Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:1-18
Memory Verse: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” —1 Corinthians 1:18
Introduction:
From the moment the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, sinned, God’s plan of redemption through the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sin was set into motion. Jesus was foreordained to die, the final sacrifice for all of mankind who will accept it. For the sinner, the sacrifice on the cross is a miracle. It provided the very means for us to enter into the throne room of the Omnipotent God. Through the sacrifice upon the cross, God sees us as clean before Him. It was at this point in history that man’s soul was bought back, with a price.
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the center-point of all history, it is the pivot of man’s existence on earth. In the Old Testament days, all of God’s dealings with man pointed him to the sacrifice that was to come. His salvation was through faith in what God promised would happen. Today we look back to that time, some 2,000 years ago, when the Son of God hung on the cross between heaven and earth, between God and man, and receive our salvation through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. From the time of the Early Church until today we are reaping the benefits of the cross. We look back, and by faith, receive all that was accomplished for us there. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 says that when we break the bread and drink the cup in participating of the Lord’s Supper together, we do it in remembrance of Him—of His sacrificed body and shed blood on the Cross—until He comes again!
Lesson Questions:
- Compare the wounds referred to in Genesis 3:14-15. What significance do they have to us, as followers of Christ? Galatians 3:7-8,16; Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 12:9.
- In order for clothing to be made, to cover the sins of Adam and Eve, blood had to be shed (Genesis 3:21). What type of clothing is promised to believers by the shedding of Jesus’ blood? Revelation 3:5, 7:9, 7:13-14.
- Why was Abel’s offering acceptable to God? Genesis 4:1-7; Hebrews 11:4. Why was Jesus’ sacrifice better than that of the high priests? John 1:29; Hebrews 9:25-26.
- What promise did Abraham have a revelation of? Genesis 15:1-6; 17:1-8; Galatians 3:16; John 8:56.
- How was Abraham’s offering of Isaac a prophetic picture of Christ? Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 11:17.
- How did the “pass over” paint a picture of what Christ would do for us on the cross? Exodus 12:1-13; 1 Corinthians 5:7.
- Explain the similarities of Numbers 21:6-9 and John 3:14-15. What similar consequences did the brass or bronze snake on the pole have for the Israelites compared to the Jesus and the cross for the us?
- Why did the altar of the Temple flow constantly with the blood of lambs and goats? Add Old Testament reference for sin offering 1 Peter 1:18-20. Repeatedly sacrifice maybe add a contrast about Jesus being the final sacrifice
- List prophecies foretelling the coming of the Messiah. Acts 3:18; Isaiah 53; Jeremiah 32:6-9; Zechariah 11:12-13 (Matthew 27:3-10); Psalm 22:18 (John 19:23-24); Psalm 41:9 (John 13:18; Matthew 26:20-25); Psalm 34:20 and Zechariah 12:10 (John 19:32-37).