What methods can we use to see Christ in all Scriptures? Setting the Scene: Luke 24:27 “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.” (Luke 24:27) Why This Matters If the risen Lord could open the entire Old Testament and point to Himself, then every page we read today should likewise echo His person and work. Below are time-tested ways to spot those echoes. Method 1: Follow the Storyline from Creation to Consummation • Start in Genesis and keep Christ’s mission in view—promise (Genesis 3:15), preservation (Genesis 12:3), people (Exodus 19:6), place (Joshua 21:45), and ultimately the Person (Luke 1:31-33). • Watch the unfolding covenants (Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, New). Each drives history toward Jesus (Jeremiah 31:31; Luke 22:20). • Use key summaries such as Acts 13:17-23 or Hebrews 1:1-2 to trace the seamless plot. Method 2: Trace Prophecies and Their Fulfillment • Direct predictions—Micah 5:2 (birthplace), Isaiah 53 (suffering), Zechariah 9:9 (entry). • New Testament confirmations—Matthew’s “so that what was spoken…might be fulfilled” pattern (Matthew 1:22; 2:15). • Peter’s approach—“the prophets…predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow” (1 Peter 1:10-11). Method 3: Recognize Types, Shadows, and Patterns • People: Adam foreshadows Christ as federal head (Romans 5:14). Joseph pictures a rejected-then-exalted savior (Genesis 50:20). • Events: The Passover deliverance anticipates the cross (1 Corinthians 5:7). The bronze serpent mirrors the lifted Son (John 3:14-15). • Institutions: Priesthood (Hebrews 4:14), temple (John 2:19-21), sacrifices (Hebrews 10:1-10) all point forward to His once-for-all ministry. Method 4: Follow Redemptive Themes • Exile and Return—Israel’s captivity (2 Kings 25) and restoration (Ezra 1) preview humanity’s alienation and Christ-secured homecoming (Ephesians 2:12-13). • King and Kingdom—David’s throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16) culminates in the “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16). • Cleansing and New Creation—Flood waters (Genesis 6–9) and Isaiah’s new heavens (Isaiah 65:17) anticipate the final renewal in Christ (2 Peter 3:13). Method 5: Listen for Christ in Wisdom and Poetry • Psalms—Messianic laments and praises (Psalm 22; 110) find literal fulfillment in Jesus’ passion and exaltation. • Proverbs—Personified Wisdom (Proverbs 8:22-31) embodies qualities later claimed by Christ (“…who became for us wisdom from God,” 1 Corinthians 1:30). • Song of Songs—The bridegroom’s love foreshadows Christ’s covenant love for the church (Ephesians 5:25-27). Method 6: Read the Whole Bible through the Lens of the Cross and Resurrection • Jesus interpreted Scripture “about Himself” only after the resurrection; the empty tomb is the master key. • Every promise finds its “Yes” in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20). • The gospel supplies coherence: creation (by Him), fall (necessitating Him), redemption (through Him), restoration (for Him). Method 7: Compare Scripture with Scripture • Let clearer New Testament passages shine back on older texts—e.g., Hebrews unlocks Leviticus. • Use apostolic sermons (Acts 2; 7; 13) as inspired blueprints for Christ-centered interpretation. • Hold firmly to verbal inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16), trusting each word to fit the larger portrait. Putting It into Practice 1. Begin daily reading with a simple prayer for illumination (“Open my eyes,” Psalm 119:18). 2. Keep a running list of Christ-connections you spot—promises, types, prophetic details. 3. Share discoveries in fellowship; the Emmaus disciples ran to tell others (Luke 24:32-35). 4. Let each insight stir worship, obedience, and a deeper love for the One Scripture unveils. |
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