Jesus Preview

Page 1

week 1

JESUS IS THE FULFILLMENT Biblical Passage: Matthew 5:17-20 Supporting Passages: Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Luke 24:27; John 5:39 Memory Verse: Matthew 5:17 Biblical Truth: Believers can have confidence in the promises of Scripture and assurance of salvation because Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament.

CONSIDER… What does the Old Testament mean to you? A book of laws that does not fit in today’s world? A story book of violence and killing? A tale of sin and idol worship? Do you think the God of the Old Testament is consistent with the God of the New Testament? Often, believers tend to focus on the New Testament rather than on the Old Testament because the New Testament focuses on Christ’s love for people. Yet Christ is a part of the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.

DAY 1 REFLECTION HOW TO LIVE Read Matthew 5:1-2 and Matthew 7:28-29. When Jesus taught, large crowds of people gathered to hear what He had to say. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus did more than explain the Old Testament; He taught His disciples how to live. He communicated the heart and soul of God’s Word instead of focusing their attention on a list of rules. As you journal below, consider: How much time do you spend listening to Jesus speak? How is the authority of God’s Word reflected in your life?

THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND When Jesus entered the world, Israel was occupied by the Roman Empire. Herod was appointed first as tetrarch of Galilee and later as king of Judea. Although Herod restored the Jewish Temple, he ruled Israel as a Roman servant. It is no wonder the Jewish citizens eagerly awaited the promised Messiah—a king who would conquer their enemies and establish a kingdom without end. With the expectations firmly in place, the Jews did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus did not come to establish an earthly kingdom. Instead, the Kingdom of God is based on the spiritual relationship between God and humanity. Therefore, Jesus began His ministry by explaining to His disciples His relationship to the Law and the Prophets, the Scriptures that defined Jewish religious life. Jesus’ message was clear: He came as the fulfillment of Scripture.

DAY 2 REFLECTION A PROMISE KEPT Read Matthew 5:17-18. Jesus knew that He would challenge the Jews’ interpretation of the Law and their expectations concerning the Messiah. As He began His ministry, He promised that everything written in the Old Testament, down to the smallest detail, would be fulfilled in His life. As you journal below, consider: What value did Jesus place on the Old Testament? How does His statement challenge your beliefs about the Old Testament? How does God’s faithfulness to keep His promises affect your trust in Him?

Tetrarch The tetrarch was a political ruler within the Roman Empire who had responsibility for a designated area of territory. The Law and the Prophets The Law refers to the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Torah or the Pentateuch. The Law explained God’s expectations of Israel and emphasized the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity. The Prophets referred to the remaining books in the Old Testament which foretold the birth, ministry, and passion of the Messiah. Through these writings, God revealed His plan to send the Messiah into the world.

PAUSE TO PRAY Ask God to prepare your heart to hear how Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount can, and should, change you. Thank God that His Word has the power to radically change your life. Ask God to create within you an unquenchable desire to spend time with Him each day. 6

PAUSE TO PRAY Thank God that He can be trusted to keep His Word. Pray that God would give you the desire to faithfully obey His commands. 7


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Jesus Preview by Iron Stream Media - Issuu