1. Near to the Heart of God A Study of the Book of Hebrews Lesson 18 Hebrews 7:26 – 8:5 From Shadows to Substance

2. I. Introduction A.The stoning of Stephen 1. The charges: They brought forward false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop saying things against this holy place and the law. 14 For we have heard him saying that Jesus the Nazarene will 14 For we have heard him saying that Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” 15 All who were sitting in the council looked down to us.” 15 All who were sitting in the council looked intently at Stephen and saw his face was like the face of an intently at Stephen and saw his face was like the face of an angel (Acts 6:13-15; compare John 11:49-53). angel (Acts 6:13-15; compare John 11:49-53).

3. 2. Observations a.Similar accusations were made against Jesus (Mark 14:58). b.These charges galvanized the Jews’ opposition to Stephen. c.These charges were prophetic. d.These charges are the subject matter of Hebrews, and the bone of contention between Hebrew Christians and unbelieving Jews.

4. B.An overview of Hebrews 8 1. 8:1-5 – the true tabernacle 2. 8:6-13 – the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34) C.My approach in this lesson 1. My focus in this lesson is on Hebrews 8:1-5 2. Outline of this message a.A summary of the superiority of Christ’s priesthood (7:26-28) b.The author’s main point (8:1-2) c.The true tabernacle (8:2-5) d.The author’s use of Exodus 25:40 (8:5) e.Shadows vs. substance (8:2-5) f.Conclusion: Implications for Hebrew Christians, and for us.

5. II. Such a high priest: A summary of the superiority of Christ’s priesthood in contrast to the Aaronic priesthood (7:26-28) A.Undefiled by sin (7:26); no need to sacrifice for His sin (7:27). B.A heavenly ministry – headquarters in heaven (7:26) C.Once for all: No need for daily sacrifices (7:27) D.He offered up Himself as the sacrifice (7:27) E.Appointed by divine oath of the Father (7:28) F.The Son is our High Priest made perfect forever (7:28).

6. III. The main point: 1 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We have such a high priest, one who sat down at the right hand of the such a high priest, one who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the sanctuary throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the sanctuary and the true tabernacle that the Lord, not man, set up and the true tabernacle that the Lord, not man, set up (Hebrews 8:1-2). (Hebrews 8:1-2). A.Follows up on 7:26 (“such a high priest,” “exalted above the heavens”) B.A heavenly priest with a heavenly ministry C.Verses 3-5 will expand on this main point. D.This theme (the true tabernacle) will be continued as we proceed in Hebrews (see 8:2, 5; 9:11, 23-24; 10:1, 19-20).

7. IV. The “true tabernacle” (8:2-5) A.Old Testament prototypes 1. Abraham (Gal. 3:16) 2. Moses (Deut. 18:15) 3. David (2 Sam. 7:14) 4. The exodus (Luke 9:31) 5. The Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5) 6. The brazen serpent (John 3) B.New Testament fulfillment in Christ 1. True temple (John 2:18-22) 2. True light (John 1:9) 3. True bread (John 6:32) 4. True vine (John 15:1)

8. C.The author’s use of Exodus 25:40 (8:5) 1. The occasion – giving of the law, and instructions for tabernacle construction 2. A heavenly preview for Israel’s leaders (Exod. 24:9- 11) 3. Moses to construct the sanctuary according to the pattern God revealed (Exodus 25:8-9, 40; 26:30; 27:8; Acts 7:44) 4. The irony – look what Aaron and the Israelites are doing as God reveals the pattern for Israel’s sanctuary and worship to Moses (Exodus 32). 5. Just what did God show Moses?

9. D.The Shadow vs. substance (Hebrews 8:2-5). Tracing the argument: 1. Jesus Christ conducts His priestly ministry in heaven (7:26; 8:1-2). 2. He ministers in a different “sanctuary,” the “true tabernacle” (8:2). 3. Every priest is obligated to offer gifts and sacrifices. Thus our Lord must also have something to offer (8:3). 4. Since His sanctuary is in heaven, His sacrifice will be different from the Aaronic priests, and vastly superior (8:4). 5. They served a sketch and a shadow (8:5); Christ is the substance (chapters 9ff.).

10. V. Conclusion: A.A link to our time around the Lord’s Table this morning. B.Do not assume the shadows are evil; they only take us part way (Deut. 4:5-8). C.The heavenly realities have been revealed and fulfilled in Christ (John 1:14; Col. 2:16-17; Hebrews 10:20: Rev. 21:22). D.These realities are not seen, but spoken – revealed in His Word (Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:1-4), and must be “seen” by faith (Hebrews 11). E.Implications 1. For Hebrew recipients 2. For all Christians 3. For worship and missions (Piper)

11. Copyright © 2008 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 18 in the series, Near to the Heart of God, A Study of the Book of Hebrews prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for November 9, 2008. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.