I walked with a friend for several years and often the conversation turned to spiritual issues. One day he said, I probably shouldn’t bring this up since you know way more about the Bible than I do, but I don’t believe in the Old Testament anymore. From now on I’m only giving credence to the words of Jesus. I replied, You’re right, I do know why more about the Bible than you do.

Then I mentioned this particular teaching from Jesus: Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Jesus specifically spoke to those who sought to extinguish the influence of the Law and the Prophets (our Old Testament today). Rather than push them aside, he upheld their authority. Not even the least bit of punctuation should be ignored. Instead, those who follow Jesus are to engage with the Old Testament scriptures, wrestle with the difficult passages and rest in the promises found within. What a loss if we choose to ignore some of the most powerful writings in all of human history.

My friend, to his credit, said I haven’t seen that before. I guess I’ll have to rethink my position. Beware the words of Jesus—they are not easily dismissed. Taking the stance of a red-letter Christian, believing only what Jesus spoke, might just lead you to the glorious depths of the rest of your Bible.

Matthew 5:17-19

Photo by Susan Holt Simpson