Everyday 29: Old Testament Matters

The apostles, when proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, did not present a message or a Bible that lacked the Old Testament. Their understanding and presentation of God's plan consistently integrated the ancient scriptures. This is clearly shown in Luke 24:44-47, where Jesus himself explains that "Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." This declaration by Jesus confirms the essential role of these ancient texts in understanding his mission and identity, connecting the entire Old Testament directly to his person and work.
The earliest Christian preaching, as exemplified by Peter, heavily relied on the Old Testament for its foundation and proof. We see this in Acts 2:16-36, where Peter, addressing the crowds at Pentecost, connects the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to the prophecy of Joel, arguing, "This is what was uttered through the prophet Joel." He then proceeds to demonstrate from the Psalms and the promises made to David that God has now "made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Similarly, Paul affirms the enduring relevance of these ancient writings in Romans 15:4, stating, "Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." These examples highlight that the apostles viewed the Old Testament not as obsolete but as vital, serving as both prophetic anticipation of Jesus and enduring instruction for believers.
This profound connection means the New Testament is not merely a replacement for the Old, but rather its fulfillment and culmination. The New Testament announces Jesus as the promised Messiah, the one who brings to completion all that Israel’s Scriptures foretold, and through whom repentance and the forgiveness of sins are proclaimed "to all nations." Consequently, understanding the Old Testament enriches your grasp of God’s redemptive story, providing context, depth, and assurance as it reveals God’s consistent character and plan unfolding through history towards Christ. It offers instruction, hope, and encouragement for your faith journey today, guiding your endurance through the wisdom gleaned from God's continuous revelation.