Jesus explained to His disciples that Old Testament prophets had prophesied of Him. Abinadi taught that all prophets have spoken of Christ. This week, as we celebrate Holy Week, let's pay attention to ways in which Old Testament writings not only anticipated but also help us understand His atoning sacrifice.
Enoch and the Savior’s Ministry and Atonement
Enoch saw the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and connected it to his own sanctification and that of his people. Like subsequent prophets, he saw the Atonement of Jesus Christ as a manifestation of God's love that defied temporal constraints, blessing him and the people he loved millennia before it happened.
Abinadi, Authority, and the Image of God
King Noah maintained authority by cultivating inequality through displays of power. Abinadi threatened that order by proclaiming that God himself would come to earth and live among humanity. Noah's son Limhi later explained Abinadi's death by connecting this claim with the doctrine that humanity was created in God’s image.
Four Foundational Strategies
Book of Mormon authors modeled four strategies which can enhance our study of the Old Testament: (1) search for precious things in plain sight, (2) prioritize holistic over selective reading, (3) synthesize themes across the books, and (4) find Christ in the writings of all the prophets.
Being the Father and the Son
Jesus is both the Father and the Son in at least four ways: 1. He submits His will to His Father and He offers us new life. 2. He created the earth, then lived on it. 3. He is completely unified with HIs Father 4. His mortal body was subject to His spirit
Types and Shadows
A type is a copy of something. A shadow is a representation of something. It's important not to confuse the type or the shadow with the thing itself. Abinadi taught that the law cannot save us, but it can point us to Christ, who can save us.
Hearing Hard Truths
Noah and his priests were angry with Abinadi and labeled him as "mad." We use a variety of strategies to avoid accepting difficult messages. We attack the messenger, we respond emotionally, or we look for allies. In the end, it's better to actually listen
God With Us
Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would bear a son and call him "Immanuel," which means "God with us." As Abinadi testified, God Himself came to earth. Jesus fulfilled that prophecy. We are not only walking toward God and Christ. We are walking with Them.
A New Covenant
Jeremiah prophesied that God would make a new covenant with us. He wants this covenant to be "written in our hearts." That's because covenants are all about relationships. We need to view our covenants as relationships, not merely a set of requirements.
The Promise and the Law
Abraham received promises long before God gave the Law of Moses to his descendants. Here's the lesson for us: God makes promises to us when we believe in Him. Then, He teaches us how to receive those blessings.