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Key passage
John 20:31 - These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
The Old Testament Points to Jesus (Luke 1; John 1)
As we turn the page in the Bible from the Old Testament to the New Testament, we remember that the Bible tells one grand story, and at the center of that story is Jesus. From Genesis to Malachi, the Old Testament weaves a story of God's love and compassion for His people and of their inability to be faithful to Him. The Old Testament leads to the moment when God sent His Son to fulfill His plan to save people from their sin.
The first verse of John echoes the first verse of Genesis, reminding us of the cohesiveness of the Old Testament and the New Testament. This echo also reveals that Jesus is not merely a prophet or a teacher—He is God Himself, who became human. The Word of God, who spoke creation into existence, humbled Himself, taking the form of man, and dwelt among sinners so that those who believed in Him would become children of God (John 1:11-14).
In another Gospel account, Luke 1 introduces us to another person vital to God's plan. An angel appeared to a priest named Zechariah. Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, like many couples in the Old Testament, had not been able to have children. The angel told Zechariah not only would they have a child, but their child would have the power of Elijah and would be the forerunner to God's Messiah. John's birth and ministry was the fulfillment of Isaiah and Malachi’ prophecies, where God promised to send a messenger to prepare the way for the Messiah. John's ministry can be viewed as a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The foreshadowing of Christ seen all throughout the Old Testament revealed what was to come in the New Testament. The sacrifices of the law point toward the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. To David, God promised an everlasting kingdom—a promise that finds its fulfillment in Christ's everlasting reign. Jesus is the Prophet, Priest, and King that Israel longed for throughout their history. The Savior God promised in the garden of Eden—the One who would crush the serpent’s head—had finally come. Jesus would defeat evil and sin and make the way for people to be saved. But this victory would come at a great cost—His own life.
Let’s pray - Lord, thank You for sending Jesus into the world to save us from sin. Thank You for keeping Your promises You made all throughout the Old Testament. You are always faithful. Help us share the good news of Jesus with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Family Discussion Questions:
- Zechariah remembered God’s promises to provide salvation for His people, and he praised God. What Old Testament stories can you remember that point to Jesus?
- [Parent prompt] Review various Old Testament stories such as how God saved Noah from the flood, just as Jesus would save people from sin. Or how God promised He would bless the whole world through Abraham’s family, and Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise. Invite kids to share what they’ve learned throughout the Old Testament.
- Why was John called a prophet of the Most High?
- [Parent prompt] Tell kids that John was called a prophet of the Most High because God gave him the special job of preparing people for the coming of Jesus. A prophet is someone who delivers God’s message, and John’s message was to call people to repent (turn away from their sins) and get ready for the Savior. Yet unlike other prophets, John pointed people directly to Jesus, calling Him “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
- John was a witness for Jesus. How can you be a witness for Jesus?
- [Parent prompt] Share how God tells us that if we have trusted Jesus as our Savior, we are to be witnesses for Him in the world, sharing the good news with other people. Believers want to share the gospel so others can experience forgiveness and hope through faith in Jesus. Remind kids that we can also be a witness through our actions as we live in ways that honor God and point people to Jesus.
Christ Connection
- Babies & Toddlers: John told people about Jesus, our Rescuer and King forever.
- Younger Preschool: John told people to get ready for Jesus, the Savior coming to be our Rescuer and King forever.
- Older Preschool: God’s prophets said, “One day, Jesus will come!” John said, “Jesus is almost here!” John told people to get ready for Jesus, the Savior, who came to be our Rescuer and King forever.
- Kids: God spoke through His prophets in the Old Testament, like Isaiah and Malachi, and shared His plan to send Jesus into the world to save people from sin. When the time had come, God called John to be a witness for Jesus. Anyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved.
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(Content by Lifeway Christian Resources, link here, Used with permission.”)
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