Jesus’ View of the Old Testament: Divine Authority and Truth
As we explore what Jesus taught, it’s essential to understand his perspective on the Old Testament. Jesus’ views on the authority and truth of the Old Testament are crucial in shaping our understanding of God’s Word.
Correcting Satan with Scripture
When tempted by Satan, Jesus responded by quoting from the Old Testament, saying, “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). By doing so, Jesus demonstrated his confidence in the authority of Scripture, using it to counter the enemy’s attacks. This shows that Jesus considered the Old Testament to be a source of truth, worthy of being used to dismiss Satan’s lies.
The Imperishability of Scripture
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared that not even the smallest mark in the Scriptures would perish (Matthew 5:17-18). This statement emphasizes the imperishability of God’s Word, highlighting its enduring nature. Jesus’ words demonstrate his conviction that the Old Testament is a reliable and trustworthy source of truth.
The Infallibility of Scripture
When faced with the threat of being stoned for blasphemy, Jesus cited the Old Testament, stating that “the Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). This assertion underscores the infallibility of Scripture, implying that it is an unbreakable and authoritative source of truth.
Historical Reliability and Scientific Accuracy
Jesus affirmed the historical reliability of the Old Testament by referencing events such as Noah’s flood and Jonah’s encounter with the whale (Matthew 24:37-38, 12:40). He also demonstrated an understanding of scientific facts, citing Genesis to explain the nature of marriage (Matthew 19:4-6). These examples illustrate Jesus’ trust in the Old Testament’s historical and scientific accuracy.
Ultimate Supremacy over Human Teaching
Jesus consistently asserted the ultimate supremacy of Scripture over human teaching. He corrected the Pharisees and teachers of the law, emphasizing that they should obey the Old Testament Scriptures rather than their own traditions (Matthew 15:3-9). This highlights Jesus’ conviction that the Old Testament is the final authority, surpassing human wisdom and tradition.
Conclusion: Jesus’ View of the Old Testament
Throughout his teachings, Jesus demonstrated a profound respect for the authority and truth of the Old Testament. He trusted in its imperishability, infallibility, historical reliability, and scientific accuracy. As we consider what Jesus taught, it’s clear that he viewed the Old Testament as the inerrant, written Word of God, worthy of our trust and obedience.
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