Bible Study

Have children look up verses and lead a discussion of the verses using the questions below.

1. Hebrews 10:1–2

The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared.

• In these verses, why was the old way or old system imperfect? Why was a better way needed? Sacrifices did not cleanse sin, only covered it. Needed to be done over and over.
• What do you think the old system was a preview of or a signpost to? Jesus' perfect sacrifice and total cleansing of sin.

2. Hebrews 10:8–10

First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses). Then He said, “Look, I have come to do Your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.

• The old system under the law of Moses was to sacrifice animals to cover sins—but it did not perfectly cleanse or remove the sins. The sacrifices had to be performed over and over—year after year. What did Jesus do? He lived a perfect life and was the complete and perfect sacrifice for our sins.
• Does the sacrifice of Jesus need to be done over and over again? No, Jesus died once, for all.

3. Hebrews 10:11–14

Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered Himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then He sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There He waits until His enemies are humbled and made a footstool under His feet. For by that one offering He forever made perfect those who are being made holy.

• How often did the Old Testament or old covenant priest need to offer sacrifices? Day after day, continually.
• Why did the priest need to do this continually? The sacrifices did not fully cleanse or wash away sins. It was not a perfect sacrifice.
• Who do you think our High Priest is? Jesus.
• What did Jesus offer Himself to God as? Perfect, single sacrifice.
• What did Jesus do then, did He stay on Earth? No, He went to heaven and sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of God, His Father.
• What did His perfect sacrifice make us? Holy, forgiven, redeemed, perfect in God’s sight.

Pray: Thank You, God, for sending Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice for our sin! You accomplished what no one else could do to satisfy the sin debt we owed. We praise You, Jesus, for triumphing over the enemy, conquering sin and death. We look forward to a victorious life on Earth and everlasting life with You in heaven! In Jesus’ name, Amen.