Sabbath School Class Week 12

Sabbath School Class Week 12

My apologies for posting this lesson so late.  This week has been crazy and full.  I have so much appreciated all the bible promises that were posted.  It was those promises that strengthened me.  What a blessing.  

INTRODUCTION:  This lesson is a difficult one to write.  I have read chapter 7 many times and it was not until I read on in chapter 8 that it started coming together.  So we will be covering a lot of ground today.  Sometimes we cover a couple verses and today we are going to read an entire chapter and a few verses into the next chapter.  So let's get started.

READ:  Chapter 7 and Chapter 8: 1-2

Who is Melchizedek?

What do we know about him?

What are the similarities to Christ?

What are the differences?

Once again the author is taking a person they know, a story they are very familiar with, a story that is part of their heritage and helping them see Jesus.  Helping them understand the significance of Jesus.  

The Jews had spent so much time and energy focused on their ancestry, those who had gone before them, the exodus, the patriarchs that they missed Jesus the very reason for remembering the exodus and those who came before.  

Is there any important warning for us in this passage?

How can we insure that we don't get caught up in the spiritual and religious giants in our church, but keep our eyes firmly planted on our Savior Jesus Christ?

Chapter 8 sums it up for us.  The reason for what the author is writing is to remind us that we have a high priest, and He is who we should worship!

Chris and I have enjoyed attending the OneProject.  We have received plenty of criticism for attending. Many who have never been have plenty to say about what the meetings are all about.  I am not going to get into a debate about what it is or is not. I just have one question for you.  IS JESUS ENOUGH?  Seriously though is he enough, is he and can he be everything?  As we have attended the OneProject gathering, I have to say I have never been more aware of the importance of keeping my eyes firmly on Jesus.  There is no priest or minister or evangelist who is so great that he or she should be my focus.  There is no pastor or elder, no tradition or ritual that should take my focus away from Jesus.  

Chapter 8 simply starts off letting us know...

In essence, we have just such a high priest: authoritative right alongside God, conducting worship in the one true sanctuary built by God.

Challenge:  This week let's keep our focus on Jesus.  How?  Let's post scriptures about Jesus.  Let's pray to Jesus, share Jesus, sing about Jesus, rest in Jesus, give Jesus our tithe, follow Jesus, celebrate Jesus!