(See related sermon here.)

In our passage from Luke 24 on Sunday, we heard the crucified-yet-risen Lord declare that the entire Hebrew Bible (a.k.a. the Old Testament) points to Him. In verse 44, He speaks of “everything written about me in”:

• “the Law of Moses” (or “Torah”, referring to the first five books of the Bible),
  
  
• “the Prophets” (or “Nevi'im”, referring to the books of history, the three major prophets, and the twelve minor prophets), and
  
  
• “the Psalms” (or “Ketuvim”, referring to the books of poetry, wisdom, Daniel, Chronicles, & a few others).

All of it is about Jesus, as it either highlights the reason He had to come, the promise of His coming, or the things He would accomplish. As you read the first 39 books of the Bible, you must train yourself to look at them through this lens that Jesus provides us.

Here are some additional questions to ask of any given passage to help you see what the passage is saying and why it matters for your life (note the three G’s):

1. General Problem:
   What in this passage relates to why Christ had to come? Put differently: What spiritual concerns or weaknesses in you and the rest of fallen humanity does this passage point to?
   
   
2. Grace Solution:
   What in this passage relates to what Christ has accomplished? Put differently: How does this passage point to God’s grace for your weaknesses?
   
   
3. Gospel Spread:
   What in this passage relates to how God is at work today? Put differently: What aspect of the spread of the gospel does this passage reveal?

Once you see what the passage is saying and why it matters (that is, the “what?” and the “so what?”), then you can answer the “now what?”: What is the proper response to what God has revealed? What implications should this have on your everyday life and worship?

May God give us eyes to see Christ in all of Scripture!

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Evan