Discussion Series | Rooted | 6. "Why The Old Testament Matters"

The Old Testament isn't a confusing collection of ancient laws and violent stories. It's the first half of one unified story — and it's impossible to fully understand Jesus without it. Today Pastor Steve walks us through covenants, sacrifices, and the logic of blood — and shows us how all of it points directly to Christ. Key Topics Covenants A covenant is a binding promise God makes with His people Every major covenant points forward to Jesus Key covenants: Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, New Covenant Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise God ever made Sacrifices The sacrificial system was God's way of showing His people what sin actually costs Leviticus isn't boring — it's a detailed picture of what it takes to approach a holy God The system was never meant to be the final answer — it was always pointing forward Why So Much Blood? Leviticus 17:11 — the life of the flesh is in the blood Blood represents life given in place of another life Every sacrifice was a preview of one moment — the cross John 1:29 — "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" How It All Points to Christ Luke 24:27 — Jesus opened the Scriptures and showed how they were all about Him Abraham and Isaac → the Father giving His Son The Passover Lamb → Jesus whose blood causes judgment to pass over us The High Priest → Jesus our permanent High Priest The Suffering Servant → Isaiah 53, written 700 years before the cross Key Scriptures Leviticus 17:11 2 Samuel 7:12–13 Jeremiah 31:31–34 Isaiah 53 John 1:29 Luke 24:27 Hebrews 10:1–4 Hebrews 4:14–16 Reflection Questions What part of the Old Testament has always confused you most? How does understanding the sacrificial system change the way you see the cross? If the Old Testament is one long arrow pointing to Jesus — what does that change about how you read it? Want to Go Deeper? According to Plan — Graeme Goldsworthy How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth — Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone who's been avoiding the Old Testament. Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share with a Friend