Today’s reading is comprised of six powerful verses that can be meditated upon in sets of two. It is helpful to know that the Hebrews would have understood this passage as coming from Isaiah 35, which is all about setting our eyes on the road that leads to heaven.
In the first two verses, we are exhorted -- as children of the Most High -- that no matter how much we feel like wallowing in self-pity, we are to adopt the posture of overcomers, our eyes always fixed on the promise of Zion. Strive -- we have victory. Once our gaze is set high towards the prize, we step into the next set of verses where we are exhorted to work for peace here on earth.
The first set builds on the second: your mind is healed from self-pity, don’t now enter into petty, earthbound quarrels that weaken others in the church body. Strive -- we have victory. The last set builds on the first two sets: full of hope, encouraging others and reminding them to look towards Zion, don’t yourself then fall into hope-and-inheritance-destroying-sins as Esau did.
Don’t trade peace that passes understanding for sins that are consumed like meals, and in turn consume us. Strive -- we have victory. It was purchased with the blood of our King.
Amy + Todd Smith
The following guide is a resource for your personal time of abiding with the Lord and for your Community Group when you meet. It can also be used for times with family or friends around the table.
DISCOVER [ Hebrews 12:12-17 ]
WHAT is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that I/we learn?
(Use the questions to help make additional observations about the passage to clarify the main point)
12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.
+ What do you think “healed” means here?
+ Is peace meant to be connected to holiness here?
+ How do we “see to it” that no one fails to obtain grace?
+ Can you think of any sin that offers true, lasting joy? How is sin like a “single meal”?
+ Historically, what are Mount Sinai and Mount Zion? What is the author really trying to do in comparing these places? In what ways are the two “Mounts” the same? In what ways are they different?
+ Why does the author make this comparison? (Recall the “audience” and the purpose of the author in writing this epistle).
+ What does it mean that Jesus is “the mediator of the new covenant”?
+ If they are so vastly different, how do you reconcile the God of Mount Sinai with the God of Mount Zion?
HOW is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
(Below are a couple of ideas to help prompt responses if needed)
WHO am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
(e.g., spend time with them, set-up an intentional time to share your story, begin a discovery study on the teachings of Jesus with them)
+ What is my next step?