THE OLD TESTAMENT: GOD’S STORY OF REDEMPTION
Key Scripture: Luke 24:27, 44
27 “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”
44 “Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’”
The Old Testament is more than a collection of ancient stories. It reveals who God is, how He calls His people to live, and how His plan to redeem humanity unfolds. Jesus taught that the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms spoke about Him (Luke 24:44). When we read the Old Testament, we see God’s promises and discover how they lead us to Jesus.
The story begins in Genesis, where God creates the world and makes humanity in His image (Genesis 1:1, 27). After sin enters the world, God gives a promise of victory over evil (Genesis 3:15). He calls Abraham and promises that through him all the families of the earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:1–3). From the beginning, God’s purpose reaches beyond one person or nation: He is working to bring people back to Himself.
In Exodus, God delivers Israel from slavery and provides for them in the wilderness. The Passover lamb points ahead to Jesus, whom the New Testament calls “our Passover” (Exodus 12:1–14; 1 Corinthians 5:7). God gives His people His instruction and teaches them to trust and obey Him (Deuteronomy 6:4–9). The books of history show both the blessings of following God and the consequences of turning away from Him. Yet even when His people fail, God remains faithful and continues to call them back.
The Old Testament also points to Jesus through its kings and prophets. God promises David that his kingdom will be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12–16), and the prophets speak of the coming Savior who would bring hope and peace (Isaiah 9:6–7; Isaiah 53:4–6; Micah 5:2). These promises find their fulfillment in Jesus, the Son of David and the Savior of the world.
The Old Testament still strengthens our faith today. Scripture was given to teach us, correct us, and equip us to live according to God’s will (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Its accounts remind us that God is holy, merciful, faithful, and worthy of our trust.
As we read, we can ask: What does this passage show me about God? What does it teach me about His ways? How does it point me to Jesus?
Scriptures for further reading: Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:1–3; Exodus 12:1–14; Deuteronomy 6:4–9; 2 Samuel 7:12–16; Isaiah 53:4–6; Luke 24:27, 44; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16–17.