The Fulfilment of Old Testament Scripture
In the quiet corners of the library in East Ham, London, I found my sanctuary—a place where time seemed to pause, allowing me to immerse myself in the profound truths of Scripture. It was here that, in September 2024, I started to contemplate writing a ebook and online ref’—a journey to bridge the gap between Old Testament prophecies and their fulfilment in the teachings of Jesus Christ. This ebook is the fruit of that journey—a journey to understand the greatest teacher who ever walked the Earth and whose words still resonate with power today.
As I embarked on this study of the Gospel of Matthew, I was driven by several questions that many of us grapple with in our pursuit of truth:
- Have you ever felt a deep longing to connect the threads of ancient prophecy with the living teachings of Jesus?
- Do you wonder why contemporary teachings often diverge from the profound spiritual transformation that Jesus emphasised, focusing instead on material prosperity?
- Are you curious about how to discern true spiritual wisdom from the distortions that sometimes infiltrate our understanding of Scripture?
This ebook seeks to address these questions by exploring how Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfilment of Old Testament Scripture. Matthew’s Gospel serves as a powerful lens through which we can view Jesus’ mission to restore humanity’s broken relationship with God. Far from promoting material wealth, Jesus’ teachings centre on spiritual renewal, selflessness, and a deep commitment to God’s will. He came to bring hope, heal the brokenhearted, and demonstrate God’s kingdom on Earth.
One of the profound ways Jesus connects with the Old Testament is through His spoken words and silent actions. For instance, when Jesus declared, “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4), He echoed the teaching from Deuteronomy 8:3, reflecting the essence of spiritual sustenance over mere physical needs. Moreover, His silent demonstration through the act of fasting for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness is a symbolic act, deeply resonating with the Old Testament’s use of the number forty—representing divine preparation, endurance, and spiritual transformation. Just as the Israelites wandered for forty years in the wilderness, Jesus’ forty-day fast was a silent, yet profound testimony of obedience and spiritual fortitude.
Jesus not only fulfils Old Testament prophecies but also provides new teachings that deepen and expand upon them. His discourses, including the Sermon on the Mount and various parables, reveal a transformative approach to the Law and its application. He reinterprets Old Testament laws, emphasising their underlying principles and their relevance to a life of love and righteousness. The Sermon on the Mount, for example, offers new perspectives on ethical living, moving beyond mere rule-following to a heart-centred obedience that reflects God’s love.
In exploring these connections, we also confront our own emotional thirst and personal experiences. Through deep reflection and spiritual practice, we can experience the blessings of a closer relationship with God. This relationship nurtures us, guiding us to care more deeply for our bodies, our fellow human beings, and the earth itself. By understanding and embodying Jesus’ teachings, we are empowered to create a better world—one where we live in harmony with each other and with our environment, all while remaining mindful of our heavenly Father.
I chose Matthew as the foundation for this study because it highlights Jesus’ role as the Messiah and clarifies how His teachings align with Jewish traditions and prophecies. This approach not only aids in understanding the essence of Jesus’ message but also challenges us to look beyond superficial interpretations and engage deeply with the transformative power of His teachings.
Through this exploration, I invite you to join me in a quest for clarity, authenticity, and a deeper connection with the divine wisdom of Jesus Christ. Let us together strive to bring His teachings to life, creating a more compassionate and spiritually enriched world.
Dedicated To Our Lord Jesus Christ – Author Noel Christopher
Bridging The Gap Series:
| KJV Gospel Of Matthew 3 | Link to Fulfilments of the old testament |
| Matthew 4:7 | “Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God” |