The Scriptures that Speak of Christ

The Scriptures that Speak of Christ

Israel’s StoryIsrael’s PromiseIsrael’s IdentityIsrael’s MissionIsrael’s Values

Jesus' StoryJesus' PromiseJesus' IdentityJesus' MissionJesus' Values

Jesus is the Subject of the BibleJohn 5:39: “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me”

We understand Jesus properly if we see Him in the light of the OT story that He completes and brings to climax.

The Scriptures that Speak of ChristPurpose of the class•Christianity = an identity that is rooted in God’s purposes; participation in past, present, future work in Christ•Purposes woven into every sentence of OT•OT: See Jesus’ Story, Promise, Identity, Mission, Values

We derive our personal relationship through our participation in this story, promise, identity, mission, values

The Scriptures that Speak of ChristContinuity of the Testaments•Consistent content (glorify God: threefold purpose)• Establish Israel over the nations• Bring justice to the earth• Gather in and bless the nations (Gentiles)

•Consistent pattern• God’s purpose is increasingly revealed• Progressive revelation: Abraham, David, Exile,

Christ

Abraham

David

Exile

Matthew 1:1-17

Jesus: Old Testament Story

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Christ

Abraham

David

Exile

Matthew 1:1-17

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Abraham

David

Exile

Matthew 1:1-17

Jesus: Old Testament Promise

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Jesus: Old Testament StoryForest

Whole

Promise

Collective Identity

Lens: PersonOf Jesus

Continuity

Trees

Parts

Predictions

Personal Application

Lens: Theologicalsystem

Pattern

Jesus: Old Testament StorySummary•Bible is single story of God’s work in Christ to win what was lost at the Fall •OT is the backstory (Act 1) for NT climax (Act 2)•Jesus is the end of the OT and beginning of NT

Jesus: Old Testament PromiseSummary•Promise (motor car); prediction (horse)•Jesus is OT Promise-Fulfiller (met predictions & more!)•Single promise (great river); streams flowing in (history, wisdom literature, law, poetry, narrative, prophecy)

God made a living, growing promise that Jesus fulfilled

In which we participate today

Jesus: Old Testament Identity• Identity is practical part of helping us understand how

we fit into the world• God formed identity in Israel• God gave Israel a unique worldview compared to

pagan neighbors (Gen. 1-11)• Communal festivals and feasts• The Law connected to God’s past saving acts• Worship as shared spirituality• Social laws for the sake of others• Spirituality as a response to God’s saving acts

Jesus: Old Testament Identity• God gave OT pictures and patterns to shape identity• The apostles and early believers derived their identity

from thick OT history, culture, stories, images• Apostles understood the fullness of their identity

because Jesus filled in the OT picture• Strong identity takes time• Strong, thick identity allowed for the Gentiles to be

grafted in (we share Jewish identity)

Jesus: Old Testament IdentityFor Eleanor: Jesus’ Identity made plain at baptism•Father speaks; Holy Spirit descends (Trinity)•Words echo OT references• “You are my Son” (Ps. 2:7) Davidic covenant• “My loved one in whom I delight” (Is. 42:1)• “My son, my beloved” (Gen. 22:2) Abraham’s

offering of Isaac•Important to the enemy at temptation

Jesus: Old Testament Identity“Identity is a powerful force. The Jewish people had identity as the people of God. They had a family history that connected them to God, with centuries of stories about heroic feats of faith, as well as dismal acts of cowardice (sometimes by the same people). This deep-rooted identity allowed the Church to be established as a continuation of that history. The Gentiles could be grafted into the tree because there were already roots that went deep into the ground of history.”

- Jesus Cropped from the Picture, p. 191

Jesus: Old Testament Mission1. Jewish expectation: 1 sweeping cataclysm/3 events

A) Restoration of geopolitical Israel•Israel above other nations•Vindication of God and His people•Release from political oppressors•After exile, still not a sovereign nation•Divided on how it would happen• Messiah-deliverer• Exodus-like action by fiat

Jesus: Old Testament Mission1. Jewish expectation: 1 sweeping cataclysm/3 events

A) Restoration of geopolitical IsraelB) Ingathering/ingrafting of nations into Israel•Purging of evil and judgement•Nations brought in under Israel’s rule•Gentiles would be saved by their response to restored Israel

Jesus: Old Testament Mission1. Jewish expectation: 1 sweeping cataclysm/3 events

A) Restoration of geopolitical IsraelB) Ingathering/ingrafting of nations into IsraelC) Global peace and pre-Edenic glory•Eschatological expectations•Renewal of harmony of nature•Global peace

Examples of 3 in 1: Ps. 102:13-22; Is. 24, 34, 56, 60, 66; Jer. 30-34; Ez. 40-48; Micah 2-4; Joel 3; Amos 9, Zech. 9

Old Testament View of History

Israel: Come and SeeOne identityOne culture

Individual Gentiles invited in

Messiah brings justice

Restore Israel politically

Gather the nations into

worldwide peace

1. Destroy enemies and restore justice2. Establish Israel3. Consolidate the nations

Jesus: Old Testament Mission2. OT mission revealed in Jesus•1 sweeping change; 3 interconnected events• Glorification of the Son (Jesus as Obedient Victor-

Israel)• Rescue of Gentiles through Israel-Jesus• Release creation from oppression (victory over the

devil’s kingdom)•The OT prophecies were all true, but the expectations were too small•God Himself would become human and take over for Israel

Jesus: Old Testament Mission2. OT mission revealed in Jesus•Israel would be restored by Jesus personifying Israel•Shown in Jesus’ baptism• Though no need of repentance, he lines up to be

baptized• Shows his identification as Israel, God’s Son• Takes on the hopes and needs of the people

•All the nations could enter in through Christ, not by becoming Jewish converts

Jesus: Old Testament Mission2. OT mission revealed in Jesus: “Son of Man”•“Human:” identified as fully man, true Israel in every human way•Reference from Daniel 7:13-14•Jesus’ reference Mt. 26:64-65:“You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.

Jesus: Old Testament Mission2. OT mission revealed in Jesus: “Son of Man”•Bold to declare to the High Priest that Jesus himself was sole representative of God•Irony to be in Jerusalem temple (most holy place)•Jesus would be the one with authority to make judgement•Image of Daniel 7:11-12: enemies of Son of Man were beasts (Jewish leaders knew Jesus’ opinion of them)

Jesus: Old Testament Mission2. OT mission revealed in Jesus: “Servant of the Lord”•Isaiah passages were clear about a Suffering Servant•Jews viewed “the Suffering Servant” in reference to Israel as a nation, not an individual person (Is. 41:8-10)•Messiah would be a conquering king who would rescue Israel from suffering and political oppression•Jesus brought Messiah and Servant together in himself (Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”)•This is why Peter was confused and rebuked Jesus

Jesus: Old Testament Mission3. Cooperation (obedience) is key to Mission•God’s plan (nations) predicated on Israel’s obedience• Pattern: Election+obedience (cooperation)=mission• God will wait to accomplish mission when there is

obedience• God is not limited, but His desired way is through

obedience of people for mission to flow• Removes excuse of accuser: “You used your

omnipotence”

Jesus: Old Testament Mission3. Cooperation (obedience) is key to Mission•OT series of failures• Adam failed in temptation• Israel failed after Exodus• Israel failed after Conquest• Israel’s kings failed (culminating in Exile)

•Failure created thirst and dependence for an obedient representative•OT anticipation is our longing for an worthy representative (e.g. Rev. 5:1-5)

Jesus: Old Testament Mission3. Cooperation (obedience) is key to Mission•Jesus’ obedience opened the way • Jesus’ obedience was the way to defeat the enemy

and win the world for God• Jesus was obedient where Israel failed• New Adam• New David• New Israel

• Jesus took on flesh, became obedient, powerless even to the cross

• Elected+obedient=mission accomplished: defeated Satan without omnipotence but by obedience

Jesus: Old Testament Mission3. Cooperation (obedience) is key to Mission•Jesus’ obedience opened our access to God• Baptism into Christ qualifies us to be Sons of

Abraham• We enter into Israel through Jesus (Gal. 3:26-29;

4:4-7)•We continue God’s mission: elected+obedient=mission“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Eph. 2:10

Jesus: Old Testament Mission4. Ingathering of Gentiles•Ascension, Pentecost, persecution (Acts 1-8)•Paul’s conversion and call to Gentiles (Acts 9:15)•Peter and first Gentile, Cornelius (Acts 10)•Church leaders halting and puzzled by Cornelius (Acts 11:1-18) “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”•Gentiles in Antioch; Paul and Barnabas (Acts 11:19-30)•Paul and Barnabas mission to Jews/Gentiles (Acts 13)•The Gentile mission was an act of God before it was a strategy of the Church (Acts 15 Jerusalem Council)

Jesus: Old Testament Mission4. Ingathering of Gentiles: Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)•Confusion about the OT sequence• Restoration of Israel comes first• Then Gentiles could come in• There couldn’t be a long gap between them• Since Israel had not universally responded to Jesus,

Israel must not have been restored• Peter exhorted to believe in Christ so “refreshing

would come” (Return dependent on all Israel believing)

Jesus: Old Testament Mission4. Ingathering of Gentiles Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets…Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, “Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.” - Acts 3:17-25

•Since Israel had not turned to Jesus, the Gentiles could not come in

Jesus: Old Testament Mission4. Ingathering of Gentiles: Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)•Evidence was mounting• God directly intervened with Cornelius (Acts 10-11) • Gentile converts in Antioch (Acts 11)• Paul/Barnabas report of Gentile mission (Acts 13)

•Church leaders had to conclude that something had happened that they had missed: Israel was restored in some way they had failed to recognize: Restoration of Israel occurred at Resurrection (in person of Jesus)

Jesus: Old Testament Mission4. Ingathering of Gentiles: Jerusalem CouncilThe whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written*: “‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, days the Lord, who does these things’ — things known from long ago.” -- Acts15:12-18

*Amos 9:11

Jesus: Old Testament Mission4. Ingathering of Gentiles: Jerusalem Council•Conclusion: Inclusion of Gentiles was an act of God that was foretold by the OT• Jesus embodied the restoration of Israel• The Davidic kingdom had come• If the Gentiles were being gathered in, then Israel

was being restored (can’t have one without the other)

• God had kept His promise

Jesus: Old Testament Mission5. OT formed Paul’s theology and mission•Israel was faithful remnant who lived by faith, not just those of earthly lineage (Rom. 1:17, Hab. 2:4, Rom. 9-11; Gal. 3:29; Rom. 4)•Those who come to God in faith through Christ are of Israel (children of Abraham)•Gentiles are grafted into the tree that has been growing and developing in the OT (Rom. 11)•This was God’s original intent from before the foundation of the world (not Plan B)

Jesus: Old Testament Mission5. OT formed Paul’s theology and mission•Purpose of Israel: foundation from which Jew/Gentile brought into a single family through Christ

…that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. - Eph.3:3-6

Jesus: Old Testament Mission5. OT formed Paul’s theology and mission•Paul viewed his missionary call to the Gentiles in terms of an extension of Jesus’ ministry• Jesus: Restorer of Israel• Paul, apostle to the nations• First to the Jews, then to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46-

47; Is. 49:6)

Jesus: Old Testament Mission5. OT formed Paul’s theology and mission•1 Cataclysm; 3 Connected events• Restoration of Israel = Jesus’ resurrection (e.g. Acts

13:32, “We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus.”

• Ingathering of nations: Book of Acts is story of the Spirit coming and Gentile ingathering

• Present defeat of Satan (e.g. Col. 2:15); future apocalyptic judgment of enemies and worldwide peace at Jesus return (e.g. 1 Cor. 15:24-25)

Continuity: Jesus, Israel, Church

Israel: Come and SeeOne identityOne culture

Church: Go and TellOne identity

Many cultures

Individual Gentiles invited in

Christ’s Return

JESUS Personifies Israel

Nations into Israel through Son (Jesus)

Kingdom Present1.Devil defeated2.Jesus exalted3.Nations invited in

OT View1.Destroy enemies/restore justice2.Exalt Israel3.Bring in the nations

Kingdom Future1.Enemies judged2.Jesus exalted3.Nations brought in

Jesus: Old Testament Mission6. Why so much mystery? Why wasn’t it plain?•Prophets and angels longed to looked into these things (1 Pe. 1:10-12)•God kept some things hidden until the proper time•Why progressive revelation?• Things He wanted to accomplish in people without

revelation (there is a greater reality behind the scenes)

• Contention with the enemy’s kingdom requires disclosing strategies in measured ways

Jesus: Old Testament Mission6. Why so much mystery? Why wasn’t it plain?“This grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Eph. 3:10-11

“We declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Cor. 2:6-8

Jesus: Old Testament Mission7. “If the root is holy, so are the branches.” – Rom. 11:16

• OT Israel is roots that allowed the branches

• Israel is Servant of God to nations (Jesus became True Israel)

• Jesus solidifies the trunk to make way for the branches

• Apostles take Gospel to the nations (branches)

Jesus: Old Testament Mission7. “If the root is holy, so are the branches.”

• Not sent on a Great Commission to go out • Called to obedience so God could bless them as an

example to the nations (“come and see” mission)• Geographic center of the people of God• Physical temple, political king, ethnic identity, army to

fight God’s battles, priests to offer sacrifices• Israel deliberately limited/focused to build strong

trunk

Jesus: Old Testament Mission7. “If the root is holy, so are the branches.”• With the coming of Christ (replacing Israel) everything

changed polarity• Now a “go and tell” mission• No geographic center• Temple was Christ, King was Christ• No ethnic identity• Army to fight spiritual forces globally• Royal priesthood of believers• Church built on Christ’s foundation so expansion

could be universal (not local)

Jesus: Old Testament Mission7. “If the root is holy, so are the branches.”• Church was a new Humanity of Jews and Gentiles

planned from the beginning (Jesus is the New Adam)• Organically and spiritually continuous with Israel (not

replacing Israel) Rom. 11; Eph. 2:11-15, Rom. 15:7-9

To the Jew first, then to the Gentiles

Summary•Jewish expectation: 1 sweeping cataclysm/3 events•OT mission revealed in Jesus (as Israel)•Cooperation (obedience) is key to Mission•Ingathering of Gentiles tied to Jesus (as Israel)•OT formed Paul’s theology and mission•Why so much mystery? (progressive revelation)•“If the root is holy, so are the branches”: Continuity in Israel, Jesus, the Church

Jesus: Old Testament Mission

Lessons•Mission = mystery•We must walk in step with the Holy Spirit (Acts)•When God calls (election), and we obey (discipleship), mission is accomplished•Our mission is to proclaim/demonstrate Good News of the Kingdom (worship, discipleship, outreach)•More details next week: Jesus and OT Values

Jesus: Old Testament Mission

Jesus: Old Testament PromiseOT promise dimensions

•Restore/exalt Israel

•Destroy oppressors; bring justice to earth

•Bring in Gentiles through Israel

Jesus embodiment of Promise

•Restored/exalted Israel: Jesus personifies Israel and is Vindicated as Lord•Destroy oppressors: Jesus came to destroy the work of the fallen world, flesh, devil•Bring in Gentiles through Israel: Enter Kingdom through person of Jesus (not just nation of Israel)

Jesus: Old Testament Mission2. OT mission revealed in Jesus: Post baptism/temptationFrom that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matt. 4:17-23

Jesus: Old Testament Mission2. OT mission revealed in Jesus: Post baptism/temptationHe stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:16-20