Why is Moses and the Prophets Important in God’s Story?
He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’
Key Facts
Term Name
Moses and the Prophets
Term Type
Theological Concept
Purpose
To establish the Old Testament as the foundation for understanding God’s redemptive plan fulfilled in Christ.
Biblical Example
Jesus’ teaching on Moses and the Prophets in Luke 24:27
Key Takeaways
- Moses and the Prophets refer to Old Testament texts revealing God’s covenant and salvation promises.
- Jesus affirms their authority in Luke 16:31 and 24:27 as foundational to faith in Christ.
- Proper interpretation requires typological and Christological reading of these texts.
What is Moses and the Prophets?
In biblical context, 'Moses and the Prophets' refers to the collective corpus of Old Testament writings that reveal God’s covenantal relationship with Israel and foreshadow the coming Messiah.
The term 'Moses' typically denotes the five books of the Torah (Genesis - Deuteronomy), while 'the Prophets' encompasses later writings that interpret and apply God’s will to Israel’s history. These texts form the foundation of Jewish scripture and are central to Christian understanding of the Old Testament’s witness to Christ. In Luke 24:27 and 44 - 45, Jesus explicitly uses these writings during His post-resurrection appearances, demonstrating how they point to His identity and mission.
By grounding His teachings in 'Moses and the Prophets,' Jesus affirms their authority and continuity with His revelation. This connection invites readers to see these ancient texts not as isolated stories but as a cohesive narrative fulfilled in Him, setting the stage for deeper exploration of their theological significance.
The Role of Moses and the Prophets in Scripture
In Scripture, Moses and the Prophets serve as foundational pillars for understanding God’s redemptive plan and His self-revelation to humanity.
The writings attributed to Moses, particularly the Torah, establish the covenantal framework through which God reveals His holiness, justice, and relational intent. For example, see Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 7:6-11. The Prophets, spanning both major and minor books, interpret Israel’s history through God’s covenantal faithfulness and foretell a coming Messiah who will restore His people and reconcile the world to Himself. See Isaiah 9:6-7 and Jeremiah 23:5-6 for details. Together, these texts form a theological narrative that underscores God’s active involvement in human history while setting the stage for the fulfillment found in Christ, as Jesus Himself emphasizes in Luke 24:27 and 44-45.
Jesus’ explicit engagement with Moses and the Prophets during His post-resurrection teachings affirms their role in unveiling His identity and mission. By grounding His message in these texts, He demonstrates how the Law and Prophets foreshadow His atoning sacrifice and resurrection (cf. Deuteronomy 18:15-18 and Isaiah 53:5-6. This covenantal continuity invites believers to see Scripture as a unified testimony to God’s redemptive purposes, preparing the way for deeper exploration of their theological implications in Christian faith.
How to Read Moses and the Prophets Correctly
To interpret 'Moses and the Prophets' faithfully, readers must balance historical context, typological patterns, and Christological fulfillment while avoiding anachronistic or literalist approaches.
Begin by grounding your study in the original covenantal framework of these texts, recognizing that they were written to a specific people and time (2 Timothy 3:16-17). typology - reading events or figures as prefigurations of Christ - helps connect Old Testament motifs (e.g., the Passover lamb, the bronze serpent) to their fulfillment in Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2). However, such connections must emerge from the text’s theological logic rather than forced allegory.
Avoid isolating verses without regard for their narrative context or Christ’s self-attesting role in Scripture (Luke 24:27). Equally, resist reading modern ideological agendas into these texts, which risks distorting their witness to God’s covenantal faithfulness and redemptive plan.
Going Deeper
Building on the foundational principles for interpreting Moses and the Prophets, engaging with scholarly resources and historical context can deepen your understanding of their enduring theological significance.
Consider exploring commentaries such as Walter Brueggemann’s *Old Testament Theology* or Tremper Longman’s *How to Read the Psalms*, alongside historical context studies like *The Jewish Annotated New Testament*. These texts illuminate how Moses and the Prophets continue to shape Christian faith through themes like covenantal obedience (Deuteronomy 7:6-11) and messianic hope (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Further Reading
Key Scripture Mentions
Luke 16:31
Jesus emphasizes the authority of Moses and the Prophets over resurrection as proof of faith.
Luke 24:27
Jesus explains how the Law and Prophets point to His identity and mission.
Deuteronomy 18:15-18
Moses prophesies a future prophet like himself, fulfilled in Jesus.
Related Concepts
Torah (Terms)
The five books of Moses (Genesis - Deuteronomy) forming the covenantal foundation of Scripture.
Prophets (Terms)
Old Testament writings interpreting God’s will and foretelling the Messiah’s coming.
Covenant (Theological Concepts)
God’s binding promises to Israel, central to the narrative of Moses and the Prophets.
Typology (Terms)
Reading Old Testament events as prefigurations of Christ’s fulfillment.