Lesson 3: The Old Testament: God’s Story of Promise, Formation, and Hope

The Old Testament is the story Jesus read from, the scriptures the apostles preached from, and the foundation upon which the early church understood God’s character and purposes. In this lesson, we will explore the Old Testament as a unified narrative - its history, its themes, and its enduring relevance for believing followers today. We will begin with a broad historical overview, then consider how the New Testament affirms the Old Testament’s value, and finally reflect on why these ancient writings still shape our faith, endurance, obedience, and hope. Each section will introduce key Scriptures that we will examine one at a time, just as we have done in previous lessons.

1. The Historical Story of the Old Testament

The Old Testament unfolds across centuries of real history, tracing God’s work from creation to the threshold of Christ’s coming. Its story moves through the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel, the deliverance of God's people in Exodus, the rise and fall of Israel’s kingdom, the exile, and the long years of waiting for redemption. Understanding this historical flow helps learners see the Old Testament not as a collection of disconnected books but as one continuous narrative of God’s faithfulness and severity (Heb 10:31). To anchor this overview, we will look at scriptures that highlight God’s guiding hand throughout history. Let us begin in Genesis 12 with Abram, a man whose name God would later change to Abraham (Gen 17:5). Starting here highlights the truth of a life devoted to God's will - a life where all is surrendered to His purposes:

Gen 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, unto a land that I will show you:

God’s call to Abram marks a turning point in the Old Testament story, a moment when divine purpose enters human history with fresh clarity. In this verse, the Lord summons Abram to leave everything familiar - his country, his people, and his father’s household - and to step into a future shaped not by his own plans but by God’s promise. The call is both disruptive and gracious: God uproots Abram from the known so He can plant him in a place of blessing. This invitation becomes the foundation of the covenant story, showing that God forms His people through trust, obedience, and willingness to follow Him into the unknown.

Gen 12:2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing:

In this verse, God expands His call to Abram with a promise that reaches far beyond the man himself. The Lord declares that He will make Abram into a great nation, bless him, and make his name great - not for personal glory, but so that Abram will become a channel of blessing to others. This is the heart of God’s covenantal work: He lifts up the humble, not to elevate them above others, but to pour His goodness through them into the world. Abram’s greatness is not rooted in his strength or status, but in God’s gracious intention to shape him into a vessel of blessing for generations to come.

Gen 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

In this final verse of God’s call to Abram, the Lord widens the promise of blessing from a single man to the entire world. God pledges to bless those who bless Abram and to oppose those who oppose him, revealing that Abram’s life will be woven into God’s protective and redemptive purposes. But the heart of the verse is the breathtaking declaration that “all families of the earth” will be blessed through him. This promise reaches far beyond Abram’s lifetime, pointing to a future in which God’s blessing flows through his descendants and ultimately through the Messiah, Jesus, the Christ of God. Here, the Old Testament story opens outward, showing that God’s plan has always been global, gracious, and centered on bringing His blessing to all people.

Because God chose to begin His redemptive plan through Abram, to disregard the Old Testament - whether by ignoring or rejecting it - is to disregard the covenant God established with Abram. The Old Testament is not merely ancient history; it is the unfolding of God’s promise to bless all nations through Abram’s line - a line that leads directly to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

2. The Old Testament’s Purpose for Believing Followers Today

The New Testament repeatedly affirms that the Old Testament was written for our instruction, encouragement, and spiritual formation. Far from being outdated, these writings reveal God’s character, expose the human heart, and point forward to Christ. The apostles relied on the Old Testament to teach, correct, and strengthen the early spiritual church (1Pe 2:5). In this section, we will explore passages that show how the Old Testament continues to shape faith and practice in believing followers today. Let us begin with the apostle Paul:

Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Paul reminds the followers who make up the body of Christ (Rom 12:5; 1Co 12:7; Eph 3:6; Eph 4:12) that the scriptures written long before their time were given for an ongoing living purpose: to instruct, steady, and strengthen God’s people. Through the stories, warnings, promises, and examples preserved in the Old Testament, believing followers gain endurance for present trials and find hope rooted in God’s unchanging faithfulness. This verse gently teaches that the Old Testament is not a relic of the past but a well of encouragement for every generation of believing followers. Its pages reveal how God has acted before, so that we may trust in how He acts now - the same; unchanging (Mal 3:6).

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine (Joh 7:16), for reproof (*Neh 8:8,9), for correction (Psa 119:9-11), for instruction in righteousness (Tit 2:11,12):

Paul affirms that all scripture - every part of God’s written Word - is breathed out by God and carries His authority and life‑giving power. Because it comes from God, scripture is useful for shaping believing followers in four essential ways: it teaches what is true, exposes what is false, corrects what is broken, and trains the heart to walk in righteousness. This verse reminds us that the Old Testament is not merely ancient literature but a divine tool for forming character, guiding choices, and strengthening faith. Throughout scripture, God actively shapes His people into servants who reflect His truth and His ways.

*In Nehemiah 8, the people hear God’s Word read and explained, and the truth exposes where they have strayed. Their tears show the power of reproof - not to shame, but to awaken the heart and draw God’s people back to Him.

2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Paul concludes his thought by revealing the purpose behind scripture’s shaping work: God intends His word to form believing followers into servants who are fully prepared for every good work. This verse shows that scripture does more than inform the mind - it equips the whole person. Through its teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, God fashions a life that is steady, mature, and ready to respond faithfully in any circumstance. The goal is a servant who is complete in character and equipped in practice, shaped by the steady influence of God’s truth.

1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Paul explains that the events recorded in the Old Testament were not preserved merely as history but as living examples for God’s people in every generation. The stories of Israel’s failures and God’s faithfulness serve as warnings, reminders, and guides for believing followers “upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” This verse teaches that Scripture’s past is meant to shape our present. By reflecting on how God dealt with His people before, we learn to avoid their pitfalls, trust His promises, and walk with greater humility and vigilance. The Old Testament becomes a mirror, a teacher, and a safeguard for the spiritual church today. Let us look at some examples from the apostle Peter:

1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you.

Peter reminds his readers that the salvation they now enjoy was not a sudden development but the fulfillment of a long, Spirit‑guided anticipation. The Old Testament prophets searched and inquired diligently as they spoke of the grace that would one day be revealed in Christ. Their writings were not merely for their own time but were preparing the way for believing followers who would later receive the fullness of God’s promise. This verse shows that the Old Testament is part of a unified story - one in which God was already pointing forward to His Christ and serving future generations through the prophetic word.

1Pe 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

Peter explains that the prophets were guided by the Spirit of Christ, the eternal Son who was active long before his incarnation (Joh 17:5). As they wrote, they were being carried along by the very Spirit who would one day take on flesh and fulfill the things they foretold. The prophets searched their own writings, longing to understand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow, yet they knew they were serving a future generation. This verse reveals that the Old Testament is not separate from Christ’s story - it is infused, or ingrained, with his presence. The same Christ who walked the roads of Galilee was the One who inspired the prophets, pointing ahead to his own redeeming work.

1Pe 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost [Spirit] sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Peter reveals that the prophets understood their message was ultimately for a future people - those who would receive the fullness of God’s grace through Christ. The same Spirit of Christ who inspired their words is the One now announcing the gospel of the kingdom of God through those who preach it. This verse shows a beautiful continuity: the Old Testament prophets looked forward, the apostles look back, and both point to the same redeeming Christ. Even the angels long to look into this unfolding story. For believing followers today, this means the Old Testament is not a closed chapter but part of a living revelation that finds its fulfillment in Jesus and that revelation continues to nourish faith by its truth today.

2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Peter assures his readers that the message about Jesus Christ is not built on clever stories or human imagination. He speaks as one who personally witnessed the majesty of Christ, having seen his glory revealed on the holy mountain. By grounding the gospel in eyewitness testimony, Peter reminds believing followers that their faith rests on real events, not myths. This verse strengthens the foundation for trusting scripture: the apostles did not invent the story of Christ - they proclaimed what they had truly seen and heard. Their testimony becomes a firm anchor for all who follow Jesus today.

"The holy mountain" is referring to the Mount of Transfiguration, the place where Jesus revealed his glory to Peter, James, and John (recorded in Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9).

2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Peter recalls the moment when Jesus received honor and glory from God the Father, and the majestic voice from heaven declared him to be the beloved Son. This was not a private impression or an inner feeling - it was a public affirmation from God Himself, heard by chosen witnesses. By pointing to this event, Peter strengthens the foundation of the gospel message: the identity of Jesus is confirmed by the Father’s own testimony. For believing followers today, this verse reminds us that the Old Testament’s promises and the New Testament’s witness converge in Christ, whose glory was revealed and whose Sonship was affirmed by the very voice of God.

2Pe 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

Peter adds that he and the other apostles actually heard the Father’s voice from heaven while they were with Jesus on the holy mountain. This was not a secondhand report or a story passed down through others - it was a direct, unforgettable experience. By recalling this moment, Peter strengthens the certainty of his testimony: the glory of Christ and the affirmation of the Father were witnessed with their own ears and eyes. For believing followers today, this verse reinforces that the message about Jesus rests on solid, eyewitness foundation. The apostles proclaimed what they truly encountered, giving us confidence that the scriptures we trust in, and live by, are rooted in God’s own revelation.

2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Peter says that the prophetic scriptures are like a steady lamp shining in a dark place. They give light, direction, and clarity until the day of Christ’s return breaks in full brightness and the Morning Star rises in our hearts. For believing followers today, this means the Old Testament remains a sure and dependable guide. Its words illuminate the path, steady our spirit, and point us toward the coming glory of Christ. The Old Testament is scripture - not dim or outdated; it is a living light meant to be followed until the final dawn arrives with the return of Jesus the Christ.

2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Peter reminds believing followers that no prophecy of scripture is open to private interpretation or personal invention. God did not give His word to be reshaped by individual opinions or isolated readings. Instead, scripture explains scripture. The meaning of any passage is found within the larger voice of God’s revelation, woven together by the Spirit who inspired it. This verse calls believers to handle the Old Testament with humility, letting the whole of God’s word illuminate each part. The Bible interprets the Bible, and its unity protects us from twisting its message into something God never intended.

2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost [Spirit].

Peter concludes by explaining why scripture carries such authority: the prophets did not speak from their own ideas, insights, or imaginations. Every prophetic word came as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. Human voices delivered the message, but the source was God Himself. This verse anchors the Old Testament in divine origin, reminding believing followers that scripture is not a collection of human reflections about God but God’s own revelation given through human servants. Because the Spirit initiated and guided every prophetic message, the Old Testament remains trustworthy, unified, and essential for shaping the faith and life of God’s people today. An example from the apostle John:

1Jn 2:7 Brethren [believing followers], I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you have heard from the beginning.

John reminds his readers that the command he is giving is not something new or unfamiliar. It is an “old commandment,” one they have known from the beginning rooted in the scriptures and woven through God’s dealings with His people. By pointing back to what they already received, John shows that the Old Testament’s moral instruction still speaks with clarity and authority to believing followers today. The call to love, obey, and walk in God’s ways is not a discarded relic but a continuing expression of God’s heart. This verse gently affirms that the Old Testament remains a living guide, shaping the character and conduct of those who follow God's Christ. And finally, an example from Jesus Christ himself:

Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they [the Old Testament scriptures] are they which testify of me.

Jesus tells his listeners to search the scriptures because those very writings testify about him. He points them back to the Old Testament - not as a closed book of ancient laws, but as a living witness that reveals his identity and mission. The people thought they knew the scriptures well, yet they missed the One to whom every relevant prophesy pointed. For believing followers today, this verse underscores the essential truth that the Old Testament is Christ‑centered at its core. Its stories, promises, and prophecies all lead toward the Savior. Jesus Himself affirms that the scriptures remain vital, inviting us to read them with eyes open to the One they proclaimed in advance.

The Old Testament remains a vital, God‑given guide for believing followers today. Its stories, prophecies, and commands were written not only for ancient Israel but for all followers in every generation that would come to know Christ. Through its pages, God reveals his character, exposes the dangers of sin, and points forward to the Savior with remarkable clarity. The prophets spoke by the Spirit of Christ, preparing the way for the grace now revealed in him, and their words still shine like a lamp in the darkness. Jesus Himself affirmed that the scriptures testify about him, inviting his followers to read them with eyes open to his presence. For today’s believers, the Old Testament is not a relic of the past but a living witness - teaching, warning, encouraging, and leading us toward deeper faith in the fulfillment of every promise it contains.

3. Seeing Christ in the Old Testament

When we open the Old Testament with Christ in view, the scriptures come alive in a fresh and meaningful way. What once seemed like distant history begins to shine with purpose, pointing steadily toward the Savior of all mankind. Jesus Himself taught that the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms all bear witness to him (Luk 24:44), revealing God’s unfolding plan of redemption long before his birth in Bethlehem. For believing followers today, seeing Christ in the Old Testament deepens our confidence in God’s faithfulness and enriches our understanding of the gospel. This section will guide learners to recognize how the scriptures consistently lead us to Jesus through the "sure word of prophesy" (2Pe 1:19).

Luk 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

In Luke 24:27 we see the risen Christ modeling the true foundation of all Bible study. Walking with disciples who were confused and discouraged, he did not argue or confront their misunderstandings. Instead, he began “at Moses and all the prophets” and opened the scriptures to show “the things concerning himself.” This is our pattern as well: to start where people are, to let scripture interpret scripture, and to keep Christ at the center of every lesson. When we follow this example, we move past debates and return to the holy work of revealing God’s story - patiently, humbly, and with confidence that the Holy Spirit power of God will open the eyes of those who seek Him with the whole heart (Jer 29:13).

Luk 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

In Luke 24:44 Christ continues this same pattern of revelation, reminding his disciples that “all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” With these words he anchors their faith not in new ideas but in the long‑established testimony of scripture. Christ shows that the entire Old Testament - its law, its prophecies, and its worship - was already pointing toward him. This becomes our guiding principle as we study: to recognize that God the Father has woven a unified story from the beginning, and that His Christ stands as its fulfillment. When we approach the scriptures with this understanding, the Holy Spirit power of God opens our minds to see how every part of God’s word leads us toward His purpose and His redemption.

Luk 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

In Luke 24:45 we see the gracious next step in Christ’s teaching: “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.” After showing them the testimony of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, he did what no human teacher can do - he opened their minds to the scriptures. This reminds us that true understanding is not produced by argument or intellect alone, but by the Holy Spirit power of God working in the hearts of those who seek Him. Our task is to present the scriptures faithfully, just as Christ did; God the Father’s task is to open the understanding. When we rely on this divine partnership, we teach with humility and confidence, knowing that every opened mind is the work of God, and every awakened heart is the result of His mercy.

Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

In Matthew 5:17 Christ reinforces this same truth when he declares, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” With these words he affirms that his mission was never to set aside the scriptural doctrine of God the Father, but to bring them to their intended completion. Christ did not replace the law and the prophets; he embodied them, revealed their true meaning, and carried them to their fulfillment. This reminds us that the Old Testament is not a discarded foundation but the very framework through which God the Father prepared the way for redemption. As we study, we recognize that every command, every prophecy, and every promise finds its purpose in Christ, and the Holy Spirit power of God opens our understanding to see how His word forms one unified story of salvation.

4. The Old Testament and the Formation of Servanthood

The Old Testament is filled with stories of ordinary people called into extraordinary service - not because of their strength, but because of God’s grace. From Abraham’s obedience to Moses’ humility, from David’s repentance to the prophets’ perseverance, the Old Testament shows how God shapes servants through trials, promises, and daily faithfulness. These examples prepare us to understand the servant‑heart of Christ and our own calling to follow Him. We will look at passages that reveal how God forms His servants.

Mic 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8 gives one of the clearest summaries of the servant‑life God the Father desires: “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse gathers the entire message of the prophets into a simple, practical call to daily faithfulness. Servanthood is not defined by position or power, but by a heart shaped toward justice, compassion, and humility. These qualities are not produced by human effort alone; they are formed as we walk with God and submit to His shaping hand. Christ embodied this perfectly, and the Holy Spirit power of God continues this work in those who seek Him. Micah’s words remind us that true service begins in the heart and is lived out in quiet obedience, reflecting the character of God the Father in every step.

Isa 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my elect, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 42:1 gives us a prophetic portrait of the perfect servant: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my elect, in whom my soul delights.” In this passage God the Father presents His chosen servant as one upheld, empowered, and approved by Him. Christ fulfills this prophecy in every detail, showing that true servanthood begins with being upheld by God, not driven by human strength. The servant in Isaiah does not force, strive, or lift up his voice; he serves with gentleness, justice, and unwavering faithfulness. This reveals the pattern God uses throughout the Old Testament - forming servants whose strength comes from His support and whose mission reflects His character. As we study this passage, the Holy Spirit power of God teaches us that servanthood is not self‑promotion but quiet obedience, shaped and sustained by God the Father’s delight.

Isa 42:2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.

Isaiah 42:2 continues the portrait of God the Father’s chosen servant: “He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.” This description reveals a servant who does not rely on noise, force, or public display to accomplish God’s purpose. Instead, he serves with quiet strength, steady obedience, and a spirit free from self‑promotion. Christ fulfills this perfectly, showing that true servanthood is marked not by outward show but by inward faithfulness. God the Father forms His servants in the same way - teaching them to trust His power rather than their own visibility, and shaping them into people who reflect His character through humility and restraint. As we follow this pattern, the Holy Spirit power of God works in us to cultivate a servant‑heart that honours Him in both silence and action.

Isa 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

Isaiah 42:3 deepens the portrait of God the Father’s servant with language full of compassion and restraint: “A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench.” In Hebrew, the imagery is vivid. A qāneh rāṣūṣ - a reed already crushed, bent, or damaged - is something most would discard, yet the servant refuses to break it further. A pîšṭāh kēhāh - a wick whose flame has faded to a faint, smoldering glow - is something most would snuff out, but he gently protects it. These expressions reveal a servant who deals tenderly with the weak, the wounded, and the barely‑holding‑on. Christ fulfills this perfectly, showing that true servanthood does not crush the vulnerable but restores them. God the Father forms His servants with this same spirit, teaching them to handle fragile lives with patience, mercy, and quiet strength. Through the Holy Spirit power of God, we learn that servanthood is not about force or dominance, but about nurturing what little faith remains until it burns bright again.

Isa 42:4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

Isaiah 42:4 completes this servant‑song with a picture of unwavering perseverance: “He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.” The Hebrew intensifies this image—lo yich’eh (“he will not grow dim”) and lo yarutz (“he will not be crushed”) echo the language of verse 3, showing that the servant who refuses to break the bruised reed or quench the faint flame is himself neither dimmed nor crushed by opposition. Christ fulfills this perfectly, serving with steady resolve despite rejection, suffering, and misunderstanding. God the Father forms His servants in the same way, shaping in them a perseverance that does not collapse under pressure but endures through the Holy Spirit power of God. Isaiah’s words remind us that true servanthood is both gentle and unshakable - compassionate toward the weak, yet steadfast in carrying out God’s purpose until His justice reaches even the distant shores.

Jos 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth (Joh 4:23): and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve you the LORD.

Joshua 24:14 calls God’s people into a life of wholehearted devotion: “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth.” As Joshua prepares Israel to enter a new season, he reminds them that true servanthood begins with reverence for God the Father and a sincere heart that refuses divided loyalties. The Hebrew emphasizes serving with tamim - wholeness, integrity, completeness - and with ’emet - truth, faithfulness, reliability. This is not mechanical obedience but a life shaped by genuine devotion. Joshua teaches that God the Father forms His servants by calling them to put away competing influences and to serve Him with undivided hearts. Christ embodies this perfect sincerity, and through the Holy Spirit power of God we learn to serve with the same integrity, walking before Him in reverence, truth, and faithful obedience.

Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:15 presents a decisive call to commitment: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve.” The Hebrew word raʿ, translated “evil,” carries a broader meaning than moral wickedness. In this context it most likely means “undesirable,” “unreasonable,” or “disagreeable.” Joshua is not suggesting that serving God the Father is morally evil, but challenging Israel to decide whether they view serving Him as burdensome or unfavorable compared to the gods of the surrounding nations. His words expose the heart’s loyalties: if serving God seems undesirable, then choose openly whom you will serve. Joshua declares his own allegiance with clarity - “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This verse teaches that God the Father forms His servants through deliberate, wholehearted choice, and the Holy Spirit power of God strengthens those who commit themselves to serve Him with sincerity and truth.

Lesson 3 has shown us that true understanding and faithful servanthood begin with returning to the scriptures God the Father has given. Christ revealed in Luke 24:27 and 24:44 that the law, the prophets, and the psalms all point toward him, forming one unified story of God’s purpose. In Luke 24:45 he opened the understanding of his disciples, reminding us that only the Holy Spirit power of God can illuminate the scriptures and shape the heart. In Matthew 5:17 he affirmed that he came not to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfill them, completing what God the Father began. Together, these truths teach us that servanthood is formed by seeing Christ in all of scripture, submitting to the understanding God gives, and walking in humble obedience as part of His unfolding story.

Farewell,

Servanthood