Mediator of the New Covenant Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Mediator of the New Covenant Lesson 12

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Lesson Outline Introduction A. In the Presence of Greatness B. Lesson Background

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Kings History has recorded the names and accomplishments of great human rulers. Unscramble the letters in the following descriptions to learn more about these rulers. Augustus Caesar (Reign: January 16, 27 BC to August 19, AD 14) led the Roman Empire into a time known as Pax Romana, or Roman ACEEP. Item number: 178735556 Item number: 452037661 Collection: Photo: © eZeePics Studio / ihsanGercelman / iStock / Thinkstock® Photo: © eZeePics Studio / ihsanGercelman / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Kings History has recorded the names and accomplishments of great human rulers. Unscramble the letters in the following descriptions to learn more about these rulers. Augustus Caesar (Reign: January 16, 27 BC to August 19, AD 24) led the Roman Empire into a time known as Pax Romana, or Roman PEACE. Click to add notes Photo: © eZeePics Studio / ihsanGercelman / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Kings Suleiman the Magnificent (Reign: November 6, 1494 to September 7, 1566) ruled over the DEGLNO AEG of the Ottoman Empire that encompassed most of the Middle East and southeastern Europe.   Louis XIV of France (Reign: May 14, 1643 to September 1, 1715) was also known as the NSU GIKN because he said the nobles of France should revolve around him like planets. Click to add notes Photo: © eZeePics Studio / ihsanGercelman / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Kings Suleiman the Magnificent (Reign: November 6, 1494 to September 7, 1566) ruled over the GOLDEN AGE of the Ottoman Empire that encompassed most of the Middle East and southeastern Europe.   Louis XIV of France (Reign: May 14, 1643 to September 1, 1715) was also known as the NSU GIKN because he said the nobles of France should revolve around him like planets. Click to add notes Photo: © eZeePics Studio / ihsanGercelman / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Kings Suleiman the Magnificent (Reign: November 6, 1494 to September 7, 1566) ruled over the GOLDEN AGE of the Ottoman Empire that encompassed most of the Middle East and southeastern Europe.   Louis XIV of France (Reign: May 14, 1643 to September 1, 1715) was also known as the SUN KING because he said the nobles of France should revolve around him like planets. Click to add notes Photo: © eZeePics Studio / ihsanGercelman / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Kings John III of Poland-Lithuania (Reign: May 19, 1674 to June 17, 1696) was a military and political genius who became known as the ILNO of Lechistan. Emperor Meiji of Japan (Reign: February 3, 1867 to July 30, 1912) led a once primitive country to become a world EEOPPRRSUW in the twentieth century. Click to add notes Photo: © eZeePics Studio / ihsanGercelman / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Kings John III of Poland-Lithuania (Reign: May 19, 1674 to June 17, 1696) was a military and political genius who became known as the LION of Lechistan. Emperor Meiji of Japan (Reign: February 3, 1867 to July 30, 1912) led a once primitive country to become a world EEOPPRRSUW in the twentieth century. Click to add notes Photo: © eZeePics Studio / ihsanGercelman / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Kings John III of Poland-Lithuania (Reign: May 19, 1674 to June 17, 1696) was a military and political genius who became known as the LION of Lechistan. Emperor Meiji of Japan (Reign: February 3, 1867 to July 30, 1912) led a once primitive country to become a world SUPERPOWER in the twentieth century. Click to add notes Photo: © eZeePics Studio / ihsanGercelman / iStock / Thinkstock®

Awesome Kings There have been great and powerful figures in history. Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Kings There have been great and powerful figures in history. What would it be like to meet such a person face-to-face? Such meetings would not be as pleasant as we would like them to be! After all, why would great leaders even acknowledge us, let alone treat us civilly? Click to add notes Photo: © eZeePics Studio / ihsanGercelman / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Kings The only way such a meeting could be pleasant is if someone would take us into the presence of such greatness. At Mount Sinai, the idea of approaching God was frightening. But Heaven is shown to be a place where believers are welcomed by God. Something changed. We now have someone to take us into God’s presence. Click to add notes Photo: © eZeePics Studio / ihsanGercelman / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Lesson Outline I. The Terrifying Mountain (Hebrews 12:14, 15, 18-21) A. Peace and Holiness (vv. 14, 15) B. Burning and Blasting (vv. 18, 19) C. Fear and Quaking (vv. 20, 21)

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock What Do You Think? What are some things you can do to foster peace with others? Talking Points for Your Discussion To repair a broken peace To maintain an existing peace Considering Matthew 10:34-36 14

What Do You Think? How will God see holiness in you daily? Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock What Do You Think? How will God see holiness in you daily? Talking Points for Your Discussion At times when only He can see you At times when others are watching as well 15

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Lesson Outline II. The Blessed Mountain (Hebrews 12:22-29) A. Heavenly Jerusalem (vv. 22-24) B. Inescapable God (vv. 25-27) C. Godly Fear (vv. 28, 29)

Awesome Mountains Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock The Bible often speaks of mountains, associating certain ones with great acts of God. The size and majesty of mountains make them logical places to associate with God’s greatness and power. In our Bible text today, two very different mountain experiences are described. 482804056 Graphic: © juliaart / iStock / Thinkstock® Graphic: © juliaart / iStock / Thinkstock®

Awesome Mountains Read Hebrews 12:18-21 and Exodus 19:16-25. Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Read Hebrews 12:18-21 and Exodus 19:16-25. List some characteristics of this mountain, representing the old covenant. Graphic: © juliaart / iStock / Thinkstock®

Awesome Mountains Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Here are a few general descriptions of this holy mountain of God: burning with fire darkness trumpet blast terrifying voice earthshaking untouchable quaking fear Graphic: © juliaart / iStock / Thinkstock®

Awesome Mountains Read Hebrews 12:22, 23. Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Read Hebrews 12:22, 23. List some characteristics of this mountain, representing the new covenant. Graphic: © juliaart / iStock / Thinkstock®

Awesome Mountains Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Here are a few general descriptions of this holy mountain of God: the city of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem a multitude of angels the church of the firstborn names written in Heaven God, the Judge of all people made perfect Graphic: © juliaart / iStock / Thinkstock®

Awesome Mountains Both mountains describe the presence of God. Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Both mountains describe the presence of God. Read Hebrews 12:24. The difference is the presence of a mediator. We can enter into God’s holy presence because of Jesus the mediator! Graphic: © juliaart / iStock / Thinkstock®

Horizontal Visual Start a discussion by pointing to this visual as you ask your learners to give synonyms for the word mediator.

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock What Do You Think? Of the images in verses 22, 23 contrasting the Christian’s destination with Mount Sinai, which is most significant to you? Why? Talking Points for Your Discussion City of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem A multitude of angels The church of the firstborn People made perfect 24

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock What Do You Think? How can we guard against becoming resistant to God’s Word? Talking Points for Your Discussion During times of triumph During times of distress 25

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock What Do You Think? How should the fact that “God is a consuming fire” (v. 29) affect the way we live? Talking Points for Your Discussion Given that God is merciful (Deuteronomy 4:31) Given that God is a shield (Psalm 84:11) Given that God is love (1 John 4:16) 26

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Lesson Outline Conclusion A. Two Mountains B. Prayer C. Thought to Remember

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Mediator The way we tell others about Jesus can be greatly affected by each person’s background and outlook on life. How would your emphasis differ as you present information about Jesus, our mediator, to the following people? Item number: 477469241 Collection: Photo: © MichaelJay / iStock / Thinkstock® Photo: © MichaelJay / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Mediator Demar has grown up in a very legalistic church, where he has been taught that God is harsh and demanding and will not accept us unless we follow very specific and strict rules. How would you approach Demar? Click to add notes Photo: © MichaelJay / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Mediator Demar has obviously been told that God is holy and cannot tolerate sin. That is true! But what is not true is that we can present ourselves sinless to God by our own efforts. Click to add notes Photo: © MichaelJay / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Mediator Demar surely knows that no matter how hard he tries to keep the rules, he still slips. How fearful and full of doubts he must be! Jesus paid for our sins, however, allowing us to approach God justified! Click to add notes Photo: © MichaelJay / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Mediator Felicia has never been part of a church but has an image of God as very loving and accepting. She believes God is her buddy, and she has no understanding of how Jesus fits into the picture. How would you approach Felicia? Click to add notes Photo: © MichaelJay / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Mediator Felicia must not have had to suffer the consequences of someone else’s sin! If God is so loving and accepting, does He love the drunk driver who killed an innocent child? Does He love someone who spread gossip about her? If God loves, why is there suffering? Click to add notes Photo: © MichaelJay / iStock / Thinkstock®

Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Mediator If God ignores sin, then those who suffer from sin must pay the price, not those who do wrong themselves. How unfair! Click to add notes Photo: © MichaelJay / iStock / Thinkstock®

Awesome Mediator But if God punishes sin, how could God love Felicia ? Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Mediator But if God punishes sin, how could God love Felicia ? Deep down, Felicia knows that she has been selfish at times and has caused others pain. What a problem! Click to add notes Photo: © MichaelJay / iStock / Thinkstock®

Awesome Mediator Here is where Jesus, our mediator, fits in. Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Awesome Mediator Here is where Jesus, our mediator, fits in. Sin must be punished, or God would be unfeeling of those who suffer. But instead, God sent His perfect Son to pay for the sin of all who will accept His sacrifice on their behalf! Click to add notes Photo: © MichaelJay / iStock / Thinkstock®

Thought to Remember God’s grace is not an absence of holiness. Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Thought to Remember God’s grace is not an absence of holiness.

Remembering the Covenant Copyright © 2017 Standard Publishing, part of the David C Cook family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 All rights reserved. Photo: © joebelanger | iStock Next Week’s Lesson Remembering the Covenant