In this section of Hebrews, the author continues to show the superiority of Christ by way of comparison. Now, he compares Mount Sinai to Mount Zion. What is Mount Zion and why is it better than the place where God established the Law for Israel through Moses? Let’s dig in and find out!!!

Chris Adomanis

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 12:18-24 ]

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)

18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

+ 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?

Study Notes:

The differences between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion are astounding. The Law came from Sinai; the cross was on Zion. Sinai is associated with Egypt; Zion is associated with heaven. A few angels delivered the Law to Moses; Zion has an innumerable company of angels. If you come to Jesus in repentance of sin, you are in a different place altogether, no longer “in Adam”, but “in Christ”. In your new position, you are no longer under the burden and penalty of the Law, be made free and found righteous in the sight of God!!! Praise Jesus, “the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel”.