Understanding the Old Testament: The Backstory to Jesus
Summary
In this new series, we embark on a journey to explore the Old Testament as the essential backstory to the main story of Jesus Christ. Just as movies and TV shows often begin with a "previously on" segment to provide context, the Old Testament serves as the historical and spiritual backdrop that sets the stage for the New Testament and the life of Jesus. This series aims to clarify the often misunderstood and complex narratives of the Old Testament, revealing how they are intricately connected to the mission and message of Jesus.
The Old Testament, or the Hebrew Bible, is a rich tapestry of history, poetry, and prophecy. It chronicles the story of humankind and our need for a savior, a theme advanced through the history of Israel. The Old Testament is not just a collection of ancient texts but a narrative that shows the evolution of God's relationship with humanity, starting from a primitive and often barbaric culture to a more structured society under Roman rule. This evolution is crucial to understanding the context in which Jesus arrived and the new covenant he established.
The main story, as revealed in the New Testament, is about God sending Jesus, His final king, to save humanity and establish a kingdom where He will reign forever. This new covenant is not limited to a single nation but is extended to the entire world, inviting all of us into a relationship with God through Jesus. Unlike the Old Covenant, which was based on a system of laws and sacrifices, the New Covenant is founded on grace and the completed work of Jesus on the cross.
Understanding the distinction between the Old and New Testaments is vital. The Old Testament is the backstory that highlights our need for a savior, while the New Testament reveals the fulfillment of that need in Jesus. This series will help us appreciate the continuity and fulfillment of God's plan, encouraging us to live in the reality of the main story where Jesus is the center.
### Key Takeaways
- The Old Testament as Backstory: The Old Testament serves as the backstory to the New Testament, providing essential context for understanding Jesus' mission. It is a narrative of history, poetry, and prophecy that reveals humanity's need for a savior. This backstory is crucial for appreciating the main story of Jesus and the new covenant he established. [39:45]
- The Evolution of God's Relationship with Humanity: The Old Testament chronicles the evolution of God's relationship with humanity, starting from a primitive culture to a more structured society. This evolution is significant as it sets the stage for the arrival of Jesus and the establishment of a new covenant that is inclusive of all people. [43:47]
- The New Covenant of Grace: Unlike the Old Covenant, which was based on laws and sacrifices, the New Covenant introduced by Jesus is founded on grace. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the requirements of the Old Covenant, offering a once-and-for-all solution to sin and inviting us into a relationship with God based on trust and faith. [49:22]
- The Importance of Distinguishing Between the Old and New Testaments: It is crucial to distinguish between the Old and New Testaments to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. The Old Testament is the backstory that highlights our need for a savior, while the New Testament reveals the fulfillment of that need in Jesus. Mixing these narratives can lead to misunderstanding the essence of Jesus' message. [54:39]
- God's Presence in the New Covenant: In the New Covenant, God's presence is no longer confined to a temple or a specific place. Through Jesus, God's presence now indwells people, emphasizing the importance of how we treat others. This shift from places to faces highlights the relational aspect of the New Covenant and the call to love and serve others. [01:00:44]
### Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:00] - Introduction to the Series
- [06:30] - The Old Testament as a Prequel
- [10:15] - Understanding the Old Testament
- [15:00] - The Old Testament's Literary Forms
- [20:45] - The Primitive Culture of the Old Testament
- [25:30] - The Evolution of Society
- [30:00] - The Backstory of Humankind
- [35:15] - The Main Story: Jesus as Savior
- [40:00] - The New Covenant Explained
- [45:30] - The Importance of Distinguishing Testaments
- [50:00] - God's Presence in the New Covenant
- [55:00] - The End of the Old Covenant
- [01:00:00] - The Dangers of Mixing Stories
- [01:05:00] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 19:5-6 - "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession."
2. Hebrews 8:6 - "But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises."
3. Matthew 5:38-39 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
Observation Questions:
1. What are the different literary forms found in the Old Testament, and how do they contribute to its narrative? [39:45]
2. How does the Old Testament illustrate the evolution of God's relationship with humanity? [43:47]
3. What is the significance of the New Covenant introduced by Jesus, and how does it differ from the Old Covenant? [49:22]
4. How did the destruction of the temple in AD 70 signify a shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant? [57:47]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding the Old Testament as a backstory enhance our appreciation of Jesus' mission in the New Testament? [49:22]
2. In what ways does the New Covenant of grace change the way we relate to God compared to the Old Covenant of laws and sacrifices? [54:39]
3. How does the shift from a temple-centered presence of God to an indwelling presence in people affect our understanding of worship and community? [01:00:44]
4. What are the implications of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-39 for how we handle conflict and relationships today?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to understand the Old Testament. How might viewing it as a backstory to Jesus' mission change your perspective? [49:22]
2. The New Covenant invites us into a relationship with God based on grace. How can you embrace this grace in your daily life, especially when you feel you fall short? [54:39]
3. Consider how you view God's presence in your life. How does knowing that God indwells people, rather than being confined to a place, change the way you treat others? [01:00:44]
4. Jesus calls us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek. Identify a situation where you can apply this teaching in your life. What steps will you take to respond differently? [01:00:44]
5. How can you ensure that you are living in the reality of the New Covenant, focusing on Jesus' completed work rather than trying to earn God's favor through your actions? [49:22]
6. Reflect on the idea that the Old Testament is our story too. How do you see your own journey mirrored in the narratives of the Old Testament? [49:22]
7. Identify one area in your life where you might be mixing backstory thinking with main story thinking. How can you realign your perspective to focus on the main story of Jesus? [57:47]
Devotional
Day 1: The Old Testament as the Foundation of Jesus' Story
The Old Testament serves as the essential backstory to the New Testament, providing the historical and spiritual context necessary to understand Jesus' mission. It is a rich tapestry of history, poetry, and prophecy that reveals humanity's need for a savior. By exploring the narratives of the Old Testament, one can appreciate the continuity and fulfillment of God's plan through Jesus. This backstory is crucial for understanding the new covenant established by Jesus, which extends beyond a single nation to invite all of humanity into a relationship with God. [39:45]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding the Old Testament as the foundation of Jesus' story change your perspective on the New Testament? Can you identify a specific Old Testament story that has deepened your understanding of Jesus' mission?
Day 2: The Evolution of God's Relationship with Humanity
The Old Testament chronicles the evolution of God's relationship with humanity, beginning with a primitive culture and progressing to a more structured society. This evolution is significant as it sets the stage for the arrival of Jesus and the establishment of a new covenant that is inclusive of all people. Understanding this progression helps us see how God's plan unfolded over time, leading to the ultimate revelation of His love and grace through Jesus. The Old Testament narratives highlight the need for a savior and prepare us for the transformative message of the New Testament. [43:47]
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on how God's relationship with humanity has evolved from the Old Testament to the New Testament. How does this evolution impact your understanding of God's love and grace in your own life today?
Day 3: The New Covenant of Grace
Unlike the Old Covenant, which was based on laws and sacrifices, the New Covenant introduced by Jesus is founded on grace. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the requirements of the Old Covenant, offering a once-and-for-all solution to sin and inviting us into a relationship with God based on trust and faith. This new covenant emphasizes the transformative power of grace, freeing us from the burden of the law and inviting us to live in the reality of Jesus' completed work. Understanding this distinction is vital for appreciating the depth of God's love and the freedom we have in Christ. [49:22]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: How does the concept of grace in the New Covenant challenge your understanding of your relationship with God? In what ways can you embrace this grace more fully in your daily life?
Day 4: Distinguishing Between the Old and New Testaments
It is crucial to distinguish between the Old and New Testaments to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. The Old Testament serves as the backstory that highlights our need for a savior, while the New Testament reveals the fulfillment of that need in Jesus. Mixing these narratives can lead to misunderstanding the essence of Jesus' message. By recognizing the distinct roles of each testament, we can better appreciate the continuity of God's plan and the transformative power of the New Covenant. This understanding encourages us to live with Jesus at the center of our lives. [54:39]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: How can distinguishing between the Old and New Testaments enhance your understanding of Jesus' message? What steps can you take to ensure you are interpreting these scriptures in a way that aligns with the essence of the New Covenant?
Day 5: God's Presence in the New Covenant
In the New Covenant, God's presence is no longer confined to a temple or a specific place. Through Jesus, God's presence now indwells people, emphasizing the importance of how we treat others. This shift from places to faces highlights the relational aspect of the New Covenant and the call to love and serve others. Understanding this change encourages us to recognize the sacredness of our interactions with others and to embody the love of Christ in our daily lives. [01:00:44]
"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: How does the understanding that God's presence dwells within you change the way you interact with others? What practical steps can you take to reflect God's love in your relationships today?
Quotes
Because there's so much confusion when it comes to the Old Testament. There's so much confusion. You're like, okay, well, so what's that got to do with anything? Because it affects. It affects so much. It affects your understanding of who Jesus is and your approach to Jesus and what Jesus came to do. And it will impact how you see what God is doing in your own life. So in this series, we want to clarify some things, better understand some things as it relates to the Old Testament. And I believe it's going to inspire you. [00:37:52] (27 seconds)
The Old Testament is the Hebrew Bible, the Jewish scriptures. Furthermore, the Old Testament is a mixture of literary forms. Most of it is history. History, basically a narrative. This is what happened. And a lot of it, though, is poetry. And maybe you didn't realize that. We're going to see some of that in the next few weeks. Like, this is poetry. Large chunks of it is poetry. Not kind of poetry, you know, roses are reds, violets are blue, Jesus is a Tar Heel fan too, stuff like that. [00:39:29] (33 seconds)
There's a lot of prophecy. Towards the end of the Old Testament, lots of prophecy. By, you know, the prophets. The Old Testament prophets, you'll hear us refer to them. Prophecy is predicting future events. Or foreshadowing, to use a movie term. It's foreshadowing. Oh, that's foreshadowing. Oh, that's going to come back. And, you know, oh, we'll see that again. Kind of thing. And so there's a lot of that. In fact, scholars tell us, this is interesting, a little side note. Scholars tell us that there are no less than 300, maybe as many as 500 prophecies in the Old Testament that Jesus fulfills himself in the New. [00:40:24] (37 seconds)
The main story is summarized when God sends his final king, Jesus, which by the way, is God himself. That's a brain buster right there. That Jesus is God in flesh and bone and blood. God came himself to earth in the person of Jesus. And so God sends Jesus, his final king to earth to save us. Because remember, that's what the, that's what the, the backstory showed us. We need a savior. Okay. Well, Jesus is that savior. He came to save us and set up and establish a kingdom that he's in the process of even now doing that where he will reign forever. [00:44:52] (39 seconds)
The Old Testament is a discussion and a playing out and a chronicling of the Old Covenant. It's another word you will hear us use, the Old Covenant. A covenant is an agreement. That's what it is. We don't use that word a lot. It's an agreement. It's an agreement that God made with Israel. Yeah, there you go. And this covenant theme is this arrangement, this agreement. This agreement between God and Israel. God says, if you, then I. If you do this, then I will do this. If you don't do this, then this will happen, this will happen, that won't happen, this is what you can expect. [00:47:39] (39 seconds)
And the theme of the New Covenant found in the New Testament, which is the main story, is this. Where in the old and in the back story, God says, if you, then I, in the main story, the New Testament, the New Covenant, the agreement that God made with the world, God sends Jesus. And Jesus says, basically, I've done everything that needs to be done to connect a sinful man with a holy God. I've done it all. I've accomplished. I completed the Old Covenant in myself. I have fulfilled it. I have fulfilled it and completed it. And I've done everything that needs to be done because mankind couldn't do it. Humankind couldn't pull it off. So all I'm asking you to do now is trust me. I got you. [00:49:22] (44 seconds)
In the Old Covenant, in the Old Testament, in the backstory, in that previous arrangement that God made that we could not keep up our own end of the deal, in that previous arrangement, in order for your sins to be forgiven and for you to worship God, you had to bring a sacrifice every single time. Can you imagine what that would look like today? Can you imagine how nasty, how gross, how inconvenient? I mean, to show up to church. I mean, you finally got everybody in the car and we're barely going to be on time and you get five minutes down the road. Did you bring the sheep? I thought you got the sheep. Oh, this is going to be bad. [00:54:39] (42 seconds)
When we understand that the old testament is the backstory for the main story oh it just helps so much clear up confusion avoid mixing things up helps us better understand and appreciate what jesus came to do then and what he's still doing today and what he invites us into it helps us better understand his work in our lives believe it or not the backstory you're going to figure this out and probably by the end of our next next week that the backstory really is our story you're going to see yourself you're going to find yourself in this narrative and that's part of the beauty of how it mirrors our own individual journey [01:06:07] (51 seconds)
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