Hebrews 7–13

For centuries, the Jews had exercised the Levitical Priesthood, also known as the Aaronic Priesthood. But with the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ came the greater Melchizedek Priesthood, which offered even greater blessings. What do you learn about the Melchizedek Priesthood from Hebrews 7? Here are some examples of truths you might find:

Joseph Smith Translation, Hebrews 7:3, 21:Those who are ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood “are made like unto the Son of God” and are “[priests] forever.”

Hebrews 7:11:The Levitical Priesthood does not offer “perfection” and was therefore superseded by the Melchizedek (see D&C 84:18–22).

Hebrews 7:20–21:The Melchizedek Priesthood is received through an oath (see D&C 84:19–44).

What blessings have you received from the Melchizedek Priesthood and its associated ordinances?

See also Alma 13:1–13; Doctrine and Covenants 121:36–46; Gospel Topics, “Melchizedek Priesthood,” topics.lds.org; Guide to the Scriptures, “Melchizedek,” scriptures.lds.org; Henry B. Eyring, “Faith and the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 61–64; Dallin H. Oaks, “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 49–52.

The original Hebrew readers of this epistle would have been very familiar with the ancient tabernacle and the ordinances Paul described. But some did not fully recognize that the purpose of these ordinances was to point to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

In biblical times, on a yearly holiday called the Day of Atonement, a high priest entered the holiest place (or Holy of Holies) in the Jerusalem temple and sacrificed a goat or lamb to atone for the sins of Israel. Paul explained that Jesus Christ is a high priest who offers a single sacrifice—His own life—to atone for the sins of the world (see Hebrews 9:24–10:14).

Think about the ordinances you participate in today. How do these ordinances point you to Jesus Christ?

To learn more about ancient Jewish ceremonies and their symbolism, see the videos “The Tabernacle” and “Sacrifice and Sacrament” (LDS.org).

If someone asked you to define faith, what would you say? Sister Anne C. Pingree, former member of the Relief Society General Presidency, drew on language from Hebrews 11 to give this definition: “Faith, the spiritual ability to be persuaded of promises that are seen ‘afar off’ but that may not be attained in this life, is a sure measure of those who truly believe” (“Seeing the Promises Afar Off,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2003, 14).

Consider developing your own definition of faith as you ponder the ideas in Hebrews 11. What do the examples of the people mentioned in this chapter teach you about faith? (See also Ether 12:6–22.)

See also Alma 32:21, 26–43; Jeffrey R. Holland, “An High Priest of Good Things to Come,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 36–38; Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” topics.lds.org.

You might invite family members to share spiritual experiences when they felt “illuminated” with truth. How can these experiences help us “cast not away therefore [our] confidence” in times of trial or doubt?

How can you help your family members learn from the faithful examples mentioned in Hebrews 11? It might be fun to act out the stories of some of these examples. Or perhaps your family could discuss the examples of other faithful people you know—including ancestors, Church leaders, and members of your community.

According to this verse, why was Jesus willing to endure the pain and suffering of the cross? What does this teach us about how we can endure our trials? President Russell M. Nelson gave some helpful insights on this verse in his message “Joy and Spiritual Survival” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 81–84).

Why does the Lord chasten and correct us? What do family members notice about the way the Lord sees chastisement as you study these verses together? How do these verses affect the way you give or receive chastisement?