How does John 5:46 challenge us to study the Old Testament more deeply?

◄ Why study OT deeply per John 5:46? ►

Setting the Scene in John 5:46

“For if you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me.” (John 5:46)

Jesus Affirms Moses’ Writings

• Jesus treats the Pentateuch not as legend or myth, but as historically reliable revelation.

• He assumes Moses’ authorship and accuracy.

• He claims Moses “wrote about Me,” declaring that the Torah is inherently Christ-centered.

Why This Verse Pushes Us to Dig into the Old Testament

• If Moses wrote of Christ, then Christ can be traced from Genesis through Deuteronomy.

• Disbelief in Moses incubates disbelief in Jesus; faith in Moses fuels faith in Jesus.

• Jesus stakes His messianic credentials on OT testimony, so the OT becomes indispensable for knowing Him fully.

• John 5:46 dismantles any division between “Law” and “Gospel”; they are one seamless story.

Keys for Finding Christ in Moses’ Writings

• Seed Promise: Genesis 3:15—first glimpse of the conquering Seed.

• Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 22:18—“in your Seed all nations will be blessed,” ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3:16).

• Passover Lamb: Exodus 12—Jesus declared “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29).

• Bronze Serpent: Numbers 21:4-9 interpreted in John 3:14-15.

• Prophet Like Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15-19 cited in Acts 3:22-23.

• Tabernacle Patterns: Hebrews 8-9 shows every article foreshadowing Christ’s priestly work.

Practical Steps for Deeper Old Testament Study

1. Read sequentially, not randomly—trace the unfolding promise.

2. Note repetitions of covenant themes: seed, land, blessing, kingship.

3. Compare OT shadows with NT fulfillment texts (e.g., Exodus 16 with John 6:31-35).

4. Use cross-references: Luke 24:27, 44 shows how Jesus Himself read the OT.

5. Memorize cornerstone passages (Genesis 3:15; Exodus 12:13; Leviticus 16:30) to build a Christ-focused framework.

6. Observe literary structures—genealogies, sacrifices, feasts—all anticipate Jesus.

7. Study original audience and historical setting to appreciate literal events while seeing prophetic depth.

The Blessings of Embracing the Whole Counsel of God

• Deeper worship—seeing Jesus as promised Savior, sacrificial Lamb, and eternal Prophet-King.

• Stronger confidence—Scripture’s unity and accuracy become evident.

• Sharper discernment—false teachings falter when confronted with the full biblical narrative.

• Richer evangelism—the gospel gains authority when rooted in centuries-old prophecy and typology.