Jesus and Deuteronomy
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 1-2; Psalm 66
Congratulations! If you have been following along and doing the daily Bible readings, you have already read through the first four books of the Old Testament and today you begin the last book of the Pentateuch, Deuteronomy!
Deuteronomy reveals humanities need for Jesus. In 18:15-19, Moses prophecies that God would raise up a Prophet like himself – one who would speak God’s word with authority. That Jesus fulfills this is confirmed in places like Acts 3:22 and John 6:14 where Jesus is identified as the Prophet Moses predicted would come. Moses was a type, an imperfect pointer to the Perfect Prophet, Jesus.
In Deuteronomy, Moses stood between God and the people, pleading for mercy, delivering God’s commands, and reinforcing the terms of the covenant. He foreshadows Jesus’ greater mediatorial role.
Deuteronomy emphasizes the covenant between God and Israel, calling for obedience and warning of judgment for unfaithfulness. Israel’s failures highlight the need for a True and Faithful Covenant-Keeper. Jesus is that person.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 calls the people to choose life by loving and obeying God. Jesus is the embodiment of that life (John 14:6). While Deuteronomy emphasizes the blessings of obedience and the curse of rebellion, Jesus secures life for his people by His perfect obedience and atoning death.
Deuteronomy reveals humanities need for a True Prophet, Faithful Mediator, and Perfect Covenant-Keeper. Jesus fulfills those roles and embodies the righteousness the law demands. He secures the blessings of the covenant promises for His people. Deuteronomy points us to the One who would bear the curse of the law in order to bring His people into the promised inheritance – not a geographical country, but an eternal and spiritual Promised Land.
Welcome to Deuteronomy!
