Memory Scripture
To Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel
(Hebrew 12:24)

Through the blood, Jesus established a new and better covenant—one of grace, not law.

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 20: Better Things From The New Covenant (Heb. 6:9-12)
Tue. 21: Better Covenant Takes Over (Heb. 6:13-17)
Wed. 22: Believe It, God Can’t Lie (Heb. 6:18-20)
Thu. 23: Believers And Our New High Priest (Heb. 8:1-5)
Fri. 24: Beloved, Old Covenant Is A Shadow (Heb. 10:1-4)
Sat. 25:Believe In The Sacrifice Of Christ (Heb. 10:5-10)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
The Bible offers a message of hope and brighter future, fulfilled through the New Covenant by Jesus’ sacrifice.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCES: JEREMIAH 31:31-34; LUKE 22:15-20; HEBREWS 7:11-19; 8:6-12; 9:1-22

Last week, we discussed the topic on: Wisdom Literature, and it is truly a blessing to grasp the life-changing wisdom found in books like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. These scriptures provide timeless guidance, and by applying them, we grow deeper in our understanding of God’s Word.

Today, we shall discuss the 26th lesson: The New Covenant in Christ. This new covenant marks the fulfilment of God’s promise through Jesus. While the Old Testament conceals Christ, the New Testament reveals Him. The Old Testament was like a preview, pointing to what was to come, as all of creation eagerly awaited the revelation of God’s children. That waiting ended when Jesus arrived at the perfect time. He is the fulfilment of everything and the Mediator of the New Covenant, replacing the old, flawed one.

In this lesson, we will look into the new covenant, exploring both the promise it holds and how it is realised through Christ Jesus.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. THE NEWCOVENANTPROMISED
2. THE NEWCOVENANTFULFILLED

LESSON EXPOSITION

THE NEW COVENANT PROMISED (Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 7:11-19; 8:7-12; 9:1-10)

Behold the days are coming says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.
(Jer. 31:31)

a) Jer. 31:31-34: The Bible speaks of2 covenants: the old, which lasted until Jesus came (Gal. 4:4-5), and the new, promised by God and fulfilled through Jesus’ sacrifice (Lk. 22:20). Both covenants clearly convey God’s message for His people.

b) The first covenant was a guide for the New Testament people, while the second is the fulfilment of the old, as God
promised.

c) Heb. 8:7: What made the new covenant necessary? If the first covenant had been perfect, there would have been no need for a second one.

d) 7:11-19; 9:1-10 point out key aspects of the old covenant:

• The Levitical priesthood was imperfect, hence the need for a new priesthood (7:11).
• The fleshly commandments were weak and unprofitable (vv. 16-18).
• These commandments couldn’t bring perfection (v. 19).
• The first covenant was based on physical structures and an earthly sanctuary, while the new covenant is heavenly (9:1-5).
• The services in the earthly sanctuary were symbolic of the new covenant (vv. 6-10).
• Animal sacrifices, like those of goats and lambs, couldn’t remove sin permanently—only the blood of Jesus can (10:4).

THE NEW COVENANT FULFILLED (Lk. 22:15- 20; Heb. 8:6; 9:11-22)

Likewise, He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you
(Lk. 22:20).

a) Lk 22:15-20: Jesus is not just the Mediator of the new covenant; He is its fulfilment and custodian. He fulfilled God’s promise for a new covenant, correcting the flaws of the old one.

b) v. 20: Before going to the cross, at the Lord’s Supper, Jesus proved Himself as the fulfilment of God’s promise for a new covenant: This cup is the new covenant in My blood.

c) Heb. 8:6: Through this, Jesus obtained a more excellent ministry inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant
which was established on better promises.

d) 9:11-22: but with His own blood… (v. 12). The old and new covenants differ in the blood that initiated them.

e) Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission… (v. 22). The power of blood in both systems is crucial. In the OT, animals’ blood was used for purification, but how much more powerful is Christ’s blood in offering a superior sacrifice to God?

LESSONS DERIVED

1. When instituting the old system, God had already planned for a better, new covenant to be fulfilled through His Son.
2. The new covenant, fulfilled in Christ Jesus is the best thing that happened to human race.

QUESTIONS

1. Explain the new covenant’s fulfilment in the light of the fact that Jesus Christ shed His blood for the remission of our sins.
2. Since the old system was still in place, why did God opt for another covenant?