BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott begin a series exploring Hebrews 9-13 by setting the theological foundation for why Jesus is greater than everything that came before him (think Old Testament Law and the 10 Commandments). Before diving into doctrine, they dive into the purpose, authorship, and structure of Hebrews. This episode reframes the Old Testament as a shadow pointing to Jesus, clarifying why the law could diagnose sin but never heal it — and why intimacy with the Father is now fully accessible through Jesus. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode one.*
— EPISODE CHAPTERS —
(00:00) Introduction to Hebrews: Author and Date
The episode opens with candid conversation and irreverent humor, modeling how emotional awareness, stress, and everyday life matter in spiritual formation before getting into the setting of the book of Hebrews.
(11:10) Why Hebrews Was Written
The discussion shifts to the background of Hebrews — its audience, timing, and likely authorship — explaining why the message was delivered anonymously and why it speaks so directly to Jewish believers.
(24:01) Jesus Is Greater Than the Law
The heart of this section unpacks Hebrews 8.13 and 9.9, showing how Jesus fulfills every role of the Old Testament. The law revealed sin, but only Jesus restores relationship and heals what the law could never fix.
(35:54) Shadows vs. Reality
Finally, this section contrasts the Old Testament as a shadow with Jesus as the substance, using relational analogies to show why clinging to the law after Christ is like choosing a shadow over the real person.
— EPISODE LINKS —
• Playlist | Revelation
• Playlist | Galatians
• STB074 | BSE | Bible Oddities
— EPISODE NOTES —
Hebrews 1-8 Summary: The superiority of Jesus as man, angel, prophet, priest, and mediator of the old obsolete works-based covenant → (8-13) the superiority of the new faith & relationship-based covenant.
HEBREWS 8.13-9.14: The Religious Elements are a Parable of the Real
(see also Exodus 25.17-22; Jeremiah 31.31-34; Psalm 40.6-8; Wisdom of Solomon 9.8-10; John 1.14-18; Colossians 2.16-17; Hebrews 4.2; Revelation 4.1-11)
The tabernacle, priesthood, sacrifices, and mercy seat were never the ultimate reality—they were a parable. Parable = A relatable analogy that explains a deeper, more real spiritual truth about the Kingdom of Heaven. These religious elements pointed beyond themselves to a greater, truer mediation. They revealed humanity’s need for cleansing, access, and restored relationship, but they could not complete the work. Jesus fulfills what these symbols anticipated, addressing the conscience and heart rather than merely external behavior.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S):
Where do you still rely on external rules or self-effort to manage your relationship with God instead of trusting Jesus’ mediation? Or, how do you impose external rules on others to manage or define the health of their relationship with God?
HEBREWS 9.15-10.10: Jesus Made the Old Testament Law Obsolete
(see also Deuteronomy 18.15-19; Isaiah 53.10-12; Psalm 110.4; 4 Ezra 7.132-140; Matthew 5.17-18; Romans 8.1-4; Galatians 3.23-25; Revelation 5.9-10)
Jesus did not abolish the Law by rejecting it, but by fulfilling its purpose. The Law exposed sin, restrained evil, and pointed toward redemption, yet it could never transform the heart. Through his once-for-all offering, Jesus rendered the old system unnecessary by accomplishing what it could not: forgiveness, reconciliation, and internal renewal. Obedience is no longer driven by obligation to a checklist, but by relationship and trust empowered by the Holy Spirit.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S):
Where are you still living as if something needs to be added to what Jesus has already done? Or, checklists or expectations do you have of other Christians that would make them a “good” Christian or “reveal” that they have a healthy relationship with God?
HEBREWS 10.11-18: The Holy Spirit Leads in Freedom
(see also Deuteronomy 30.6; Ezekiel 36.26-27; Psalm 51.10-12; Sirach 17.1-14; John 16.7-11; Acts 2.17-18; Romans 8.1-11; 2 Corinthians 3.17-18; Revelation 22.17)
Because Jesus’ work is finished, the Holy Spirit now leads God’s people in freedom rather than fear. Forgiveness is complete, not fragile. The Spirit internalizes God’s Law — writing it on hearts rather than stone. This freedom is not license, but restored alignment with God’s design. The enemy’s accusations lose their power because there is no longer a debt to collect. Therefore, God’s people are invited to live confidently, relationally, and victoriously.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S):
According to Hebrews 10.18, there is no longer any need to offer a sacrifice for sin. What “sacrifices” do you still try to offer God when you sin? What “sacrifices” do you require from others when they sin against you?
ACTIVATION STEPS
From this study, prayerfully walk through the following steps:
LIVE FROM THE FINISHED MEDIATION
(Hebrews 10.18)
Because Jesus is the final mediator and the true mercy seat, we no longer relate to God through fear, ritual, or self-correction. We are invited to live from forgiveness, not for it.
Ask the Holy Spirit: Where am I still living as if something needs to be added to Jesus’ finished work? What would You have me do instead?
