Big Idea: Jesus is the true priest who restores our connection to God.

            Matthew 2:10-11

            Hebrews 4:14-16

What is a priest?

Priests are people who can enter into God’s presence.

All humanity was created to be priests.

            Genesis 2:15

            1 Chronicles 23:32

We were kicked out of God’s presence and lost our connection with God.

Priests served to temporarily restore our connection with God.

            Malachi 2:3

Jesus is the true priest who fully restores our connection with God forever.

            Matthew 9:2

            Matthew 8:2-3

            Hebrews 7:26-27

Jesus isn’t just the true priest, he is the perfect sacrifice.

            Ephesians 2:13

            Hebrews 4:16

Where do you need to trust in the restored connection with God that Jesus offers you?

            1 Peter 5:9

Where is God calling you to bring the presence of God right now?

Message Questions

This Christmas season, our theme is Searching for the Light. In this 4-week series, we’ll grow in our understanding of  Jesus’ identity as the true prophet, priest, and king – and ultimately the true savior who is the only one who can satisfy our searching souls This week our main text is Hebrews 4:14-16 and the big idea is: Jesus is the true priest who restores our connection to God. 

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do.

1. Read Hebrews 4:14-16. What specific characteristics of Jesus as our High Priest does this passage highlight? How is Jesus different from the Old Testament priests who served in the tabernacle?
2. Read Genesis 2:15 and compare it to 1 Chronicles 23:32. The message explained that all humanity was originally created to be priests—to dwell in God's presence. What do you notice about the similar language used to describe Adam's role in the garden and the priests' role in the tabernacle? What does this tell us about God's original design for humanity?
3. Have someone read Hebrews 7:26-27 and Ephesians 2:13. The message emphasized that Jesus is not just the true priest but also the perfect sacrifice. Why is it significant that Jesus fulfills both roles? How does this "once for all time" sacrifice change everything compared to the Old Testament system?
4. Hebrews 4:16 invites us to "approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need." As you think about how you want to grow in your relationship with God, what keeps you from approaching him boldly? Where do you need to trust more deeply in the restored connection with God that Jesus offers you right now—especially during this busy Christmas season?
5. Because of Jesus, we are now "a royal priesthood"—people who bring God's presence into the world. As you think about how God is calling you to go, where is he calling you to bring his presence right now? Who in your life needs to experience God's grace, mercy, and love through you this week?