16-20: Human beings, of course, swear by someone greater than themselves, and an oath given as confirmation puts an end to all dispute. 17 In the same way, when God desired to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he ...

Relevant Verses: Hebrews 5-7

Leading Question: Roman Catholics regularly use priests in their worship; Protestants believe in the priesthood of all the believers. So how can Jesus as “High Priest” be meaningful to those who are not accustomed to priestly mediation?

Comment: The world of priestly mediation is a strange one for us. The overall message of the book of Hebrews is that through Jesus we have direct access to God. Somehow, saying that Jesus is our high priest is intended to help us get that message.

Question: Why did the author of Hebrews need to go through such elaborate arguments to ...