The Bridge: Old Testament and the New Testament

²⁷ Then starting with what Moses and all the Prophets had said about Him, Jesus began to explain everything that had been written about Himself in the Scriptures. . . . ⁴⁴ He (Jesus) said to them, “Remember when I was with you before? I said that everything written about Me must happen — everything in the Law of Moses, the books of the Prophets, and the Psalms.” ⁴⁵ Then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He said to them, “It is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day ⁴⁷ and that a change of hearts and lives and forgiveness of sins would be preached in His name to all nations, starting at Jerusalem. Luke 24:27, 44-47 (NCV)

Readers of the Holy Scriptures cannot separate the message of the New Testament from the message of the Old Testament. The Old Testament contains many promises from the true and living God that Jesus Christ fulfilled in the New Testament (e.g., see Matthew 5:17-20; Matthew 3:15; Luke 24:25-27, 44-45; John 1:45). God is faithful to keep all His promises (e.g., see Joshua 21:45; Joshua 23:14-16; Psalm 145:13). Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the writings of the Old Testament and the thread woven through all the Holy Scriptures. 

The Old Testament promised that God would save His people through the Seed of the woman that would defeat the seed of evil (Genesis 3:15; see also, e.g., Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; Galatians 4:4-5). Then, God promised through His covenant with Abraham to bless all the families on earth through his Seed (Offspring) (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 22:18; see also, e.g., Acts 3:25-26; Galatians 3:8, 16). Through His covenant with Moses (the Mosaic covenant), the LORD God promised His continual blessing and grace on His people, if they faithfully loved and obeyed Him and followed all His ways (Exodus chapters 19 through 24). Then, God made a covenant with Israel to bring a King through the Davidic line to fulfill His promises originally given to Abraham to bless the world (e.g., see 2 Samuel 7:12-16; see also Psalm 89:3-4, 28, 34-37; Psalm 132:11-12, 17-18; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 2:22-36). Through His faithful prophets, God promised to bring a His people a new covenant that would graciously give His Holy Spirit to His faithful people and write His laws and statutes on their hearts, so that they lovingly would obey His will and teachings (e.g., see Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4, 17-21).

Then, the New Testament opens with predicted messenger announcing the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah (Christ) with John the Baptist (e.g., see Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:2-17; John 1:19, 23) and then the arrival of Jesus the Christ (see Mark 1:9). The arrival of John the Baptist and the launching of Jesus’ public ministry occurred in the year approximately AD 28-29. Jesus was the long-awaited Son of David and Son of Abraham that fulfilled the Old Testament promises of God of a King and Seed that would bless the entire world and defeat evil (e.g., see Jeremiah 23:5-6; Zechariah 9:9; Zechariah 12:10; Matthew 1:1, 17, Mark 1:1; Romans 16:20; Galatians 4:4-5). At the time of John the Baptist and Jesus’ arrival, the Roman government ruled the land and sin ran rampant among the people. Therefore, John the Baptist summoned the people to repent and to receive baptism for the forgiveness of their sins, so that they would be prepared for the coming Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) promised in the Old Testament (e.g., see Matthew 3:2, 6, 11; Mark 1:4). For Jesus one the One coming who would pour out the Spirit of God and judge the world (see Matthew 3:11-12; Mark 1:7-8).

The Lord Jesus the Christ represented the fulfillment of Old Testament and the arrival of God’s Kingdom to earth (see Mark 1:14-15). The arrival of God’s Kingdom came not with fame and fanfare but with the arrival of a Jewish Baby Boy in a humble stable in Bethlehem around 5 BC (see Matthew 2:1-6; Luke 2:1-7). The Old Testament predicted Jesus Christ’s great star and birth in Bethlehem (e.g., see Numbers 24:17; Jeremiah 23:5; Micah 5:2, 4) and people from other parts of the world was awaiting His arrival (e.g. see Matthew 2:1-2). Jesus' humble birth in Bethlehem was life changing because He was the Savior of the world (see Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:10-12; John 3:16-18; John 4:42). The arrival of God’s Kingdom with Jesus’ birth began with a small mustard seed, and yet God’s Kingdom would grow into a great tree that would tower over the entire universe (see Matthew 13:31-33; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-21).

The first century Jews had predicted that when God’s Kingdom arrives, God would immediately defeat the Jews’ enemies and a new creation would dawn (Isaiah 65:17; see also Revelation 21:1). However, the Jew ignored the Old Testament prophets and Psalms’ predictions of the Messiah’s suffering and sacrifice to bring God’s salvation to His people (e.g., see Psalm 22:1; Psalm 69:4, 8-9, 20-21; Isaiah 50:16; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Zechariah 6:12; Zechariah 13:7). On Jesus’ first arrival to earth, Jesus took on the role of a Suffering Servant where He graciously took upon Himself the sins of the world and God’s wrath for our forgiveness and healing (e.g., see Isaiah 52:13-53:12). On Jesus’ second arrival to come, God’s judgment and wrath will come (see Isaiah 61:2) where Jesus will return and sit on His glorious throne and judge between the good and evil (e.g., see Matthew 25:31-46). Jesus’ second return to earth will culminate God’s Kingdom on earth (e.g., see Revelation 21-22).

The New Testament highlights the fulfillment of God's promises through His Son, Jesus the Christ (Messiah) (e.g., see Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus is the new and better Moses, declaring God’s infallible word as the sovereign interpreter of the Mosaic Law (e.g., see Matthew 5:17-48; Hebrews 3:1-6). The Old Testament Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms point to Jesus and find their fulfillment in Him (e.g., see Matthew 5:17-20; Matthew 3:15; Luke 24:25-27, 44-45; John 1:45). Moreover, Jesus is the new Joshua, who gives God’s faithful people rest and peace (see Hebrews 3:7-4:13). Furthermore, Jesus is the true wisdom of God and has become our righteousness, holiness, and redemption through faith in Him (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 1:14; Colossians 2:1-3). During Jesus’ public ministry on earth, the people often called Jesus a Prophet (e.g., see Mark 6:14–15; Luke 7:16; Luke 9:7-8; Luke 13:33; Luke 24:19). Truly, Jesus is God’s Prophet Moses wrote about and predicted (e.g., see Deuteronomy 18:15-18; John 5:46; Acts 3:22-23; Acts 7:37). Jesus' miracles, healings, and authority over all evil forces indicate that He brings the God’s Kingdom to earth (e.g., Matthew 12:28). Jesus is fully God and King (e.g., see Psalm 110:1; John 1:1-5, 14, 18, 49; John 20:28; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8; 2 Peter 1:1); and Creator-Lord who can walk on water and calm the raging sea (e.g., Psalm 107:29; Matthew 8:23-27). Even more, Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God (e.g., see Mark 1:1; John 20:31). One day, Jesus will return in the clouds of glory as the glorious Son of Man who will receive the eternal Kingdom from the Ancient of Days (e.g., see Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:61-62; Revelation 1:7). Jesus is Lord and Christ (see John 13:13; Acts 2:21, 36; Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:10-11; Hebrews 1:10-12).

Thus, the New Testament is Jesus centered, God-focused, and the Holy Spirit empowered to bring salvation to the world through wholehearted faith in Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection (e.g., see Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:7-8; Romans 1:16-17). The Holy Spirit was given to bring glory to Jesus the Christ (John 16: 14) so that Jesus would be magnified as our Savior and Redeemer. Through our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit empowers God’s people to live in a way that is pleasing God. True transformation into Christlikeness is the Holy Spirit’s work (e.g., see Romans 8:2, 4, 13-14; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5: 16, 18).

All people stand in need of Jesus’ gracious salvation because of sin and the Great Fall of humanity (see Genesis 3; Romans 3:23). Sin – selfishness, rebellion, and disobedience to God’s will and lordship – has existed since the beginning of time (Genesis 3; see also 1 John 3:4). The Holy Scriptures reflect the power of sin throughout its storyline, beginning with Genesis 3 and continuing throughout the entire Old and New Testament. Even Israel as God’s chosen people lived under the dominion of sin, showing that written Law of God given to Moses by its power cannot deliver humanity from the bondage to sin.

However, God has given a solution to the sin problem by sending His Son, Jesus the Christ (Messiah) to save sinners, thereby highlighting the mercy and grace of God (John 3:16-18; Romans 3:23-25). The New Testament’s Gospels and Acts open with a call to faith and repentance to receive God’s gracious salvation found in Jesus (see, e.g., Mark 1:14-15; Acts 2:38). The call to faith and repentance in Jesus Christ is evident throughout the New Testament (e.g., see (e.g., Acts 3:18-19; Acts 20:21; Acts 26:18, 20). Those who desire to be part of Jesus’ new community (the church) and part of God’s Kingdom of God (God's rule in people's hearts and lives) must turn from sin (e.g., selfishness, rebellion, and disobedience) and turn to Jesus with humble obedience as Lord, Master, and Savior. The call to repentance is nothing less than a summons to the abandonment of sin and personal faith in God’s saving work in the Lord Jesus the Christ. Instead of selfish, self-salvation, and self-worship, the New Testament calls all people everywhere to look to Jesus Christ for deliverance from God's wrath and reception of His gracious salvation. Indeed, readers can understand the entire New Testament as a call to repentance and faith in God and His Son, Jesus the Christ, and a continual faith and repentance as long as life lasts (cf. Hebrews 11). The New Testament writers constantly encourage their readers to persevere in faith until the end and warn of the dangers of rejecting Jesus as Lord and Master at any stage. True believers testify that God’s salvation is of the Lord Jesus the Christ and that Jesus is the only One, who can save all from God’s coming wrath.

God’s true church is composed of united believers in Jesus the Christ - both Jews and Gentiles (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27-29; Ephesians 3:6; Colossians 3:11). The Old Testament laws that separated Jews from Gentiles (e.g., circumcision, purity laws, and special festivals and holidays) are no longer in force (e.g., see Ephesians 2:14-22). The church is God's new Temple, indwelt by His Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). God calls His church to live out the beauty of the Gospel by showing the supreme mark of Jesus Christ's disciples: love for one another (e.g., see Matthew 22:34-40; John 13:34-35; John 15:12). However, the church exists in an interim state as she eagerly awaits the return of' Jesus the Christ to earth and the consummation of all of God's purposes. Until Jesus’ final return, the church is to live out her life in holiness, righteousness, and godliness as the radiant bride of Christ (see Ephesians 5:26-27; Revelation 19:7-8; Revelation 21:2). Even more, the church is to proclaim faithfully the Good News of God’s salvation found in Jesus Christ so that others who live in the sin and darkness can be transferred from darkness to the light of Jesus the Christ (Matthew 28:16-18; Acts 1:8).

References

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

The Holy Bible NIV 2011 (Grand Rapids, MI: Biblica, 2011).

The ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Intertestamental Period: What Happened Between Malachi and Jesus

The New Testament book of Matthew opens a new period in the life of God’s people. Now Rome is the new world power and rules God’s people in the Promised Land. Before Roman’s rule, God’s people had witnessed the rise and fall of many foreign rulers, including the construction of a new Temple, often called the “Second Temple Judaism.” Between the period of the Second Temple (516 BC) and the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 introduced periods of political and religious changes and structures in the lives of God’s people.

The time between the Old Testament and the New Testament is often called the intertestamental period (approximately 433 BC to 5 BC). This intertestamental period covers approximately 400 years from the time of Nehemiah and Malachi to the birth of Jesus Christ. Some scholars call the intertestamental period the “silent” years. However, these years were anything but silent.

Intertestamental Books: During the intertestamental years, the Jewish writers wrote many books including the Apocrypha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Septuagint. These books are a collection of Jewish writings from the period of the Second Temple Judaism – when the Jews returned from Babylonian captivity and built a new Temple. Most of the writings of the Apocrypha are included in the canon the Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions as well as Eastern Christianity. Also, a group of Jews called the Essenes wrote documents often called the “Dead Sea Scrolls.” An Arab shepherd discovered these Jewish sacred writings in 1947 by chance in the hills overlooking the southwestern shore of the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain parts of all the Old Testament books, except Esther as well as some parts of apocryphal and pseudepigraphical writings. Moreover, during this period, a Greek translation of the Pentateuch (first five books of the Holy Bible) was made in Egypt around 250 BC, and the rest of the Old Testament was translated in approximately 130 BC. The Greek translation of the Old Testament is called the Septuagint. The Septuagint quickly became the Bible of the Jews outside the Holy Land. Even more, the Septuagint became the Bible of the early church, frequently quoted by the New Testament writers.

Rise and Fall of Empires: In approximately 586 BC, the dominant world power was the Babylonians. God raised up the Babylonians to punish His people for their lack of faithfulness to Him and their continual wickedness (e.g., see 2 Kings 24:2; Habakkuk 1:6). King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army marched against Jerusalem in 586 BC and destroyed the first Temple, originally built by King Solomon (2 Kings 25:8-12; see also Jeremiah 52:12-16). In 586 BC, the Jews lost their land, the monarchy, the city of Jerusalem, and their Temple due to Babylonian invasion. The Jewish people lived under the direct control of foreign rulers, without a national identity. The majority of the Jewish people were scattered throughout the world. This scattering is often called the Diaspora or “Dispersion.” Around 538 BC, some faithful Jews returned to Jerusalem and began to rebuild the Temple – the Second Temple (see Ezra 2:1-2). The Second Temple was completed approximately 516 BC under the leadership of Zechariah, Haggai, Ezra, and Nehemiah.

Eventually, God raised up the Persians and the Persians defeated the Babylonians (see Daniel 5:30-31). The Persians became the dominant power at the end of the Old Testament history. In approximately 330 BC, the Greeks under Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) conquered the ancient world and supplanted the Persians. With this rule, the Greeks left a lasting intellectual and cultural mark on the world. In addition to military and political control, Alexander the Great wanted to spread the Greek (Hellenistic) culture and philosophy, including the Greek language around the world. Aristotle trained Alexander, and Alexander wanted to spread the Greek culture to all his conquered states, including the Holy Land. Alexander was committed to the creation of a world united by Greek language and culture. Most of the Holy Land countryside outside of Jerusalem adopted the Greek culture.

Alexander’s short life ended in 323 BC. Following Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among four of his generals. Alexander the Great died in 323 BC without legitimate heirs. From approximately 320 to 198 BC, the Egyptian Ptolemaic Empire controlled the Jewish people and their land. The Ptolemaic Empire was considerate to the Jewish religion. However in approximately 198 BC, the Seleucid (Syrian) Empire to the north of Palestine gained control over the Jewish land from the Ptolemaic Empire. Sadly, the Seleucid attempted to spread the Greek culture through the empire, and the Seleucid disallowed the Jewish people from practicing their traditional way of life, including their religion. The Seleucid’s King Antiochus IV Epiphanes turned the Jerusalem Temple into a pagan shrine, and Jewish persecution was widespread.

Then, God raised up Mattathias, an aged priest, along with his five sons – Judas, Jonathan, Simon, John, and Eleazar. Mattathias and his sons led a revolt against the Seleucids. This triggered the Maccabean revolt that resulted in the independence of God’s people. After Mattathias’ death, the leadership of the Jewish people fell to one of his sons, Judas (call “Maccabeus”). Judas and his successors eventually won independence. In 164 BC, the Jerusalem Temple cleansed, and the daily burnt offerings and other religious ceremonies resumed. This event is still celebrated by the Jews each December as Hanukkah, the “Feast of Lights.”

From 164 BC to 63 BC, the Maccabean controlled the Jewish people. Sadly, some of these Maccabean rulers became progressively dictatorial, corrupt, immoral, and even pagan. Internal strife led Jewish leadership to ask the Roman General Pompey to come and restore order. Pompey did so, but he also brought the Roman rule in the Jewish territory that began in 63 BC. When Pompey of Rome took control of Jerusalem, he entered the Jerusalem Temple and even the Most Holy Place. To the Jewish people, Pompey’s action was the ultimate insult and sacrilege. Hence, deep suspicion and ill will began growing between Rome and the Jewish people that lasted over a century even during the ministry of Jesus. The Romans ruled in the Jewish territory until the fourth century.

In 37 BC, Rome appointed Herod the Great to be “king” of all Palestine. Herod the Great was king when Jesus was born in approximately 5 BC. It was Herod the Great appointed by Rome that killed the Jewish boy babies in Bethlehem (see Matthew 2). Nevertheless, Herod the Great carried out great building projects including enlarging and reconstructing the Second Temple in Jerusalem. After Herod’s death in approximately 4 BC, Rome divided his kingdom amongst his three surviving sons – Herod Archelaus, Herod Antipas, and Herod Phillip II.

The Romans built on the Greeks’ intellectual and cultural marks this through political achievements. Paul and other travelers made good use of the vast system of Roman roads. “Roman Peace” (Pax Romana) brought a measure of security and stability to the empire. However, the Romans’ morals were wicked. The Roman religion included a pantheon of gods and goddess, such as Jupiter, Venus, and Mars (or their Greek counterparts Zeus, Aphrodite, and Ares) (e.g., see Acts 14:11-18; Acts 19:23-27). The ancient cities of Rome were filled with temples dedicated to these gods and goddess (e.g., see Acts 17:16-32). Even more, some Roman cities had household gods they worshiped. Furthermore, the Greek and Roman citizens elevated great conquerors such as Alexander the Great to the status of a god. Some Roman leaders such as Gaius, Caligula, Nero, and Domitian) were known to encourage their worship. Even worse, magic played a central role in the Roman daily life (e.g., see Acts 13:6; Acts 16:16-18; Acts 19:13-20).

Many people including the Jews were restless and yearned to be free from Roman rule. Many, like the prophetess Anna, were patiently “Waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Many people, including the Jews, suffered under such wicked Roman leaders as Claudius (AD 41-54) and Nero (AD 54-68). This tension continued until the Jews rebelled against Rome. Eventually, the Jewish people revolted against the Romans AD 66. The Romans lead by Titus destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple in AD 70 as predicted by Jesus (e.g. see Matthew 24:1-2; Mark 13:1-4). After the Second Temple’s destruction, the only Jewish section that survived was Rabbinic Judaism. From the second century forward, Jerusalem was a Gentile city and Christianity became mainly a Gentile movement.

Although most people in ancient Rome worshiped multiple gods and goddess (syncretism), some were attracted to Judaism and Christianity because of their beliefs in the one true and living God. Through God’s outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Christianity grew increasingly popular in ancient Rome. Eventually, Christianity was accepted and declared a legitimate religion under Constantine in the fourth century and grew to become the dominant faith of people throughout the Roman Empire.

Religious Environment: By the mid-300s BC, the Hebrews had been back in their land and rebuilt the Jerusalem Temple – the Second Temple. Before the Babylonian exile in 586 BC, the Jewish religion had been largely Temple-centered and ceremonial. By the completion of the Second Temple around 516 BC, some Jews had decided their religion could survive without the Temple. From the last prophetic voices of Zechariah and Malachi of the Old Testament until the arrival of the angel announcing the births of Jesus and His relatively, John the Baptist, God’s prophets had been silent. The major religious leader was no longer only the priest but also the teacher-rabbi. This resulted in new and different forms of interpretation and the birth of traditions or additional laws, which supposedly expanded and clarified the written Torah. During the New Testament period, these extra rules were taught and passed on both orally and in writing, note the frequent mention of “scribes” in the New Testament (e.g., see Mark 7:1-23).

The Judaism of Jesus’ day was the result of changes that occurred during the intertestamental period. During the Babylonian exile, many of the Jewish people were cut-off from the Temple and dispersed around the world. Many Jewish people developed synagogues during the intertestamental period to maintain their close fellowship with God and study the Torah. Also, during this period arose numerous Jewish parties, denominations, or sects. The best known are the Sadducees, Pharisees, Zealots, and Essenes. The Pharisees were the most influential to the everyday people, and they operated most of the Jewish synagogues. The Sadducees came from aristocratic priestly families, including the high priest Caiaphas. The Sadducees were primarily wealthy, and they controlled the financial interests of the Temple. When Jesus disrupted the Sadducees’ financial interests in the Temple, the Sadducees arrested and condemned Jesus to death (e.g., see Mark 11:15-19; Mark 14:53-65).

When Jesus began to proclaim the Gospel, Sadducees, Essenes, and Pharisees were also laying claim to Israel’s heritage. The Essenes eventually dropped out of public life and became a network of close-knit communities and also authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls. For this reason, the New Testament never discusses the Essenes. The Sadducees and Pharisees continued to compete for control of the Second Temple, and these two groups are the most dominate in the New Testament (e.g., see Acts 5:17; Acts 15:5). However, the Pharisees continued to survive and eventually became the dominant group of the Jewish people and founders of Rabbinic Judaism. The Pharisees also had considerable influence over the local scribes, who would preach in the synagogue according to their interpretations (e.g., see John 9:22; John 12:42).

Final thoughts: God, not earthly rulers, had the ultimate authority over world politics and cultures. Although the ancient world may not have realized, the earth's most powerful kingdoms have always been under God's sovereign control (Proverbs 21:1; see also, e.g., Isaiah 10:5-8).

References:

The ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

The Holy Bible NIV 2011 (Grand Rapids, MI: Biblica, 2011).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament (Due West Campus: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2013).

Jesus Is the Perfect Way!

¹ Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. ² And now in these final days, He has spoken to us through His Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son He created the universe. ³ The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. When He had cleansed us from our sins, He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. ⁴ This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the Name God gave Him is greater than their names. Hebrews 1:1-4 (NLT)

Are religions very different? Is not the most important thing is to be sincere? Why choose Christianity? Many people in the early church ask these very questions. These early believers in Jesus were Jews and Gentiles and they had converted to the Way – Christianity (e.g., see Acts 9:2; Acts 11:19-21, 26; see also John 14:6). These early Christians risked their lives to follow the Way. In the first century, Christianity did not enjoy Rome’s official protection as the Jewish religion (Judaism). These new Christians suffered greatly under the Roman government. Many of these new Christians were beaten, thrown out of the Jewish temples, and even tortured for their belief in Jesus (e.g. see 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15; Hebrews 10:32-34). Despite the persecution, God’s gracious hand was with these early believers and they continued to grow and spread the Good News about Jesus Christ (e.g., see Acts 2:41, 47; Acts 11:21, 24; Acts 16:5).

The New Testament book of Hebrews gave these early Christians reason to press on and decisively accept the Way and follow Jesus. Point by point, Hebrews shows why Jesus Christ is the only way and better than all other forms of religion (e.g., see Hebrews 10:19-20). Faith in Jesus was worth the risk for these new believers. For the sake of Jewish readers, the unknown author of Hebrews painstakingly cities Old Testament passages more than 80 times to develop the case for Jesus and insists there are decisive reasons to choose Jesus. In fact, the book of Hebrews is actually a commentary on the Old Testament and examines many Old Testament passages to prove that Jesus is better than to the angels (Hebrews 1:5-14), to Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6), and to the priests Aaron and Melchizedek (Hebrews 4:14-7:28).

Jesus brought in “a better hope,” (Hebrews 3:6; Hebrews 7:19) and established “better promises” (Hebrews 8:6) because He radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of the true and living God (Hebrews 1:3; see also John 1:14; John 14:9). Jesus is the Son of the true and living God (Hebrews 1:2, 5; see also Matthew 3:17; Matthew 16:16) and the “author of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9). The only God of the universe made the gracious decision to send His Son, Jesus to earth and become fully human (John 1:1-5, 14). Jesus is not some kind of alien but the Son of God sent to save humanity from their sins (John 3:16-17; see also Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:5-6). Through His death, Jesus “obtained eternal redemption” and peace to all who wholeheartedly believe Him and obey His teachings (see Hebrews 3:18; Hebrews 4:6, 11; Hebrews 9:12; see also John 14:15; John 15:9-14, 17). Jesus graciously shares with believers “the promise of eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:15). Jesus’ throne is forever (Hebrews 1:8) and He is our Great High Priest forever (Hebrews 5:6; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:17, 21). So let everyone remain totally committed to Jesus Christ (e.g., see Acts 11:23; Acts 14:22). Jesus is the perfect way (Hebrews 7:22)!

¹⁴ So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. ¹⁵ This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testing we do, yet He did not sin. ¹⁶ So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)

References

The New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

The Holy Bible NIV 2011 (Grand Rapids, MI: Biblica, 2011).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Quality of Great Leaders

Moses to Israel: ⁹ At that time I (Moses) said, “I am not able to take care of you (Israel) by myself. ¹⁰ The LORD your God has made you grow in number so that there are as many of you as there are stars in the sky. ¹¹ I pray that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, will give you a thousand times more people and do all the wonderful things He promised. ¹² But I cannot take care of your problems, your troubles, and your arguments by myself. ¹³ So choose some men from each tribe—wise men who have understanding and experience—and I will make them leaders over you.” ¹⁴ And you (Israel) said, “That’s a good thing to do.” ¹⁵ So I took the wise and experienced leaders of your tribes, and I made them your leaders. I appointed commanders over a thousand people, over a hundred people, over fifty people, and over ten people and made them officers over your tribes. Deuteronomy 1:9-15 (NCV)

After leaving Egypt, Moses led the great and vast people of Israel (Deuteronomy 1:9-11). God called Moses to lead Israel, to judge any quarrels and problems amongst the people and seek God’s will for the ancient Israelites (Deuteronomy 1:9, 12; see also Exodus 18:13-15, 19; Numbers 11:10-12). As God’s representative, Moses would resolve the Israelites’ disputes based upon God’s laws and decrees (see Exodus 18:15-16, 19-20). Because the people of Israel were numerous (Deuteronomy 1:10-11), Moses could not solely manage the people’s problems and disputes (Deuteronomy 1:12). Moses was a great leader and a spiritual giant, but even he could do only so much (see Exodus 18:17-18, 22-23; Numbers 11:14, 17).

God instructed Moses to select some wise, understanding, honest, trustworthy, and experienced men from each of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and appoint these godly men as judges and officials to help him lead the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 1:13-14; see also Exodus 18:20-22; Deuteronomy 16:18-20; Acts 6:3). Moses selected godly and respected men and commissioned them as leaders in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens to resolve any disputes and help the Israelites in every way (Deuteronomy 1:15; see also Exodus 18:21, 25). Also, Moses taught these God-fearing men God’s decrees and laws and showed them the way to live and the duties they were to perform (Deuteronomy 1:18; see also Exodus 18:20). These selected men were to assist Moses in judging the people’s issues, but Moses was to resolve any difficult cases (Deuteronomy 1:17; see also Exodus 18:22, 26; Numbers 11:16).

Moses to Israel:  ¹⁶ “At that time I (Moses) instructed the judges, ‘You must hear the cases of your fellow Israelites and the foreigners living among you. Be perfectly fair in your decisions ¹⁷ and impartial (unprejudiced) in your judgments. Hear the cases of those who are poor as well as those who are rich. Do not be afraid of anyone’s anger, for the decision you make is God’s decision. Bring me (Moses) any cases that are too difficult for you, and I will handle them.’ ¹⁸ At that time, I gave you instructions about everything you were to do.” Deuteronomy 1:16-18 (NLT)

At the same time, Moses instructed these honest, God-fearing, and experienced judges to be perfectly fair at all times, even to foreigners (Deuteronomy 1:16; see also Exodus 22:21-22; Exodus 23:8). Moses instructed these leaders to listen carefully to complaints and accusations amongst the people and to judge every case fairly and impartially, regardless of their nationality, race, social position, or wealth (Deuteronomy 1:16-17; see also 1 Kings 3:9). Moses encouraged these leaders not to play favorites because one was rich but to be fair and impartial to great and small alike; listening carefully to each dispute (Deuteronomy 1:17; see also Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 16:18; Acts 10:34-35; James 2:1). These judges and officials were neither to pervert justice, show partiality nor to accept a bribe and twists the words of the innocent but follow justice and justice alone for all people (Deuteronomy 16:19-20; see also Exodus 23:2-3, 6-9).

God wanted these judges and officials to imitate His ways in all matters (Deuteronomy 10:17; see also 2 Chronicles 19:7). The LORD God shows no partiality and accepts no bribes (Deuteronomy 10:17; see also Leviticus 19:15-16). The true and living God defends the cause of the fatherless and widows, and loves the foreigner, giving them food and clothing (Deuteronomy 10:18; see also Exodus 22:21, 22-24; Deuteronomy 24:19). God expects everyone, particularly His judges and leading officials to love people and to be fair and just in all matters (Deuteronomy 10:19; see also Leviticus 19:33-34).

Moreover, the leaders were not fear the people’s displeasure because they were judging in the place of God, who is the ultimate Judge of all (Deuteronomy 1:17; see also Proverbs 29:25). Any disputes that were too difficult for the leaders were to be given to Moses for a final decision (Deuteronomy 1:17). These instructions created a chain of command between Moses and the people so that he did not have to get involved in every minor dispute. Moses could devote himself to talking with God and helping to settle the most significant problems amongst the people.

The instructions Moses gave to the newly appointed judges and officials is one that should be followed by everybody who serves in positions of authority, whether religious or civil (Deuteronomy 1:16-18; see also Deuteronomy 16:18-20). The emphasis is on honesty, mercy, and fairness toward all people and the realization that God is the ultimate Judge and the final authority  (1 Samuel 2:3; see also Psalm 50:6; Psalm 75:7). Throughout the Law of Moses, God emphasized justice, mercy, fairness, honesty, and kindness to the poor, especially widows, orphans, and aliens in the land (e.g., see e.g. Exodus 22:21-24; Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 14:28-29; Deuteronomy 16:9-12; Deuteronomy 24:17-21). Frequently the Old Testament prophets thundered against the wealthy  because they were abusing the poor and the helpless in the land (e.g. see Isaiah 1:23-25; Isaiah 10:1-3; Jeremiah 7:1-6; Jeremiah 22:3; Hosea 6:6 Amos 2:6-7; Amos 5:11; Micah 6:6-8; Zechariah 7:8). The New Testament also speaks on the importance of fairness, honesty, mercy, and kindness to the poor and needy (e.g. see Matthew 9:13; Matthew 12:7; Matthew 25:31-46; Hebrews 13:1-5; James 1:26-27; James 2:15-16; James 5:1-6).

References

The Holy Bible NIV 2011 (Grand Rapids, MI: Biblica, 2011).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – Old Testament (Victor Books, 1989).