Who are we? – Psalm 8
Discussion questions PDF here
Readings: Psalm 8, Hebrews 2:1-9
It would be good to read both of these passages as a group before you start.
- Hugh said there are 2 major themes and moods running through the Psalms – can you recall what the themes are? What the moods are?
- Psalm 8, while a Psalm of praise is also somewhat ambiguous. As we look around us, we see the majesty of God, but we also see much that disturbs us, for example pollution, coronavirus deaths, murders etc. Do we really see man “crowned with glory and honour”, “ruler over the works of your hands”? Discuss why this is so, and what are we to learn from this?
- This Psalm is quoted in Hebrews 2:1-9. Hebrews 2 starts with a warning – what is the warning? (You might like to read chapter 1 as well since these 2 chapters are closely connected – note the ‘therefore’ in 2:1).
- Hebrews 2:8 admits “at present we do not see everything subject to him (man)”. It then goes on to say, “But we see Jesus…”. What is the significance of that little word, but?
- Hugh said that Jesus fulfils this Psalm in his own person. What do you think he meant by that?
- Elsewhere in Hebrews (Heb 12:2) we are told to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross…and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” How can this encourage us when we are faced with a world full of brokenness and sin? How does this help us see “how majestic is your name in all the world”?
Lesley Bloomfield