Memory Scripture

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
(Luke 24:27)

Jesus Christ is the centre of the Bible, fulfilling its promises and uniting both Testaments in God’s plan of redemption.

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

Mon: 2: Jesus, The Seed Of The Woman (Gen. 3:15)
Tue: 3: Jesus Would Come Through A Virgin (Isa. 7:14)
Wed: 4: Jesus Would Suffer (Isa. 53:1-10)
Thu: 5: Jesus Crucifixion Prophesied (Ps. 22:16-18)
Fri: 6: Jesus, Testified Of By The Scripture (Jn. 5:39-40)
Sat: 7: Jesus, The Final Revelation (Heb. 1:1-3)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Without Jesus, the Bible is simply a collection of stories. He is the heart of it all and the fulfilment of God’s promise to us.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCES: Luke 24:44-47; Acts. 2:22-36; Galatians 4:4

The previous lesson taught us a lot about where the Bible comes from and how it is inspired by God. We learnt that the Bible comes from God through His breath, which is His Spirit. This means the Bible’s inspiration doesn’t come from humans, or anything material, but from God’s Spirit. That is why the Bible is powerful, alive and sharper than any sword, able to reach deep into our hearts and souls.

Today’s lesson: Jesus: The Centre of the Bible, is just as powerful. It is a key part of Christian teaching, helping us understand Jesus’ role in both the Old and New Testaments. We will look at how He was spoken about in the Old Testament and how He revealed Himself in the New Testament. Let us pray that we see Jesus clearly in every part ofthe Bible. Amen

LESSON OUTLINE

1. HE IS TALKED ABOUT IN THE OT
2. HE MANIFESTS IN THE NT

LESSON EXPOSITION

HE IS TALKED ABOUT IN THE OT (Lk. 24:44-47; Gal.4:4)

Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me”.
(Luke 24:44)

a) v. 44: Prior to the physical manifestation of Jesus, there has been prophesies and promises concerning Him, especially His birth, ministry, death and resurrection.

b) ..all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me. Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that many things had been said about Him in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms before He came.

c) His coming fulfils what was spoken in the Old Testament, particularly by David (Acts 2:25).

d) Every part of the Bible points to Jesus Christ, and everything in it is centred around Him (Deut. 18:15-18; Isa. 9:6-7; Jer. 23:5-6; Acts 10:43).

e) The scriptures speak of all that Christ Jesus represents, both in heaven and on earth (Ps. 2:7; Isa. 53:5-6; Matt. 3:17; Col. 1:15-20; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 21:6).

f) Many who spoke about Jesus Christ did so by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, not fully understanding what they were saying, or how it would be fulfilled.

g) v. 45: Since He had been spoken of before time, Jesus had to open their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scripture… This would remove he disciples’ doubt and ignorance, helping them to bear witness to Him (Ps. 27:8-9; 119:18; Php.3:10).

HE MANIFESTS IN THE NT (Act 2:22-26)

Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know.
(Acts 2:22)

a) Gal. 4:4: Christ eventually came in human form to fulfil all the prophesies and promises God had given through the Law,
prophets and psalmists. But this fulfilment didn’t come into being because of anyone’s wish or plan; it happened at God’s perfect timing and by His will alone.

b) Acts 2:22,23: Peter’s sermon stresses that Jesus came to the earth in human form and confronted the people for being
responsible for His arrest and crucifixion.

c) Was Jesus just a made-up story, or a fictional character, as some people still say today? Peter’s testimony shows that
this assumption is not true. He had real relationships with people before He willingly allowed Himself to be crucified and then ascended to heaven.

d) The Scripture shows that Jesus’ physical appearance was proven through miracles, wonders and signs that confirmed His divine mission (n. 3:2; Acts 10:38). These acts displayed God’s power and presence in His life (Lk. 4:18-21).

e) v. 23: To show how God’s plan was always in motion, Jesus’ crucifixion was part of His set purpose and foreknowledge, as foretold (Isa. 53:10; Acts 4:27-28).

LESSONS DERIVED

1. Jesus came to fulfil the Scripture written about Him. This should strengthen our faith in Him and prepare us for His imminent second coming.
2. The people of the Old Testament longed for the day of Jesus but passed away before seeing it. Now that we have the privilege, let’s make the most of this opportunity.

QUESTIONS

1. How can we align our lives with the fulfilment of God’s promise through Jesus Christ?
2. Jesus’ life and ministry should strengthen our faith in God and bring us hope. Discuss.