The Resistance - Day 26
Before the Reading
The author of the Book of Hebrews used the stories and symbols of the Old Testament to help people understand the identity and work of Jesus. The author assumes a deep understanding of the Old Testament in his readers, which can make the Book of Hebrews difficult for modern people to understand. To help us get the most out of our reading, we recommend you watch this short video that summarizes the sacrificial system in the Old Testament.
The author of the Book of Hebrews used the stories and symbols of the Old Testament to help people understand the identity and work of Jesus. The author assumes a deep understanding of the Old Testament in his readers, which can make the Book of Hebrews difficult for modern people to understand. To help us get the most out of our reading, we recommend you watch this short video that summarizes the sacrificial system in the Old Testament.
Day 26: Monday, March 06
Read Hebrews 9
Highlight
This portion of Hebrews explains both how we are forgiven by Jesus and why he had to die to accomplish that forgiveness. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament shows that sin cannot be simply brushed aside and forgotten, but rather it needs to be atoned for. This is a good thing! Think of the traumas you have experienced at the hands of others! A good and just God would not just look the other way. Yet in his mercy he made a way for those sins to be forgiven through the shedding of blood. The animal dies in a person’s place.
This is why Jesus had to not only suffer, but die: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” He is the true and better sacrifice. Indeed, the word translated as “shedding of blood” is haimatekchysia, and it literally means “outpouring of blood.” This echoes the words of Jesus at the Last Supper, “my blood… poured out for many.” (Mark 14:24)
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read Hebrews 9
Highlight
This portion of Hebrews explains both how we are forgiven by Jesus and why he had to die to accomplish that forgiveness. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament shows that sin cannot be simply brushed aside and forgotten, but rather it needs to be atoned for. This is a good thing! Think of the traumas you have experienced at the hands of others! A good and just God would not just look the other way. Yet in his mercy he made a way for those sins to be forgiven through the shedding of blood. The animal dies in a person’s place.
This is why Jesus had to not only suffer, but die: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” He is the true and better sacrifice. Indeed, the word translated as “shedding of blood” is haimatekchysia, and it literally means “outpouring of blood.” This echoes the words of Jesus at the Last Supper, “my blood… poured out for many.” (Mark 14:24)
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
- What truth does this passage communicate about God? About us? About our world?
- Has God used this passage to highlight something that is wrong in your life?
- What does this passage teach us to do? What is one practical thing you can do to apply this to your life?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in The Resistance