This small group discussion guide draws directly from the sermon “Showcase - Cornerstone Fountain Valley | Eliot Bland | Live - Nov. 1st, 2026” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.
Small Group Discussion Guide
Jesus, Our High Priest: The Validation We've Been Searching For
Based on Hebrews 7 | Cornerstone Church
A Note to Facilitators: This guide is designed to work for groups of all sizes and experience levels. You don't need to use every question — read through the guide ahead of time and choose the questions that feel most relevant to your group. Estimated times are suggestions, not rules. The goal is genuine conversation and connection, not covering every point. Pray before your group meets and trust the Holy Spirit to lead the discussion.
OVERVIEW
In this message from Hebrews 7, Pastor Elliot unpacks one of the Bible's most profound and often overlooked truths: every person is already looking to something or someone to validate them and deal with the guilt of falling short. The real question isn't whether we need a priest — it's who our priest is. Through the mysterious Old Testament figure of Melchizedek and his connection to Jesus, the author of Hebrews builds a compelling case that Jesus is the perfect, eternal High Priest whose finished work on the cross is guaranteed, permanent, and sufficient. Because Jesus' priesthood never fails, we are freed from performance-based faith and invited into the security of drawing near to God through him.
Key Truth: Jesus is the High Priest who has done for us what we could never do for ourselves — and his finished work is the only validation that will ever be enough.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Suggested Group Supplies:
- Printed copies of this guide (or shared digitally)
- Bibles or Bible app
- Pens or pencils for personal reflection sections
Suggested Room Setup: Arrange seating so everyone can see each other. Consider having light refreshments to create a welcoming atmosphere.
SECTION 1: ICEBREAKER
(5–10 minutes)
Start here to help everyone relax and engage before diving into the scripture. This question has no wrong answers — it's just meant to get people talking and laughing together.
Opening Question:
"Tell the group about a time when knowing someone — or having the right 'badge,' pass, or connection — got you access to something you wouldn't have been able to get into on your own. Maybe it was backstage at an event, a sold-out restaurant, a job opportunity, or something else entirely. What happened?"
[Leader Tip] This question connects directly to Pastor Elliot's story about getting a backstage pass at youth convention through his connection with Pastor Gary. It's a fun, low-stakes way to open the conversation and naturally leads into the idea of needing someone else to give us access we couldn't earn ourselves. Keep this light and fun — laughter is a great way to open a group.
SECTION 2: SCRIPTURE READING
(5 minutes)
Before diving into discussion, read the key passage aloud together. Consider asking for a volunteer to read, or read it yourself as the facilitator. Encourage group members to follow along in their own Bibles.
Primary Passage — Hebrews 7:22–28
"This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number because they were prevented by death from continuing in office. But he holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever." — Hebrews 7:22–28 (ESV)
Supporting Passage — Ephesians 2:8–9
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." — Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV)
Background Context for Facilitators:
You don't need to be a Bible expert to share this — just read it aloud or summarize it in your own words:
Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were very familiar with the Old Testament priesthood system. In that system, priests from the tribe of Levi would offer animal sacrifices on behalf of the people to cover their sins and restore their relationship with God. These priests were human, imperfect, and temporary — they eventually died and had to be replaced. Jesus, however, came from the tribe of Judah (not Levi), so the author of Hebrews points back to an even older priest — Melchizedek — to show that Jesus' priesthood operates on a completely different and superior level. Melchizedek appears briefly in Genesis 14 as a mysterious king-priest who blesses Abraham. His name means "king of righteousness" and he ruled over Salem (Jerusalem), which means "peace." The author of Hebrews uses Melchizedek as a picture — or a foreshadowing — of Jesus, the true King of righteousness and peace, whose priesthood is eternal and perfect.
SECTION 3: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
(30–45 minutes)
Work through these questions as time and conversation allow. You don't need to cover all of them. Questions are organized from lighter and observational to deeper and more personal. Choose what fits your group best.
THEME A: Our Need for Validation
Questions 1–3 | (~10–12 minutes)
Question 1 — Observational
"Pastor Elliot said something that might have surprised some people: 'The question isn't whether you need a priest — you already have one.' What do you think he meant by that? What kinds of things do people typically look to for validation or to deal with feelings of guilt and shame?"
[Leader Tip] This is a great opening question because it's observational — people can answer based on what they heard in the sermon before sharing anything personal. It naturally opens the door for the next, more personal question. Common "priests" people might name: social media approval, performance at work, relationships, money, achievement, church attendance, or even therapy. Affirm all honest answers — the goal is self-awareness, not shame.
Question 2 — Personal
"Pastor Elliot talked about how even people who claim they don't care what others think often care the most — and he used a funny example about wanting his wife to validate his driving decisions even when he knew he was wrong. When do you find yourself most tempted to seek outside validation? What does that look like in your day-to-day life?"
Question 3 — Interpretive
"The sermon described two traps people fall into when they try to earn God's approval rather than receive it as a gift: despair ('I'll never be good enough') and arrogance ('I'm better than most people, so I probably deserve it'). Which of those two tendencies do you think is more common in church culture? Which do you personally relate to more, and why?"
[Leader Tip] This question can generate honest and vulnerable conversation. Be ready to share your own honest answer first to model openness. If the group is quiet, try asking: "Have you ever caught yourself mentally keeping a 'good deeds' list? What does that feel like?" Avoid letting this become a theological debate — keep it personal and experiential.
THEME B: Who Is Melchizedek — and Why Does It Matter?
Questions 4–5 | (~8–10 minutes)
Question 4 — Interpretive
"The sermon introduced us to Melchizedek — a figure most of us don't think about very often. Based on what you heard Sunday and the background context in this guide, what do you find most interesting or surprising about Melchizedek? Why do you think the author of Hebrews goes all the way back to this ancient, mysterious figure to make his point about Jesus?"
[Leader Tip] Don't worry if your group doesn't know much about Melchizedek — that's totally normal. The key takeaway is simple: Melchizedek was a king AND a priest, a picture of righteousness and peace, and he blessed Abraham with bread and wine. The author of Hebrews is saying Jesus is the fulfillment of everything Melchizedek pointed toward. If the group gets stuck, ask: "What does it tell you about Jesus that God was foreshadowing him all the way back in Genesis?"
Question 5 — Interpretive
"Pastor Elliot pointed out that Melchizedek blessed Abraham with bread and wine — and that Jesus, our true King-Priest, also offers us bread and wine in communion. What does it mean to you that communion isn't just a ritual, but a participation in the finished work of our High Priest? How does understanding that change the way you think about taking communion?"
THEME C: The Security of Jesus' Priesthood
Questions 6–8 | (~12–15 minutes)
Question 6 — Observational & Personal
"Hebrews 7:25 says Jesus 'is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.' The phrase 'to the uttermost' is striking. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus doesn't just save you partially or conditionally — but completely and permanently? Does that feel easy or difficult to actually believe? Why?"
Question 7 — Application
"Pastor Elliot described what he called 'the credit card moment' — the anxiety of not knowing if your card will be approved. He said some of us live our faith that way, crossing our fingers and hoping God will come through, rather than resting in what's already been guaranteed. What would it look like practically to stop living in spiritual anxiety and start resting in the security of what Jesus has already done? What would change in your daily life?"
[Leader Tip] This is one of the most practical questions in the guide. Encourage specific answers — not just "I'd feel more peace" but "I'd stop replaying my failures," "I'd be less afraid to tell people about my faith," "I'd stop trying to earn God's favor through church attendance." The more concrete, the more helpful.
Question 8 — Community
"The sermon opened by challenging us with the example of persecuted believers around the world — Christians in places like Iran who risk arrest and death to worship and share the gospel. Pastor Elliot said, 'We need to be challenged by them.' Thinking about the security we have in Jesus as our High Priest, what fears or hesitations hold you back from living your faith more boldly? How does the truth of Hebrews 7 speak to those fears?"
THEME D: Grace That Produces Growth
Questions 9–10 | (~8–10 minutes)
Question 9 — Interpretive
"Romans 6:1–2 asks, 'Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!' Pastor Elliot explained that the security of grace isn't a license to keep living the same way — it actually produces growth and transformation. In your experience, what's the difference between someone who uses grace as an excuse to stay the same versus someone who is genuinely transformed by it? What does that transformation look like in real life?"
Question 10 — Personal & Reflective
"Pastor Elliot said, 'Righteousness brings peace not as a reward but as a result.' He shared how his commitment to living with integrity has produced peace in his own life — not because he earned something from God, but because God's ways are genuinely better. Can you think of a time in your own life when choosing the right path — even when it was harder — produced a sense of peace that surprised you? What did that experience teach you about God?"
[Leader Tip] This is a great question for mature believers to share from personal experience in a way that encourages newer believers. If your group has newer Christians, you might rephrase: "Even if you're newer to faith, have you noticed any areas where following what you know is right has brought you more peace than going your own way?"
SECTION 4: PERSONAL APPLICATION
(10–15 minutes)
These questions are for individual reflection. You can give the group 2–3 minutes of quiet to think and write before inviting anyone to share — or simply use them as a closing discussion. Not everyone needs to share their answers aloud.
Reflection Questions:
The Honest Question: Pastor Elliot posed this question at the end of his message: "If you were to die today and face eternity, and someone asked, 'Why should we let you in?' — what would your honest first answer be?" Take a moment to sit with that question. Is your answer rooted in what Jesus has done, or in what you have done?
Your Priest: Based on the sermon, what is one "priest" — one source of validation or approval — that you've been relying on that will never be enough? What would it look like to surrender that to Jesus this week?
The Invitation: Hebrews 7:25 says Jesus saves "those who draw near to God through him." Drawing near is an active choice. What is one specific, practical step you can take this week to draw near to Jesus — not to earn anything, but simply to be with him?
Fear to Faith: The sermon opened with a prayer for people struggling with fear and anxiety. Is there an area of your life right now where fear is dictating your decisions or holding you back? How does the truth that Jesus "always lives to make intercession" for you speak into that fear?
Bold Faith: The persecuted church was highlighted as a challenge and an inspiration. Is there one relationship — a coworker, a family member, a neighbor — where you've been hesitant to share your faith or stand for truth? What would it look like to take one step of courage there this week?
SECTION 5: THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
(Share before closing prayer)
Choose one of the following options — or come up with your own — and commit to it before your group closes in prayer. Consider sharing your choice with one other person in the group for accountability.
Option A — Reflect: Spend 10 minutes this week reading Genesis 14:17–20 (the story of Melchizedek and Abraham) and then re-read Hebrews 7:1–10. Ask God to show you something new about how the Old and New Testaments connect and what it means that Jesus is the fulfillment of all that came before.
Option B — Identify: Write down one "priest" — one source of validation or approval outside of Jesus — that you've been relying on. Pray specifically about surrendering that to God this week.
Option C — Draw Near: Pick one intentional way to "draw near" to God this week: a specific time of prayer, a walk where you talk to God, a worship song you listen to intentionally, or a passage of scripture you sit with. Do it — and notice what happens.
Option D — Be Bold: Identify one person in your life who doesn't know Jesus. Pray for them every day this week. If the opportunity arises, share something of your faith with them — even something simple.
Option E — Serve: Look for one opportunity this week to bless someone else the way Jesus, our High Priest, has blessed us — generously, without expecting anything in return.
SECTION 6: PRAYER FOCUS
(5–10 minutes)
Close your group time in prayer. Here are suggested prayer topics — feel free to use all of them or choose what feels most relevant to your group's conversation.
Suggested Prayer Topics:
- Gratitude — Thank God for the finished work of Jesus, our perfect High Priest, who saves completely and permanently.
- Surrender — Ask God to reveal and loosen the grip of the "false priests" — the sources of validation we've been relying on outside of him.
- Freedom from Fear — Pray for anyone in the group struggling with fear or anxiety, that God's peace that surpasses understanding would guard their hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).
- Bold Faith — Pray for courage to live and share the gospel without fear of people's opinions, inspired by the example of persecuted believers around the world.
- The Persecuted Church — Take a moment to specifically pray for Christians in countries where faith is illegal or dangerous — that God would protect them, strengthen them, and continue to grow his church through them.
- Personal Application — Invite anyone who is comfortable to share one thing they want to bring to God in prayer based on tonight's discussion.
Suggested Closing Prayer:
Feel free to use this or pray in your own words:
Lord Jesus, thank you that you are not just a good teacher or a moral example — you are our High Priest. You did what we could never do. You paid a price we could never pay. And your work is finished, guaranteed, and permanent. Help us to stop looking to the wrong places for the validation that only you can give. Teach us what it means to draw near to you — not to earn anything, but because you are the one who makes us whole. Give us bold faith like our brothers and sisters who are suffering for the gospel today. And may the security we have in you produce growth, peace, and courage in us this week. In your name, Amen.
SECTION 7: OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE
(For groups wanting to go further — 15–20 additional minutes)
These questions are for groups with more time or more theological curiosity. They're not required — use them if your group is energized and wants to keep going.
Deep Dive Question 1 — Old Testament Connection:
"Read Genesis 14:17–20 together if you have time. Melchizedek blesses Abraham with bread and wine, and Abraham gives him a tithe. Now read Luke 22:19–20 (the institution of communion). What connections do you see between these two passages? What does it tell you about how God has been working out a single, unified plan of salvation across thousands of years of history?"
Deep Dive Question 2 — Theological Reflection:
"Hebrews 7:25 says Jesus 'always lives to make intercession' for us. This means right now, in this moment, Jesus is interceding — advocating — for you before the Father. What does it mean to you that your relationship with God isn't maintained by your own effort but by the ongoing, active intercession of your High Priest? How does that change the way you think about prayer, failure, and your standing before God?"
Deep Dive Question 3 — Cultural Application:
"Pastor Elliot said that independence is one of the defining values of our culture — and that we often mistake independence for strength. How do you see this value of radical independence affecting the way people around you (and perhaps you yourself) approach faith, community, and the idea of needing a savior? What does the gospel say to a culture that prides itself on not needing anyone?"
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE FOR FURTHER STUDY
For individuals or groups who want to explore these themes more deeply throughout the week:
| Passage | Theme |
|---|---|
| Genesis 14:17–20 | The story of Melchizedek and Abraham |
| Psalm 110:4 | God's oath establishing an eternal priesthood |
| Hebrews 4:14–16 | Jesus as our sympathetic High Priest |
| Romans 6:1–14 | Grace and transformation — not license to sin |
| Ephesians 2:1–10 | Saved by grace through faith, not works |
| 1 Peter 2:9 | Believers as a royal priesthood |
| Philippians 1:21 | "To live is Christ, to die is gain" |
| Daniel 3:16–18 | Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's "even if" faith |
QUICK REFERENCE: GUIDE AT A GLANCE
| Section | Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Icebreaker | 5–10 min | Warm up and connect |
| Scripture Reading | 5 min | Ground the discussion in God's Word |
| Discussion Questions | 30–45 min | Explore, interpret, and apply |
| Personal Application | 10–15 min | Individual reflection |
| This Week's Challenge | 2–3 min | Commit to one action step |
| Prayer Focus | 5–10 min | Close in prayer together |
| Optional Deep Dive | 15–20 min | For groups wanting more |
| Total | 60–90 min |
FACILITATOR CHECKLIST
Before your group meets, take a few minutes to:
- Read through the entire guide
- Read Hebrews 7 in your own Bible
- Choose which discussion questions you'll use (you don't need all of them)
- Identify the question you'll start with and the one you'll close with
- Think about your own honest answers to 2–3 of the questions
- Pray for your group members by name
- Send a reminder to your group with the meeting time and location
Remember: Your job as a facilitator is not to have all the answers — it's to create a safe space where honest conversation can happen. The best thing you can do is ask good questions, listen well, and trust the Holy Spirit to do the work.
This discussion guide was prepared for Cornerstone Church small groups based on the sermon "Jesus, Our High Priest: The Validation We've Been Searching For" from Hebrews 7. For questions about this guide or small group ministry, contact your church office.