Throughout the New Testament, Jesus often references the scriptures that His followers held sacred. However, His terminology and understanding of these texts reveal interesting insights into how He viewed the Hebrew Bible and its significance. Many scholars and believers wonder: what exactly did Jesus call the Old Testament? Did He refer to it by specific names? How did He speak about these sacred writings? In this article, we explore the ways Jesus referenced the scriptures, what terms He used, and how His words shed light on His relationship with the Old Testament.
What Did Jesus Call the Old Testament
Understanding what Jesus called the Old Testament involves examining His references, quotations, and the language He employed when speaking about the scriptures. The New Testament provides numerous instances where Jesus quotes or alludes to the Hebrew Scriptures, often using terms that reflect His view of these sacred writings. While He did not explicitly label the entire collection with one specific name, His words and references reveal how He regarded these texts, often emphasizing their divine authority and prophetic significance.
Jesus’ Use of Scriptural Terms and References
In the Gospels, Jesus frequently quotes from the Hebrew Bible, mainly from the Torah (the first five books), the Psalms, and the Prophets. His references demonstrate a deep familiarity with these texts and suggest how He understood and viewed them. The following points highlight the key ways Jesus referred to the scriptures:
- The Law (Torah): Jesus often referred to the Torah, especially the books of Moses, using terms like “Law” or “Moses”. For instance, He speaks of “the Law of Moses” (John 7:23) and often cites passages from Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
- Scriptures or the Holy Writings: Jesus referred to the scriptures as “the Scriptures,” emphasizing their divine origin. In John 10:35, He states, “the Scripture cannot be broken,” underscoring their unbreakable authority.
- Prophetic Writings: Jesus frequently alludes to the Prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel. He often quotes prophetic passages to demonstrate their fulfillment in His life and mission.
- The Word of God: Jesus sometimes refers to the scriptures as “the Word of God,” highlighting their divine message and authority. For example, in Matthew 15:4, He cites the commandment from Exodus, calling it the word of God.
While Jesus did not use a single, specific term to label the entire Old Testament, His references illustrate that He regarded the scriptures as holy, divinely inspired, and authoritative. His frequent quotations and citations reveal a profound respect and affirmation of their divine origin and prophetic significance.
Jesus’ Perspective on the Authority and Fulfillment of the Scriptures
Jesus’ words indicate that He viewed the Old Testament as more than historical or religious literature; He saw it as the foundation for understanding God's plan of salvation. Several key aspects highlight His perspective:
- Divine Inspiration: Jesus affirmed the divine inspiration of the scriptures repeatedly. In Matthew 22:29, He rebukes the Sadducees for their misunderstanding of the scriptures, saying, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” This shows His belief that the scriptures are authoritative and divinely inspired.
- Prophetic Fulfillment: Jesus viewed His life and mission as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. In Luke 24:44, He tells His disciples, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” This demonstrates His understanding that the scriptures pointed to Him and His work.
- Foundation of Faith: Jesus regarded the scriptures as the foundation of faith and moral teaching. His references to commandments, laws, and prophecies underscore their central role in shaping spiritual life.
How Jesus Interpreted the Old Testament
Beyond calling the scriptures by specific names, Jesus’ method of interpretation reveals His approach to the Old Testament:
- Fulfilling the Law and Prophets: Jesus emphasized that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). His teachings often drew directly from scripture, providing deeper or spiritual meanings.
- Reinterpreting the Text: Jesus often challenged prevailing interpretations, emphasizing the heart and spirit of the law over mere external adherence. For example, in Matthew 12:3-4, He refers to David eating the consecrated bread, highlighting the importance of mercy over ritual law.
- Pointing to the Messiah: Jesus used the scriptures to reveal His identity and mission, portraying the Old Testament as pointing toward Him. Passages about the Messiah, such as Isaiah 53, are central to His teachings.
Reflections and Relevant Bible Verses
Reflecting on Jesus’ references to the Old Testament helps us understand His view of scripture and its role in salvation history. Here are some key Bible verses that encapsulate His perspective:
- Matthew 22:29: “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
- John 10:35: “The Scripture cannot be broken.”
- Luke 24:44: “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
- Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.”
- Mark 12:26-27: “Have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham…’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
These verses highlight that Jesus viewed the scriptures as divine, authoritative, and fulfilled in Him. His words continue to inspire believers to study and honor the Old Testament as an essential part of God's revelation.
Conclusion
In summary, Jesus did not refer to the Old Testament by a single specific name but consistently spoke of it using terms like “the Law,” “the Scriptures,” “the Word of God,” and “the Prophets.” His references and quotations reveal a deep reverence for these sacred writings, viewing them as divinely inspired, authoritative, and prophetic. Jesus saw Himself as the fulfillment of many of these scriptures, emphasizing their importance in God's overarching plan for salvation. Understanding how Jesus called and interpreted the Old Testament enriches our appreciation of the Bible’s unity and divine inspiration, inspiring us to delve deeper into its sacred texts and embrace their message of hope and redemption.
