Good morning, beloved,
A bit of business to attend…I’ve been getting feedback lately that it has been difficult to comment on my blog. So I’ve switched up the comment section to make it easier and smoother. Will you try it out for me and let me know? Many thanks. I am so grateful to each one of you for reading these words of mine.
A couple of years ago, the History Channel caused a stir in the Christian community with its production of the Bible miniseries. The opinions, the controversies, the arguments volleyed back and forth. Our family watched the miniseries. We enjoyed the series, honestly, not for the inaccuracies, but for the excitement. Our family had fun discussing the Old Testament together. What did they get right? What did they miss? Do you really think that’s what Moses looked like? THE ANGELS?!?!?
The stories of Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph came alive. We, as a nation, saw them not just as words on a page. How often have we heard the Old Testament is so boring. It doesn’t apply to me. I don’t understand it. The God of the New Testament is much nicer, less judgement.
Jesus and the New Testament writers felt very differently than you and I. According to Pam Gillespie,
Researchers tell us that the New Testament writers make 224 direct references to the Old Testament and cite allusions to Old Testament scriptures anywhere from 600 to 1,600 times. In round numbers about 10% of the New Testament either quotes the Old directly or makes clear allusion to it. (Voices: Hearing God In A World Of Impostors New Testament, p. 45)
Let’s look at some of the ways Jesus does quote the Old Testament.
It is written…
Matthew 4 reveals the temptation of Jesus. In a earlier post, I discussed the prayers of Jesus. And now, watch this chapter unfold with me.
Then the Spirit led Jesus [L up; out] into the ·desert [wilderness] to be tempted [or tested] by the devil. 2 Jesus fasted for forty days and nights[C analogous to Israel’s forty years in the desert]. After this, he was ·very hungry [famished]. 3 The ·devil came to Jesus to tempt him [L tempter/tester came to Jesus], saying, “If you are the Son of God, ·tell [command] these rocks to ·become bread [turn into loaves].”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘A person lives not on bread alone, but by ·everything God says [L every word that comes out of God’s mouth; Deut. 8:3].’”
Satan comes to Jesus at His weakest. Not when He is strong. Take note, my friend. When you are sick, tired, hungry, alone, I bet you can attest to the temptations yourself. Read Jesus’ response. We don’t have an emotion attached to this response. He isn’t weepy, or sad. He has an answer and it is straight from the Word. It is written…
1. Jesus knew the plan. He knew the plan because He knew the word of God.
2. Jesus knew the Word of God. How often when we are weak and frail and then under attack, words from the Bible fail to come to us? Oh, friend, we need to have His Word close to our heart and mind. If not memorized, let’s write it on notecards and keep in our back pockets or purses or wallets.
3. Jesus knew feelings from truth. We need to get this one! The mutterings of our mind compared to the truth of Scripture. NO COMPARISON. We have to line up, speak out what is going on in our mind. I’m amazed when I actually say aloud what is going on in my mind how false it can be.
5 Then the devil ·led [took] Jesus to the holy city [C Jerusalem] and put him on ·a high place [the highest point; the pinnacle] of the Temple. 6 The devil said, “If you are the Son of God, ·jump [L throw yourself] down, because it is written in the Scriptures:
‘He ·has put his angels in charge of you [or will order his angels to protect you; L will command his angel concerning you].
They will ·catch you in [lift you up with] their hands
so that you will not hit your foot on a rock [Ps. 91:11–12].’”7 Jesus answered him, “It also says in the Scriptures, ‘Do not test the Lord your God [Deut. 6:16].’”
What throws me here, but doesn’t throw Jesus..the tempter knows the word of God and uses it craftily. He continues to taunt and test. Very interesting. However! Jesus knows exactly how to answer. And lest you think that only Jesus can answer Satan, let me remind you of the power of the Holy Spirit within you. And the power of the knowledge of the word of God!
8 ·Then [Again] the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and all their ·splendor [glory]. 9 The devil said, “If you will ·bow [fall] down and worship me, I will give you all these things.”
10 Jesus said to him, “·Go away from me [Get out of here; Be gone], Satan![L For] It is written in the Scriptures, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him [Deut. 6:13].’”
I love this. Go away from me Satan. HE casts Satan away from Himself. HE asks Satan to leave. I love that. He has had enough of Satan’s wiles and temptations. And notice that each one of the passages Jesus quotes can be found in Deuteronomy. Another fascinating aspect..He chooses Law to fight Satan’s temptations. What amazes me is how Jesus fights each attack with Scripture, Satan has no real retort, no come back and so three times he tries a different front and three times he fails. What a lesson for us in our lives.
What a lesson for me today. I hope for you as well. I only have scratched the surface today. I have a busy day ahead. We have an extra couple of boys all whom are sword fighting in the basement as I type away. Later this afternoon we head to Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville. I love that place. I love serving there with my kids. So a busy day, full day. Thankful.
Thankful for the whole Scripture today. How about you, friend? How do you feel about the Old Testament? A difficult part of Scripture? DO you prefer the New Testament? Will you venture into the Old? Does your church teach the Old? I’d love to hear from you!
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