The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

USING THE OLD TESTAMENT TO REVEAL JESUS

Because God is unchanging, his plan of salvation has been steadfast since the beginning. The Old Testament is thus the firm foundation for all of redemptive history; it provides the framework for understanding Jesus, which is why the New Testament authors took such great pains to quote, allude to, echo and interpret the Old Testament in their writings. These authors recognized that Jesus’ birth and ministry confirmed his identity as the Davidic Messiah in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Furthermore, since many of the early Christians had a strong Jewish background, the New Testament writers were careful to honor their audience as they addressed Jesus’ fulfillment of the law and readily drew typological connections between Jesus and Old Testament characters.

Through this rigorous method of harkening back to the ancient Scriptures, the writers highlighted the good news that God has always been faithful to his people, and Jesus has always been the pinnacle of his plan.

Jesus, put a desire for the Old Testament in my heart, and help me to understand as I read. Show me yourself in the words, and help my faith to grow as I study. Amen.