OVER 2 MILLION SOLD IN THE LIFE LESSONS SERIES! The Jewish believers were torn between their new faith in Jesus and their old ways rooted in Old Testament routines and rituals. They were tempted to go back to their familiar life that seemed "good enough." But the author of Hebrews shows that when Jesus came, "the best got better." The unknown author of Hebrews skillfully compares these believers' old ways and their new faith, arguing that Christ is better in every way. He focuses on Jesus, his effective ministry, and his ultimate sacrifice, showing us that absolutely nothing compares to our incomparable Christ. As you read, study, journal, and discuss the book of Hebrews, watch for these key themes that Max will unpack throughout the book: Jesus Christ brought about a whole new way of connecting with and following God. - Jesus is our compassionate high priest. - Faith is the connector between this life and the next. The Life Lessons with Max Lucado series brings the Bible to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections to take you deeper into God's Word. Each lesson includes: An opening reflection on the Bible book you're studying. - Background information to deepen your understanding of the cultural and historical setting. - An excerpt of the text (from the NIV and the NKJV). - Exploration questions with plenty of room to write your own thoughts and notes. - Inspirational thoughts from Max as well as a closing takeaway for further reflection. The Life Lessons series is ideal for use in both a small-group setting or for individual study. Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as the teaching minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is the recipient of the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry and society at large. He is America's bestselling inspirational author with more than 150 million products in print. Visit his website at MaxLucado.com Facebook.com/MaxLucado Instagram.com/MaxLucado X.com/MaxLucado Youtube.com/MaxLucadoOfficial The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast Life Lessons from Hebrews The Incomparable Christ By Max Lucado, Neil Wilson Thomas Nelson Copyright © 2018 Max Lucado All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-310-08658-1 Contents How to Study the Bible, v, Introduction to the Book of Hebrews, ix, Lesson 1 Jesus Understands Us (Hebrews 2:10–18), 1, Lesson 2 Keep the Faith (Hebrews 3:1–14), 11, Lesson 3 God's Rest (Hebrews 4:1–11), 21, Lesson 4 Jesus, Our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–5:10), 31, Lesson 5 Perseverance (Hebrews 6:7–20), 41, Lesson 6 God Forgives and Forgets (Hebrews 8:1–13), 51, Lesson 7 The Ultimate Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11–28), 61, Lesson 8 Confidence in Christ (Hebrews 10:19–39), 71, Lesson 9 Faith in God's Promises (Hebrews 11:1–16), 81, Lesson 10 Suffering Serves a Purpose (Hebrews 12:1–11), 91, Lesson 11 The Fear of the Lord (Hebrews 12:12–29), 101, Lesson 12 Serving Others (Hebrews 13:1–16), 111, Leader's Guide for Small Groups, 121, CHAPTER 1 JESUS UNDERSTANDS US For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:18 NKJV REFLECTION All of encounter pain and disappointments at some point in our lives. Some of these last for a brief time, while others stay with us for lifetime. Think for a moment about how you cope with difficulties. Where do you usually turn for comfort when you are hurting? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ SITUATION The writer of Hebrews wanted to highlight the uniqueness of Christ. From the first sentence of his letter to the last, he presents Jesus as the final word from God and reveals how he is superior everything else. The author begins by showing how Jesus is higher than the angels. At the time in Jewish culture there was a great fascination with angels, but the author wants to make it clear these heavenly beings pale in comparison to God's Son. The writer's point is not to disparage angels but demonstrate the surpassing greatness of Christ and his effective ministry on behalf of those he came to save. OBSERVATION Read Hebrews 2:10–18 from the New International Version or the New King James Version. New International Version 10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I