Draw Near: Small Group Discussion Guide

Week 1 — "Jesus: Our Prophet, Priest, and King"

Based on Hebrews 1:1–2:1

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"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." — Hebrews 1:1–2

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OVERVIEW

This week we kicked off our new series in Hebrews called Draw Near. The sermon introduced us to one of the most majestic openings in all of Scripture — Hebrews chapter 1 — which makes an extraordinary claim right from the start: everything we're truly searching for is found in Jesus. The message explored three deep questions every human being asks — What is true? What's wrong with me and what can be done about it? Who's really in control? — and showed how Jesus alone is the ultimate answer to all three as our Prophet, Priest, and King.

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A NOTE FOR FACILITATORS

Welcome! Whether this is your first time leading a small group or your hundredth, this guide is designed to support you every step of the way. You don't need to be a Bible scholar to lead a great discussion — your job is simply to create space for honest conversation and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

A few things to keep in mind:

• You don't have to get through every question. Choose the ones that feel right for your group.
• Silence is okay. Give people time to think before jumping in.
• There are no wrong answers in observation and experience questions — honor every response.
• Aim to keep things moving but don't rush meaningful moments.
• Total guide time: 60–90 minutes

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SECTION 1: ICEBREAKER

(5–10 minutes)

Start here to warm up the group and get everyone talking before diving into deeper content. This question is intentionally light — it's just meant to get people comfortable sharing.

Opening Question:

Think about someone whose opinion or advice you really trust — a mentor, a parent, a friend, a public figure, or even a podcast host or author. What is it about them that makes you trust what they say?

[Leader Tip]: This question sets up the whole sermon theme beautifully without giving it away. Let people share freely. You don't need to connect it to the sermon yet — that connection will become clear naturally as the discussion unfolds. If the group is quiet, share your own answer first to model vulnerability.

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SECTION 2: SCRIPTURE READING

(5 minutes)

Have someone in the group read the passage aloud, or take turns reading a few verses each. Encourage everyone to follow along in their own Bible or on their phone.

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Hebrews 1:1–2:1 (ESV)

"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son"? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." Of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire." But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."

And, "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end."

And to which of the angels has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it."

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Brief Context for Facilitators:

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were suffering for their faith — facing persecution, public humiliation, and loss. Some were growing tired and beginning to drift away from what they had believed. The author writes to remind them (and us) that Jesus is greater than anything they might be tempted to drift back to. Chapter 1 is the foundation for everything that follows — it's the whole book in miniature.

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SECTION 3: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(30–45 minutes)

Work through as many of these questions as time allows. They're organized to move from observation → understanding → personal application. Feel free to skip questions that don't fit your group, or linger longer on ones that spark great conversation.

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PART A: Starting with the Sermon

Getting our bearings (5–8 minutes)

1. What was one thing from Sunday's message that stood out to you, surprised you, or stayed with you this week?

[Leader Tip]: This is a great opening question because it doesn't require any right answer — it just invites people to share their genuine reaction. It also helps you as a leader quickly gauge what resonated most with your group, so you can focus the discussion accordingly. If someone brings up something you didn't plan to discuss, follow it — that's often where the Spirit is working.

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2. The sermon described three questions that every human being asks:

• What is true? (the need for a prophet)
• What's wrong with me, and what can be done about it? (the need for a priest)
• Who's really in control? (the need for a king)

Which of these three questions feels most pressing or personal to you in this current season of your life? Why?

[Leader Tip]: This question invites honest self-reflection without requiring anyone to share something too vulnerable too soon. Reassure the group that there's no wrong answer — all three are deeply human questions. If people are hesitant, you might share which one resonates most with you personally to break the ice.

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PART B: Jesus as Our Prophet

The question of truth and authority (8–10 minutes)

3. Hebrews 1:1–2 tells us that God has spoken to us through his Son — that Jesus is God's final and decisive word to humanity. In what ways do you think people today (including Christians) look for "a word from God" while overlooking the word God has already given us? What gets in the way of us actually going to Scripture?

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4. The sermon made a challenging observation: in today's world, we all have people who function as "prophets" in our lives — influencers, experts, podcasters, political voices, even our own feelings — people whose words carry real authority over how we see the world and make decisions.

Without naming names, what kinds of voices or sources do you find yourself turning to most often for direction, meaning, or a sense of what the "good life" looks like? How do those voices hold up when compared to what Jesus says?

[Leader Tip]: This question can generate some lively and honest discussion — people may name social media, news sources, self-help culture, or even well-meaning friends and family. Keep the tone curious and non-judgmental. The goal isn't to condemn outside voices entirely (the sermon acknowledged some are genuinely helpful) but to examine the authority we give them. If the group gets stuck, you can ask a follow-up: "When was the last time you heard something from a trusted voice and just accepted it without checking it against Scripture?"

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5. The sermon described Jesus not just as someone who gave teaching, but as the embodied Word of God — someone who lived everything he taught. He didn't just teach about suffering; he suffered. He didn't just command us to love our enemies; he did it.

Why does it matter that Jesus didn't just tell us how to live but actually lived it? How does that change the way you relate to him as a source of truth and guidance?

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PART C: Jesus as Our Priest

The question of guilt and forgiveness (8–10 minutes)

6. The sermon said that all of us carry a sense that we've "broken a cosmic agreement" — that guilt weighs on our minds and erodes our souls. C.S. Lewis described God as "the thing we most need and the thing we most want to hide from."

In your experience, what are some of the most common ways people (or you personally) try to manage or quiet that sense of guilt or inadequacy — without actually dealing with it at its root?

[Leader Tip]: This question touches on something deeply personal, so create a safe space before asking it. You might say something like: "This one's a little more personal, so share whatever you're comfortable with — even just observing what you see in culture is a great place to start." Common answers might include achievement, comparison, activism, busyness, numbing through entertainment, or religious performance. Affirm every honest response.

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7. Hebrews 1:3 says Jesus made "purification for sins" — a once-and-for-all sacrifice. The sermon described the Old Testament sacrificial system as endless and labor-intensive, requiring constant repetition. Jesus, by contrast, dealt with sin once and for all.

What does it mean practically — in your daily life, in how you feel about yourself, in how you approach God — that the work of forgiveness is already finished? Is that something you actually live like you believe, or does it feel more like a theological idea?

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PART D: Jesus as Our King

The question of control and hope (8–10 minutes)

8. Hebrews 1:2–3 describes Jesus as the one appointed "heir of all things," the one through whom the world was created, and the one who "upholds the universe by the word of his power." The sermon pointed out that this is the same Jesus who was pierced for us — the hands that hold the universe are the hands that bear nail scars.

What does it do to your sense of trust and hope when you hold those two things together — the infinite power of Jesus and the personal love of Jesus? How does that combination change the way you face things that feel out of control in your life?

[Leader Tip]: This is one of the richest questions in the guide. Give it room to breathe. Some people may share current fears or struggles — that's a gift to the group. If someone shares something heavy, resist the urge to immediately move on. A simple "Thank you for sharing that — does anyone want to respond to what [name] just said?" can create beautiful community moments.

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9. The sermon noted that we live in a time of widespread distrust in authority and institutions. Yet we still find ourselves hoping that someone — a leader, a movement, a political figure — will finally "get it right" and deliver on their promises.

Where do you see yourself (or people around you) placing hope in "kings who can't deliver"? What does it look like to genuinely transfer that hope to Jesus as King — and what makes that difficult?

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PART E: Pulling It All Together

(5 minutes)

10. Hebrews 2:1 closes this section with a warning: "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it." The sermon described drifting not as a dramatic falling away, but as a gradual, almost imperceptible movement away from what we've heard.

What does "drifting" look like in real life? What are the small, everyday habits or patterns that either help us stay anchored — or allow us to drift without even noticing?

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SECTION 4: PERSONAL APPLICATION

(10–15 minutes)

These questions are meant for more personal, reflective sharing. You may want to give people a minute of quiet to think before opening it up. Encourage honesty — this is where the rubber meets the road.

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Reflection Questions:

1. The sermon's "homework" was to honestly examine three things:

• Who is your prophet? Whose words carry the most weight and authority in your life right now?
• Who is your priest? When you feel guilty or ashamed, where do you run for relief?
• Who is your king? When life feels out of control, where do you place your ultimate hope?

Take a moment to sit with those three questions. What honest answers come to mind?

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2. Is there a specific area of your life right now where you know you need to trust Jesus more — as the one who speaks truth, as the one who has dealt with your guilt, or as the one who is ultimately in control? What would it look like to take one concrete step toward trusting him more in that area this week?

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3. Hebrews was written to people who were weary, discouraged, and beginning to drift — people who had suffered for their faith and were losing their grip. Can you relate to that feeling at any level right now? What would it mean for you personally to "draw near" to God this week rather than drift?

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SECTION 5: THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

Choose one of the following to practice this week:

📖 For the Word: Spend 10 minutes each day this week reading slowly through Hebrews 1. Don't rush it — let it sink in. Ask yourself: What is this passage telling me about who Jesus is?

🙏 For the Heart: Each morning this week, before you open your phone or check the news, take 5 minutes to ask God: "What do you want to say to me today?" Then open your Bible and listen.

✍️ For the Soul: In a journal or on your phone, write down your honest answers to the three questions from the sermon: Who is my prophet? Who is my priest? Who is my king? Bring what you discover back to God in prayer.

👥 For Community: Share your "This Week" commitment with one other person in the group and check in with each other before the next meeting.

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SECTION 6: PRAYER FOCUS

(5–10 minutes)

Close your time together in prayer. Here are some suggested topics to guide your group's prayer time. You can pray together as a group, in pairs, or have one person close in prayer — do whatever fits your group best.

Suggested Prayer Topics:

• Gratitude — Thank God for speaking to us through his Son, for not leaving us in the dark or in our sin.

• Honesty — Ask God to reveal honestly where we've placed our trust in false prophets, priests, and kings — and for the grace to turn back to him.

• The weary and drifting — Pray for anyone in your group or in your circle of relationships who is tired, discouraged, or beginning to drift from their faith.

• Anchoring in the Word — Ask for a fresh hunger for Scripture and a desire to hear God's voice through it this week.

• Specific needs — Leave space for anyone to share a personal prayer request.

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Closing Prayer Prompt (for the facilitator or a volunteer to read aloud):

Lord, thank you that you haven't left us to figure life out on our own. You've spoken — through the prophets, and ultimately through your Son. You've dealt with our guilt — once and for all. You hold the universe together — and you hold us. Forgive us for the ways we drift toward other voices, other remedies, other rulers. Draw us near to you this week. May the truth of who Jesus is sink from our heads into our hearts and change the way we actually live. Amen.

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OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE

For groups wanting to go further

These bonus questions are for groups with more time, more biblical background, or a hunger to dig deeper into the text. They're not required — use them if the Spirit leads.

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Deep Dive Question 1:

Hebrews 1 quotes extensively from the Old Testament Psalms (Psalm 2, 45, 102, 110) to make the case that Jesus is superior to the angels. The original audience would have recognized these passages immediately.

Why do you think the author of Hebrews works so hard to show that Jesus is superior to angels? What might have been at stake for his original audience — and what might that say to us about how we sometimes elevate spiritual experiences, signs, or other spiritual things above Christ himself?

Related passage: Colossians 2:18–19

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Deep Dive Question 2:

The sermon referenced John 1:1–14 — "The Word became flesh" — as a parallel to Hebrews' description of Jesus as God's definitive self-revelation.

Read John 1:1–14 together. What connections do you see between John's description of Jesus as "the Word" and Hebrews' description of him as "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature"? What does it mean to you that God chose to reveal himself not primarily through a book or a set of rules, but through a person?

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Deep Dive Question 3:

The sermon mentioned that Hebrews was written to people who had "endured public humiliation, persecution, imprisonment, and the loss of property" for their faith (Hebrews 10:32–34). They were being asked to hold onto a king who, from the outside, seemed to have lost.

How does the vision of Jesus presented in Hebrews 1 — as heir of all things, upholder of the universe, seated at the right hand of God — speak specifically to people who are suffering or feel like they're on the losing side of history? How does that same vision speak to you in your current circumstances?

Related passage: Romans 8:18, 31–39

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RELATED SCRIPTURES FOR FURTHER READING

For groups or individuals who want to explore the themes of this sermon further during the week:

Theme	Passage
Jesus as the Word of God	John 1:1–18
Jesus as the fullness of God	Colossians 1:15–20
The "fullness of time"	Galatians 4:4–7
Jesus as our great High Priest	Hebrews 4:14–16
Nothing can separate us from God's love	Romans 8:31–39
The power at work within us	Ephesians 3:14–21
Paying attention to what we've heard	Hebrews 2:1–4

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FACILITATOR'S QUICK-REFERENCE GUIDE

Use this at a glance as you lead:

Section	Time	Purpose
Icebreaker	5–10 min	Warm up, get everyone talking
Scripture Reading	5 min	Ground the group in the text
Discussion Questions	30–45 min	Explore and apply the sermon
Personal Application	10–15 min	Move from head to heart
Prayer	5–10 min	Close with community and worship
Total	55–85 min

If you're running short on time, prioritize:

• Questions 2, 6, and 8 from the Discussion section
• Personal Application Question 1
• Close with prayer

If your group is quiet or hesitant to share, try:

• Answering a question yourself first to model vulnerability
• Asking "What do you think most people would say?" before "What do you think?"
• Breaking into pairs for one question before sharing with the whole group

If your group is very talkative, feel free to:

• Combine questions 3 and 4
• Skip the Deep Dive entirely
• Use the "This Week's Challenge" as a closing rather than a full discussion

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This guide was prepared for the Draw Near sermon series in Hebrews at Cornerstone Church. Questions? Reach out to your group coordinator or pastoral team.