Throughout his public ministry, Jesus frequently quoted and interpreted Old Testament scriptures to teach, rebuke, and explain his mission. By drawing on the sacred texts, he connected his message to Jewish tradition while offering fresh interpretations that revealed the deeper spiritual meaning behind the laws and prophecies. Let’s explore how Jesus used Scripture in his teachings, how he reinterpreted key passages, and how his use of the Bible shaped his mission.
Jesus as Teacher: Illuminating the Scriptures
Jesus often used the Old Testament (known to Jews as the Hebrew Bible) to explain the Kingdom of God and clarify his mission as the Messiah. He quoted from books like Psalms, Isaiah, Deuteronomy, and Exodus, showing his deep understanding of Jewish law and prophecy.
One of the most notable examples is in Luke 4:16-21, when Jesus reads from the book of Isaiah in the synagogue of Nazareth. Quoting Isaiah 61:1-2, Jesus proclaims:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
After reading, Jesus declares, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” By doing so, Jesus directly links his mission to the prophetic vision of the Messiah, revealing that he is the fulfillment of Israel’s long-awaited hope. This passage shows Jesus using Scripture to explain his purpose and the inauguration of God’s Kingdom on earth.
Jesus’ Interpretation of the Law: Moving Beyond Legalism
One of the key ways Jesus used Scripture was to reinterpret the Mosaic Law and challenge the prevailing interpretations of his time. He often contrasted external legalism with the heart of the law, emphasizing the deeper moral and spiritual truths.
In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus frequently reinterprets the Torah, beginning with the phrase, “You have heard that it was said… But I tell you.” For example, in Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus says: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
Here, Jesus uses the Sixth Commandment from Exodus 20:13 to shift the focus from merely refraining from murder to addressing the anger and hatred that lead to violence. By doing this, he stresses that righteousness goes beyond outward obedience to the law—it involves inner transformation and purity of heart. His reinterpretation of Scripture brings out its deeper ethical implications.
Similarly, when the religious leaders challenged Jesus’ practices (such as healing on the Sabbath), he often responded with Scripture to explain that compassion and mercy should take precedence over strict adherence to ritual. In Matthew 12:7, Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6—“I desire mercy, not sacrifice”—to emphasize that God values mercy and love above mere ritualistic observance.
Jesus’ Use of Scripture to Rebuke and Correct
Jesus also used Scripture to rebuke and correct those who misunderstood or misused it, especially the religious leaders of his day, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees.
In Matthew 15:3-9, Jesus confronts the Pharisees for placing their traditions above the commandments of God. He quotes from Isaiah 29:13, saying: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.”
By citing Isaiah, Jesus accuses the Pharisees of hypocrisy—outwardly following religious laws while ignoring the true essence of God’s commands, such as love, justice, and mercy. His use of scripture here serves to highlight the spiritual disconnect between religious formalism and genuine faith.
Scripture in Jesus’ Temptation: Combatting the Devil with the Word
In the temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), Jesus demonstrates the power of Scripture by using it to combat Satan’s temptations. When Satan tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread or jump from the temple, Jesus responds with Scripture each time:
- “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Deuteronomy 8:3).
- “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Deuteronomy 6:16).
- “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’” (Deuteronomy 6:13).
Through these responses, Jesus shows the authority of God’s Word in resisting temptation and emphasizes that obedience to Scripture aligns one with God’s will. This episode also reveals Jesus’ profound understanding of the Scriptures and their power to guide and sustain faith in moments of trial.
The Messianic Fulfillment of Scripture
Jesus regularly pointed to the Old Testament to show that his life, mission, and suffering were the fulfillment of prophecy. He emphasized that the Scriptures pointed to him as the Messiah, the one chosen by God to bring salvation to Israel and the world.
After his resurrection, in the road to Emmaus story (Luke 24:25-27), Jesus explains to two disciples how the Scriptures predicted his death and resurrection. He says, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” Beginning with Moses and the Prophets, Jesus shows how all of Scripture pointed to him, revealing that his suffering and resurrection were part of God’s plan all along.
Conclusion: Jesus as the Fulfillment and Interpreter of Scripture
Jesus’ use of Scripture during his ministry reflects his deep reverence for the Hebrew Bible and his role as both the interpreter and fulfillment of it. He used Scripture to:
- Teach the deeper spiritual meanings behind the Law,
- Correct and rebuke religious leaders who distorted it,
- Combat temptation and demonstrate the authority of God’s Word,
- Reveal that his life and mission were the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
Through his profound engagement with Scripture, Jesus illuminated the heart of God’s message—calling people to live lives of love, justice, mercy, and faith. His teachings continue to inspire a deeper understanding of the Bible’s true purpose and the transformative power of God’s Word.
