COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Jeremiah addresses these words to the Jews in Babylon. Through him God promises to make a new covenant with them. Out of their suffering, sorrow and isolation in exile as slaves, a new covenant will be made. No time was given when the new covenant would be made; Christians see the new covenant made through the blood of Christ. The differences between the old and new covenants are in the facts that the law would be in the hearts and God would be known in an intimate and personal relationship. To make this new covenant possible, God promises to forgive and forget the people's sins.

Epistle: Hebrews 5:5-10
Here we see the human Jesus praying with tears and crying to avoid the cross. It is an allusion to Gethsemane. Jesus' appeal is denied. Through…