What Did Jesus Say About the Old Testament?
Jesus had a profound respect for the Old Testament, often affirming its authority and relevance. Throughout the gospels, He quoted and referenced the scriptures, showing us how they connect to His mission and teachings. He did not dismiss the Old Testament but instead sought to fulfill it, revealing its deeper meanings and intentions.
Jesus’ Affirmation of the Law
One of the most significant ways Jesus interacted with the Old Testament was through his relationship with the law. In Matthew 5:17-18, He states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Here, Jesus makes it clear that the law is still important and that His role is to complete its purpose. He did not negate the law but instead brought it to its intended conclusion.
Understanding Fulfillment
To understand what Jesus meant by fulfilling the law, we can look at His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. For example, He expands on the commandments, addressing not just actions but the intentions of the heart. When Jesus says, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13), He goes deeper, teaching that even anger toward a brother is subject to judgment (Matthew 5:21-22). This shows how Jesus interprets the law in light of love and an internal rather than just external obedience.
Jesus and the Prophets
In addition to the law, Jesus also engages with the messages of the prophets. Many times, He references prophetic writings, especially in relation to His identity and mission. For instance, in Luke 4:17-21, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, proclaiming that He has come to fulfill that prophecy by bringing good news to the poor, freedom to prisoners, and sight to the blind. This declaration highlights that the prophets spoke of Him long before He arrived.
The Importance of Prophetic Fulfillment
By linking Himself with the prophecies, Jesus emphasizes the continuity between the Old Testament and His ministry. It demonstrated to His audience that He was the awaited Messiah. In Matthew 12:40, He also refers to the story of Jonah, indicating that just as Jonah was three days in the belly of a fish, so would the Son of Man be three days in the earth, pointing to His crucifixion and resurrection.
Jesus’ Use of Psalms
Jesus often quoted the Psalms, showcasing their significance not only in worship but also in theological reflection. For instance, in Matthew 22:44, Jesus cites Psalm 110:1, demonstrating His authority as the Messiah. He makes a point about the nature of the Messiah, discussing how David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, called Him “Lord.” This engagement with the Psalms reveals how Jesus grounds His identity in the broader narrative of scripture.
The Psalms as a Source of Comfort and Guidance
Moreover, the Psalms reflect a range of human experiences, from joy to despair. Jesus identifies with this emotional depth during His time on the cross when He quotes Psalm 22:1, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This shows a deep connection to the human experience and underlines the applicability of the Old Testament across different circumstances.
Jesus on Righteousness
Another key aspect of Jesus’ teachings regarding the Old Testament is His perspective on righteousness. In Matthew 5:20, He tells His followers, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Here, Jesus critiques a mere legalistic approach to the Old Testament laws and emphasizes genuine righteousness that reflects God’s character.
The Heart of the Law
One of His most powerful lessons is captured in Matthew 22:37-39, where He summarizes the law and the prophets as loving God and loving your neighbor. This basic principle cuts through complex regulations and focuses on the heart of the Old Testament, emphasizing that love is the fulfillment of the law.
Jesus’ Authority Over the Scriptures
Jesus also asserted His authority over the scriptures when He interpreted them. For instance, in discussions with the religious leaders, He challenges their understanding of specific texts, showing them new insights that they may have overlooked. In John 5:39, He tells them, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.” Here, He indicates that the scriptures are ultimately about Him.
Challenging Traditional Interpretations
This approach posed a challenge to traditional interpretations. Jesus was not afraid to reinterpret or apply the law in ways that shocked His contemporaries. For example, in Mark 2:27, He states, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” This declaration reveals His understanding of the law’s purpose — to serve humanity’s needs rather than to bind them with rigid restrictions.
The Old Testament in Jesus’ Parables
Jesus used parables inspired by Old Testament themes to convey profound truths. For instance, the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) draws upon Old Testament principles of love and neighborliness, flipping societal expectations on their head. This story emphasizes mercy and compassion, core themes that resonate throughout the Old Testament.
Parables as a Teaching Tool
By integrating Old Testament concepts into His parables, Jesus illuminates the broader meanings of those ancient texts. He invites His listeners to embrace the spirit of the law rather than the letter alone, encouraging them to think deeply about their obligations to others and to God.
The Importance of Jesus’ Perspective Today
Understanding what Jesus said about the Old Testament is crucial for Christians today. It provides insight into how the scriptures are interconnected and how Jesus fulfills the anticipated promises. It also encourages a heart-oriented approach to law and righteousness, striving for love and compassion in our relationships.
Applying Jesus’ Teachings
As we learn from Jesus’ engagement with the Old Testament, we are invited to embrace the entire biblical narrative — recognizing that it forms a cohesive story of God’s love, redemption, and purpose. By reflecting on His teachings, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation for both the Old and New Testaments, allowing the scriptures to shape our lives.
Common Questions Related to What Did Jesus Say About The Old Testament
Q. What did Jesus think about the laws in the Old Testament?
A. Jesus affirmed the importance of the laws, stating they were not abolished but fulfilled through Him. He emphasized their deeper meanings focused on love and righteousness.
Q. How did Jesus interpret the prophets of the Old Testament?
A. Jesus often referenced the prophets to demonstrate how their writings pointed to Him and proclaimed His mission on earth.
Q. Why did Jesus use the Psalms in His teachings?
A. Jesus quoted the Psalms to express deep emotions and connect His experiences to God’s unfolding story, revealing the relevance of these texts in understanding His identity.
Q. Did Jesus consider the Old Testament to be authoritative?
A. Yes, Jesus regarded the Old Testament as authoritative scripture and often quoted it, demonstrating its significance in understanding God’s will.
Q. What is the greatest commandment according to Jesus in the context of the Old Testament?
A. According to Jesus, the greatest commandment, which summarizes the law, is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
Q. How did Jesus respond to the scribes and Pharisees regarding the law?
A. He critiqued their strict legalism and emphasized a deeper righteousness rooted in love and genuine obedience to God’s commands.
Q. In what ways did Jesus fulfill the Old Testament?
A. Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament by embodying the messianic prophecies, perfectly adhering to God’s laws, and providing a new understanding of them rooted in love.
Q. How does Jesus’ teaching on the Old Testament affect Christians today?
A. Jesus’ emphasis on love and the spirit of the law encourages Christians to engage with the Old Testament meaningfully and apply its principles of love and compassion in their lives.
Q. What role do Jesus’ parables play in understanding the Old Testament?
A. Jesus’ parables often referenced themes and principles from the Old Testament, helping listeners grasp their relevance and deeper meanings through relatable stories.
Q. How can Christians apply Jesus’ teachings about the Old Testament in daily life?
A. Christians can apply Jesus’ teachings by focusing on love, grace, and relational righteousness as they interact with both the Old Testament and their communities.