How can John 5:47 guide our approach to studying the Old Testament? “But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?” Seeing the Setting • Jesus is addressing leaders who claimed loyalty to Moses yet ignored the testimony Moses gave about the coming Messiah (John 5:39, 46). • Their unbelief in Moses’ writings became an obstacle to receiving Christ’s words. What the Verse Teaches about the Old Testament • The writings of Moses—and by extension the entire Old Testament—are trustworthy, divinely inspired, and meant to be believed (Deuteronomy 31:24–26; 2 Timothy 3:16). • Moses consciously wrote of Christ (Genesis 3:15; Numbers 24:17; Deuteronomy 18:15). • Faith in the Old Testament prepares the heart to receive the words of Jesus in the New. Guiding Principles for Our Study • Believe first, then understand – Accept the Old Testament as accurate history and prophecy. – Approach the text with confidence, expecting to meet Christ within its pages (Luke 24:27, 44). • Look for Christ-centered connections – Promises, types, foreshadows, and prophecies converge on Jesus (Hebrews 10:1). – The sacrificial system, the tabernacle, the kingship, and the prophets all anticipate His person and work. • Honor the unified voice of Scripture – Jesus treats Moses’ words and His own words as equally authoritative; so should we. – Interpret the Old Testament in a way that harmonizes with the New, never pitting one against the other. • Let belief shape obedience – True faith in the text leads to action (Joshua 1:8; James 1:22). – Embrace the moral commands and wisdom of the Old Testament as God’s timeless instruction, fulfilled and clarified in Christ (Matthew 5:17–18). Practical Steps for Engaging the Old Testament 1. Read sequentially, allowing the narrative to unfold. 2. Mark passages explicitly quoted or alluded to in the New Testament. 3. Trace recurring themes—covenant, sacrifice, kingship, redemption. 4. Compare prophetic promises with their New Testament fulfillment. 5. Memorize key verses that foreshadow Christ (e.g., Isaiah 53:5–6; Psalm 22:16–18). 6. Apply lessons to daily life, trusting the same God who spoke then speaks now. Encouragement for the Journey Because Jesus Himself grounds faith in His words on belief in Moses’ writings, studying the Old Testament is not optional; it is foundational. Embrace it with confidence, look for Christ in every page, and allow its truths to deepen your trust in the Savior who unites both Testaments into one cohesive revelation. |
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