1. The inadequacy of the old covenant (7-9)

The old covenant was mediated by Moses on Mount Sinai (Ex 24). The laws given there were a part of God's training program to make a nation of slaves into a kingdom of priests (Ex 19:5,6). The Israelites agreed to obey God's laws, and God promised to bless them and give them victory and abundance in the Promised Land. But the people disobeyed the laws and compromised with the culture and religion of Canaan. The covenant of law could not help them; it only condemned them.

2. The new covenant (10-13)

Jeremiah spoke about the new covenant; Jesus established it with his own blood, shed for the sins of the world. The Holy Spirit, given to all who repent and believe, writes God's law on our hearts. The new covenant enables each person to have a personal relationship with God (11). God promises to forgive our sins (12). We may know the Lord, and this is eternal life (Jn 17:3).

Application: Lord, thank you for keeping your promise and establishing the new covenant in Jesus' blood.
One Word: Bound in love by the new covenant