Hebrews 12:18–24 “Where We Have Come, Where We Will Go”

Hebrews 12:18-24 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Touch The Sky – Hillsong UNITED
• Remembrance – Hillsong Worship
• Jesus Paid It All – Kristian Stanfill

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• (13) God’s Story: Kingdom – YouTube – Lesson for Kids
• ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus | Shipwrecked VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• We Will Live Forever (John 3:16) | HLA Athens | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• God Has Given to Me | Cross Culture Peru Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The author now uses Mount Sinai as a metaphor to explain the spiritual condition the readers find themselves in through faith (vv. 18–21). The phrase “Mount Sinai” (v. 18) does not appear in the original text, but the translator has inserted it to clarify the meaning. Before God revealed Himself to Moses, He instructed the people to gather at Mount Sinai. A boundary was drawn at the foot of the mountain, and no one was allowed to cross it. Anyone—whether a person or even an animal—who crossed the boundary would not survive (Exodus 19). Later, reflecting on that event, Moses confessed, “I was afraid” (Deuteronomy 9:19). The statement, “You have not come to a mountain like Mount Sinai” (v. 18), implies a condition in which one cannot approach God too closely. Human beings, tainted by sin, cannot violate God’s holiness. In the age of the Law, people could only approach God indirectly, from a distance, and under strict limitations.

The author uses Mount Zion as a metaphor for the spiritual state the readers have entered through faith. “Mount Zion” (v. 22) may refer to Jerusalem or the Temple. However, by adding the phrase “the city of the living God,” the author makes it clear that he is not referring to the earthly city or the physical Temple, but to the New Jerusalem that will come with the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:9–27). The Kingdom of God, which is now hidden from our sight, will be revealed as reality on the last day. Though believers live physically on this earth, they are spiritually already dwelling in God’s Kingdom—the New Jerusalem. In this place they have reached by faith (the Kingdom of God), there are “thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly” (v. 22), “the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven,” “God, the Judge of all,” “the spirits of the righteous made perfect” (v. 23), and “Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant” (v. 24). The only reason they can draw near to such a glorious place is because of “the sprinkled blood” of Jesus.

By saying that this blood “speaks a better word than the blood of Abel,” the author contrasts Jesus’ blood with Abel’s. Abel’s blood cried out to God for vengeance (Genesis 4:10), but the blood of Jesus pleads for forgiveness and grace.

Meditation:

The salvation we have received is truly astonishing. Through faith, we have inherited an unshakable Kingdom and been promised eternal life. Even now, we are citizens of that Kingdom, participating in the never-ending celebration taking place there. The worship we offer together here on earth is not separate from heaven’s worship—it is participation in the eternal worship of God’s Kingdom. Everything we now experience by faith will be perfectly fulfilled when the new heaven and earth come.

This privilege has been given to us solely by the grace of the blood of Jesus Christ. While Abel’s blood cried out to God for vengeance, the blood Jesus shed on the cross cries out for the forgiveness and grace of all humankind. Anyone who trusts in the power of His blood can receive forgiveness and the grace of God’s love.

The Kingdom of God is still hidden from our eyes—not because God has concealed it, but because sin has darkened our vision. One day, all of it will be revealed before us as reality. What we now call “reality” will be shown to be a shadow, and what we now consider “beyond reality” will become real. The author of Hebrews declares that believers have already arrived there. But this can only be seen through the eyes of faith.

Because the Kingdom of God is not yet visible or tangible to us, there are times when we face severe trials or powerful temptations and find ourselves in danger of straying from the path of faith. This is as foolish as Esau trading his birthright for a bowl of stew. Since the privileges of the firstborn were not immediately visible, he treated them as insignificant. To satisfy his present hunger with a single meal, he gave up the inheritance that was to come.

Prayer:

Lord, who proved the eternal Kingdom of God through your resurrection, open the eyes of our hearts so that we may see that Kingdom. Help us live in this world with hope for the new heaven and new earth to come, and embody your Kingdom here and now. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Even though we can’t see it with our eyes, God’s Kingdom is real, and we already belong to it through faith in Jesus. Our worship here on earth is part of the joyful celebration in heaven. Jesus’ blood opened the way for us to live forever with God; one day, everything we believe by faith will become reality.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Have you ever believed something was real even though you couldn’t see it? What was it like?
  • What do you think God’s Kingdom looks like?
  • Why do you think Jesus had to die on the cross to help us get to God’s Kingdom?
• For Youth
  • The Bible says we are already part of God’s Kingdom, even if we can’t see it yet. What might it mean to “live as a citizen of God’s Kingdom” today?
  • Why do you think the author of Hebrews compares Jesus’ blood with Abel’s blood? What’s the message behind that contrast?
  • How can we remind ourselves daily that we are part of something greater, even when life feels ordinary or hard?