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Jesus and the Old Testament

1. CONNECT

   10min
   In our last session, we saw that the book of Hebrews boldly proclaims that Christ brings the hope of God's blessings in the last days of history. In this session, we'll explore how our author attempted to convince his original Jewish readers to remain faithful to Christ because he fulfills the teachings of the Old Testament Scriptures.

2. Reflection

   Many modern Christians mistakenly believe that the Christian faith is somehow contrary to the teachings of the Old Testament, but the author of Hebrews repeatedly referred to the Old Testament to support his theological views. The book of Hebrews demonstrates that faith in Christ is in perfect harmony with the Old Testament Scriptures. The Old Testament reveals why we should remain faithful to Christ even in times of trouble.

3. Guiding Question

   How does the fact that our Christian faith is perfectly harmonious with the Old Testament help us remain faithful to Jesus?

4. WATCH

   15min

5. DISCUSS

   15min
   1. This lesson mentions five ways the author of Hebrews appealed to the Old Testament to support his exhortations to remain faithful to Christ:      a. He used Old Testament facts to enhance his teachings about Christ (Hebrews 7:2; cf. Genesis 14:18).      b. He noted theological beliefs expressed in the Old Testament that were still true (Hebrews 1:7; cf. Ps 104:4).      c. He pointed out that basic moral obligations in the Old Testament also applied to Christ's followers (Hebrews 12:5,6; cf. Proverbs 3:11,12).      d. He showed how Christ fulfills Old Testament predictions about the last days (Hebrews 8:8-12; cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34).      e. He clarified that Christ fulfills Old Testament ideals for David's dynasty (Hebrews 2:11,12; cf. Psalm 22:22). Why was it so important for the author of Hebrews to demonstrate to his Jewish audience that the Christian faith was true to the teachings of the Old Testament? 2. The use of the Old Testament in Hebrews corrects misguided beliefs that many Christians hold today. For instance, look at Hebrews 12:28-29. How does the author's application of Deuteronomy 4:24 ("the Lord your God is a consuming fire") contrast with many Christians who say that New Testament faith is only concerned with God's love? 3. There are many differences between Old and New Testament faith, but do they contradict each other? (To help with your answer, consider how the author, in Hebrews 10:17,18, appealed to Jeremiah 31:34 to prove that the Old Testament itself anticipated a day when sacrifices would end in the new covenant.)

6. APPLY

   15min
   1. How does your devotion to the Old Testament compare with the devotion of the author of Hebrews? 2. Does your relationship to Scripture indicate that you agree or disagree with the author of Hebrews that these sacred Scriptures are vital to your Christian life? Explain your answer. 3. How have you used Scripture (both the Old and New Testaments) to help other Christians remain faithful to Christ in times of trouble?

7. CHALLENGE

   Recommended reading: Hebrews 7-9 This week, notice how many of your Christian beliefs are based on the Old Testament. Finish with a time of prayer.