Why Study the Old Testament? Here are seven good reasons to study the Old Testament. Check the three that are most convincing to you.
❍ The history of the Jewish
people is our history too.
❍ Jesus read, studied, and prayed the Hebrew Scriptures.
❍ The Old Testament is God’s Word.
❍ Educated people are expected to know Bible stories.
❍ The Old Testament helps us to understand Jesus.
❍ God speaks to us
personally in the Bible.
❍ Reading the Old Testament helps us to understand our Jewish brothers and sisters.
A story in Luke’s gospel tells how Jesus used Scripture to teach about himself. On Easter Sunday, Cleopas and a companion, who were disciples of Jesus, were on their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus. As they walked, they talked about Jesus’ Death and the rumors of his Resurrection. The risen Jesus joined them on the road, but they did not recognize him. When Jesus asked what they were discussing, the disciples told him how disappointed and confused they were. They had hoped that Jesus was their Messiah, the Savior. Jesus listened to their story. Then he explained how the Hebrew Scriptures foretold the events in Jerusalem. He pointed out how passages about the Messiah referred to Jesus. The disciples were filled with joy as their fellow traveler spoke. By evening they were near Emmaus. The two disciples invited Jesus to stay with them. While they were eating supper, Jesus took
bread and said the blessing. Then he broke the bread and gave it to them. With that, Cleopas and his friend recognized Jesus. Then Jesus disappeared. The disciples said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us as he spoke to us and opened the Scriptures to us?” Excitedly they returned to Jerusalem. There they spread the news that Jesus was risen. They told others what he had taught them. Jesus also helps us to know him and understand his teachings through Scripture. The persons and events in the Bible reveal to us the greatness of God’s love. The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love CHAPTER 1
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