Why the Old Testament Still Matters

I am not a pastor, a theologian, or a celebrity. I am simply a Christian who loves God and enjoys diving deeply into Scripture. I want to share my thoughts as I study God’s Word and encourage others, by example, to do the same.

Many Christians do not read the Old Testament because they feel it is irrelevant to their journey with Jesus. Yet Jesus was born a Jew. He is the promised Messiah who taught from the Law and the Prophets.

As Christians, we are grafted into the children of Israel (Please read Romans 11:11–24). We are instructed by a New Testament written by Messianic Jews who were inspired by God’s Holy Spirit (Please read 2 Timothy 3:16 and 1 Peter 1:21). The whole Bible is relevant to Christians today, and Jesus can be found throughout its pages.

There is much to be learned. Who is God? What is His nature? How has He interacted with humanity? What plans does He have for us? Does He take a personal interest in us as individuals?

Jesus frequently grounded His authority and teachings in the Hebrew Scriptures.

It is estimated that Jesus quoted or alluded to the Old Testament more than 300 times in the Gospels. Some studies suggest He used approximately 78 direct quotations, with roughly 26 of those coming from the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible. Approximately one-tenth of Jesus’ recorded words in the New Testament are either direct quotations from or allusions to the Old Testament.

Jesus most frequently quoted from Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Isaiah. He also referenced Leviticus directly—such as the command to “love your neighbor as yourself”—and used it alongside Exodus and Deuteronomy when teaching about the Law and the Commandments.

I plan to begin by sharing my reflections on my reading of the book of Leviticus. I will share what I personally gained from it, including my thoughts, questions, and the research that followed as I sought a deeper understanding.

I will cite Scripture rather than quote it directly, as I want readers to look up the verses for themselves. There are many Bible translations, and I don't wish to alienate anyone by favoring one over another. While some translations are cautioned against due to the agendas of their creators, there are many faithful resources that help us, as individuals, to encounter God through His inspired Word.

I hope you will join me and share in these discoveries. I look forward to hearing your thoughts as well. Let us build a community of people who love God and hold His Word as the ultimate authority.

Let us also leave doctrinal debate at the door (Please read Romans 3:4 and 2 Timothy 2:14).

Wishing you a blessed day,
Your sister in Christ