21st April 2023
Christ in all the Scriptures
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Luke 24:27 (NIV)
Today’s reading from Luke 24 reminds me of a book that has really helped me in my Christian walk: Christ in All the Scriptures by Alice Mary Hodgkin was originally published in the early 1900s but is still available in paperback today. The book takes the reader on a whirlwind tour that reveals how Jesus can be found in every part of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.
Which is exactly what Jesus tells us in the header scripture. Two of his disciples – one called Cleopas, the other unnamed – encounter their risen Lord on the road to Emmaus. For the length of the journey they were ‘kept from recognizing him’ (v.16), while he patiently explained to them everything that was said in the scriptures about himself. How I would love to have been present to hear that monologue!
Only at the end of their journey when Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them, were those disciples able to recognise him. But what happened next? Jesus disappeared and the two hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the Eleven what had just happened. I imagine that they must have shared with the others the story of Jesus explaining ‘what was said in all the scriptures concerning himself.’
Why do I believe that? A big clue is that we later see the apostles using the same technique. On the day of Pentecost, Peter proclaimed Christ from the prophet Joel and the Psalms. Philip shared the gospel with the Ethiopian court official using the book of Isaiah. And Paul proved over and over from the scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
Of course, nowadays we have both the Old and New Testaments to enjoy, so we can see the thread of Christ’s redemptive work for humanity running not just from Genesis to Malachi, but onwards from Matthew to Revelation.
In the Old Testament God spoke through the prophets, and in the New Testament he spoke through Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2). Yet the message was consistent throughout: ‘…God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ (John 3:16).
Prayer
Father, we thank you that each page and every story in the Bible are like precious stones and when put together they form a mosaic, a beautiful and complete picture of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Study by Peter Mill
About the writer:
Peter Mill is a minister in Grace Communion International and Regional Pastor for Scotland, Ireland and Northern England.
Local congregation:
GCI, Edinburgh – Edinburgh has a zoom service at the moment. For details email the local congregational contact below.
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church