Module 4 · Christ at the Center · Lesson 1
Jesus and the Scriptures
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Big idea
Jesus understood Israel’s Scriptures as an unfolding revelation that ultimately bore witness to Him.
Learning objectives
- Explain Luke 24 as a foundational Christocentric text.
- Explain fulfillment as broader than prediction.
- Identify major Old Testament categories Jesus fulfills.
- Use explicit New Testament interpretation as a guide.
Primary text
Luke 24:25–27
“Jesus interprets Moses and the Prophets in relation to His suffering and glory.”
Scaffolded Scriptures
- Luke 24:44–47 — Law, Prophets, and Psalms are fulfilled in Christ.
- John 5:39, 46 — The Scriptures and Moses testify of Christ.
- Matthew 5:17 — Jesus came to fulfill the Law and Prophets.
- 2 Corinthians 1:20 — The promises of God reach their Yes in Christ.
- Hebrews 1:1–2 — Earlier revelation reaches climax in the Son.
Teaching movements
Movement 1
A Story Moving Toward Fulfillment — The cross was not an interruption; the disciples misunderstood the shape of the story.
Movement 2
Not Every Verse Directly Predicts Jesus — Connections include prophecy, promise, covenant, type, pattern, institution, theme, contrast, and canonical development.
Movement 3
Fulfillment Is Bigger Than Prediction — Jesus fulfills law, prophets, covenant, kingship, priesthood, temple, sacrifice, exodus, Israel’s vocation, and new covenant hope.
Movement 4
Jesus Fulfills Israel’s Story — The Gospel writers present Him as the faithful embodiment and climax of Israel’s calling.
Movement 5
Davidic Kingship — The enduring throne promise reaches its climax in Jesus.
Movement 6
Temple — Jesus identifies His body as the temple.
Movement 7
Sacrifice — Lamb, Passover, and once-for-all sacrifice converge in Christ.
Movement 8
New Covenant — Jesus identifies His death with new covenant inauguration.
Key terms / word study
- Expounded / diermēneuō
- To interpret, explain, or make understandable.
- Fulfill / plēroō
- To fill, complete, accomplish, or bring to fullness.
Christ at the center
Jesus is the one in whom the redemptive story reaches its climax. Fulfillment makes the Old Testament more important, not less important.
Common error to avoid
Luke 24 does not authorize uncontrolled allegory or secret symbolism.
Reflect
- What does Luke 24 teach about the disciples’ misunderstanding?
- Why is fulfillment bigger than prediction?
- Which fulfillment category most helps you understand Jesus?
Practice
Choose Passover, Temple, Kingship, Priesthood, or New Covenant. Identify an Old Testament foundation, original role, New Testament connection to Christ, and Christian response.
Remember
Read the text. Locate the story. Follow the canonical connection. Center Christ.