Jesus: Priest

Use this curriculum to help you further engage with the sermon, the scriptures, and each other. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring things up to encourage and guide you so that you are always growing in your faith. If the Spirit leads you away from these questions and into conversation and prayer that encourages and points you to Jesus, go for it.

scripture

Read the following scriptures together: Deuteronomy 14:17-20 and Exodus 19:3-6.

overview

This week we examine Jesus' role as priest by considering its original significance. The most important aspect is that a priest is a mediator between humankind and God, someone who connects us to the person of God. Melchizedek is the first priest mentioned in the bible, but as we move into the Exodus story of God delivering the Israelites, we read that God called the nation of Israel to be a kingdom of priests to the rest of the world – meaning the entire nation, not just a select group, would mediate God's presence and teachings to the rest of the world, acting as representatives by living holy lives and demonstrating his blessings, though they often failed.

question 1

New Testament believers are called to present Jesus to our world. One way we do this is through our character – exhibiting patience, integrity, peace, and thankfulness; resolving conflicts gently; and living without complaining. Is there an area where you recognize growth in yourself this past year?

discussion

Read Leviticus 17:11. God chose the Levites to serve as priests in the Tabernacle, with key roles in the oversight of the animal sacrifices that God required. Many sacrifices were offered by the priests such as thanksgiving and fellowship, but the most important animal sacrifice was the one on behalf of the people which atoned for sin. As Leviticus tells us, it is the blood of the animal that makes atonement for one’s life. The priest would lean on the animal on behalf of the people as a symbol of transferring their sins onto the animal. Once a year on the Day of Atonement, the High priest would enter the Most Holy place where no average person was allowed to enter, and he would offer the blood of a goat on the mercy seat to atone for the sins of the nation as an act that mediated and brought reconciliation between God and the people. 

question 2

Sin brings consequences like turning away from God due to guilt and shame that can wreak havoc on one’s mind and it can also lead to destructive patterns when ignored. Talk about the importance of dealing with sin early on.

Read Hebrews 10:19-22. This system was initiated by God; however, the problem with Israel’s priests, as mediators between impure people and a holy God, was that they were sinners themselves. In Matthew 15:14, Jesus describes Israel’s leaders as being “blind guides.” Jesus is the final High Priest and his arrival into the world is the perfect solution. Hebrews 7:26-27 tells us he is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens and he sacrificed for our sins once for all when he offered himself. It is his blood that cleanses us from our sins and our own guilty conscience. Now, we are invited and encouraged to draw near to God in full assurance on any day, at any hour, for all time.

question 3

Discuss how Jesus as our High Priest changes our approach to prayer and fellowship with God.

weekly application

Ask the Lord to strengthen your witness to the world as you go about your day. If there is an area you want to mature in, the best way to grow is to start practicing it. You will probably have setbacks, just get up and start over. You will see changes when you stick to it.