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Jesus and the Last Days

1. CONNECT

   10min
   In previous sessions, we saw that the book of Hebrews exhorted Jewish Christians to remain faithful to Christ rather than turn for safety from persecution by following the “strange teachings” of their local Jewish communities. In this session, we’ll explore how in every major section of the book our author explained that Jesus brings the last days of God’s plan for world history.

2. Reflection

   When most modern Christians speak of the “last days,” they refer to what will happen when Jesus returns in glory. By contrast, the opening verses of our book declare that Jesus has already begun to bring the wonders of the last days. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2).

3. Guiding Question

   Why is it important for us to understand that when the author of Hebrews referred to the “last days,” he was talking about something much broader than just Christ’s second coming?

4. WATCH

   15min

5. DISCUSS

   15min
   1. Prior to the first coming of Christ, the people of Israel had been under God’s judgment of foreign tyranny for 500 years, but faithful Jews in the first century still longed for the last days when God would pour out his blessings on his people. Why was it so important for the author of Hebrews to proclaim to his Jewish readers that God had sent his Son “in these last days” (Hebrews 1:2)? 2. Most Jews in the first century believed that the last days would bring a sudden end to all of their suffering and persecution. By contrast, the New Testament teaches that the last days unfold in the inauguration, continuation and consummation of Christ’s kingdom. How does this New Testament teaching explain why followers of Jesus suffer troubles and persecution, even though he has brought the last days?

6. APPLY

   15min
   1. The book of Hebrews highlights many blessings of the last days that are already ours in Christ: final atonement in Christ’s death (Hebrews 10:10), a new covenant that guarantees our eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15), and the gifts of God’s Spirit (Hebrews 2:4). How do these blessings encourage us to remain faithful to Jesus despite the troubles we face in this life? 2. The author of Hebrews repeatedly called attention to the fact that history had reached its last days in Jesus. How does this change the way you think about the “last days”? In what ways should this understanding of the last days affect the way you live your Christian life?

7. CHALLENGE

   Recommended reading: Hebrews 1; Psalm 110:1-5 and Romans 8:14-17 This week, list some difficult experiences that may make Christians question whether Jesus has really brought the last days. Then make a list of God’s blessings that help you hold fast to your faith in Christ. Compare the two lists. Finish with a time of prayer.