Even Better Than Eden by Nancy Guthrie
Week 7: Chapter 6 — The Priests
Read Chapter 6 of Even Better than Eden. Primary passages: Genesis 2:15; Exodus 19:5–6; 1 Peter 2:9–10; Hebrews 4:14–16; Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6.
Previewing Week 7 of Even Better Than Eden
Read 3 of 8 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 12-week guide when you’re ready.
Adam was placed in the garden to 'work and keep it' — language that in the rest of Scripture describes the work of priests — and Guthrie shows how that priestly calling is reclaimed and elevated in Christ.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.Guthrie points out that the Hebrew words for Adam 'working and keeping' the garden (Genesis 2:15) are the same words used for the Levitical priests tending the tabernacle. What does this tell you about how God thought of Adam's role in Eden — and what it means for humanity to be made in the image of God?
2.God called Israel to be 'a kingdom of priests and a holy nation' (Exodus 19:6). Israel was meant to mediate God's presence to the nations. How did they succeed or fail in that calling? What does their failure tell you about the need for a better priest?
3.Hebrews presents Jesus as the great high priest who is 'able to sympathize with our weaknesses' because he was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Why is it important that our high priest is sympathetic, not just powerful?
a.Is there a particular weakness or struggle where you find it hard to believe that Jesus truly understands?
b.How does his sympathetic priesthood invite you to 'draw near with confidence' (Hebrews 4:16)?