Podcast Summary – The Bible Recap

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Episode: Day 356 (Hebrews 7-10), Year 7
Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble guides listeners through Hebrews chapters 7 to 10, exploring the rich theological contrasts between the Old and New Covenants, the unique priesthood of Jesus, and the implications for faith, sacrifice, and perseverance. The focus lies on how Jesus fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament system, offering a “once-for-all” sacrifice and opening direct access to God.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Mysterious Melchizedek (00:02–03:30)

• Comparison to Jesus: Hebrews continues drawing parallels between Jesus and Melchizedek, an enigmatic priest-king from Genesis.
  • “Some scholars believe [Melchizedek] was a Christ type, while others believe he was God the Son, making a special appearance on earth before he was born as Jesus. They certainly have a lot in common.” (00:22)
• Name Significance: Melchizedek’s name means “righteousness,” and he was king of “peace.”
• Priestly Lineage: Neither Melchizedek nor Jesus descend from the tribe of Levi (the priestly tribe), yet both are priests.
  • “Melchizedek kind of sets a precedent for Jesus as priest because Jesus was also not a descendant of Levi. But Jesus… gets his priestly authority based on the fact that he is eternal.” (01:45)

The Shift to a New Covenant (03:30–06:20)

• Change of Law and Priesthood: Jesus, as the eternal high priest, inaugurates a new system.
  • “It’s kind of like how our laws change when we get new leaders in office. Now that Jesus is our high priest, we operate under a new covenant.” (02:25)
• Superiority of Jesus’ Sacrifice: Jesus offers himself once for all, ending the need for daily sacrifices.
  • “He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily… since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Jesus offered the final sacrifice for our sins. There’s no need for a sacrificial system anymore. He finished it.” (03:10)

Completed Work and Changed Hearts (06:20–09:10)

• Jesus Sits at God’s Right Hand: Indicating the completion of his redemptive work.
  • “Priests don’t sit. There’s too much work to do. So the fact that he’s sitting, it’s because the work is done, finished.” (04:05)
• Limitations of the Old Covenant: The law could reveal sin but couldn't change hearts.
  • “The Old One had some major limitations. Namely, it couldn’t change hearts. It could reveal sin, but it couldn’t make a person not love sin. But the New Covenant is written on our hearts.” (04:38)
• Cultural Weight on Jewish Christians: The switch from law to grace challenges core identity and habits.

The True Mediator and the Single Sacrifice (09:10–13:00)

• Mediator Role of Jesus: Christ is both high priest and mediator of the New Covenant.
• Atonement by Blood: Even in the New Covenant, the shedding of blood is necessary, but Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for all time.
  • “If blood isn’t shed, sins aren’t forgiven. But in this New Covenant, we have the blood of a perfect sacrifice, the blood of Christ.” (09:30)
• Finality of Christ’s Sacrifice: The author repeatedly emphasizes “once for all time.”
  • “So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time now. Not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. So, yeah, he’ll be back, but not to die again… but to be celebrated.” (10:35)

Shortcomings of the Old System (13:00–16:00)

• Temporary Sacrifices: Animal sacrifices were a temporary measure and pointed to a deeper problem.
  • “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin.” (13:47, quoting Hebrews 10:4)
• God Desires Changed Hearts: Multiple times God indicates he's after the hearts of people, not empty ritual.
• Christ’s Death - The Permanent Solution:
  • “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” (14:50, quoting Hebrews 10:14)
• No More Payments for Sin: Attempting alternatives to Christ’s sacrifice is futile and self-destructive.

Encouragement to Persevere (16:00–18:30)

• No Substitute for Christ:
  • “There is salvation in no one else.” (16:50)
• Endurance is Evidence: Maintaining faith through hardship reveals genuine belief.
• Community Support: Encouragement and love within the community are essential.
  • “Keep meeting together. Prompt each other to walk in love and good works, remembering all the while that Jesus is back.” (17:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Priests don’t sit. There’s too much work to do. So the fact that he’s sitting, it’s because the work is done, finished.” — Tara-Leigh Cobble (04:05)
• “If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment.” — (15:40, quoting Hebrews 10:26–27)
• “The curtain was torn from heaven to earth to open the way for us to be united to the Father. He lets us draw near, so let us draw near. He’s where the joy is!” — Tara-Leigh Cobble (19:55)

The “God Shot” & Spiritual Takeaway (18:30–20:05)

• Temple to Heart Transition: God’s presence moved from the temple’s Holy of Holies to living within his people.
  • “The curtain…was split from the top to the bottom…God’s dwelling place wouldn’t be in the temple anymore…God’s Spirit came to dwell in his people. This is how our hearts can be changed by the presence of His Spirit in us.” (18:30)
• Access Through Christ:
  • “Since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. The curtain was his flesh. The curtain was torn…to open the way for us to be united to the Father.” (19:30)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 – Introduction and Melchizedek’s significance
• 02:25 – Old vs. New Covenant and priesthood change
• 04:05 – Jesus seated at God’s right hand; completion of sacrifice
• 09:30 – Christ as the perfect, final sacrifice
• 13:47 – Inadequacy of animal sacrifices
• 16:50 – Exhortation to persevere and encouragement towards each other
• 18:30 – “God Shot”: God’s presence moves from temple to believer
• 19:30 – The torn curtain, direct access to God
• 19:55 – Spiritual climax: “He’s where the joy is!”

Tone and Original Style

Tara-Leigh’s language throughout is warm, enthusiastic, and accessible. She often uses metaphors and clear analogies, aiming to make complex theological ideas approachable:

• “It’s kind of like how our laws change when we get new leaders in office.”
• “The author is like a broken record with this idea.”
• “He’s where the joy is!”

Final Thoughts

This episode richly unpacks the deep theology of Hebrews 7–10. Tara-Leigh underscores the supremacy of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice, the New Covenant’s transformation from law to love, and the direct relationship believers now have with God. The episode concludes with a heartfelt encouragement to persevere in faith and community, drawing close to God, because “He’s where the joy is!”