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Bible Study 3: Before you begin this study, it is important to realize two things. First, many Old Testament prophecies have a "near" and "far" fulfillment. At the time they were originally spoken, they had a "near" fulfillment that applied to the people who heard it. Many years later people looked at events and realized it also had a "far" prophecy fulfilled in Jesus. An example would be "Out of Egypt I have called my son." The near fulfillment referred to God calling the new nation of Israel out from Egyptian captivity. The far fulfillment referred to God calling the baby Jesus back from his safe-haven in Egypt to his homeland of Israel. (Hosea 11:1 with Matthew 2:15) Secondly, some of the men who wrote the prophecies did not always know they were doing so. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, they wrote of things that happened in a way that prophesied about later events. David's references to betrayal by a friend undoubtedly refers to his confident Ahithaphil's betrayal, but is later noted in the Gospels as a prophecy reference to Judas's betrayal of Jesus.(II Sam 15:12 and Psalms 41:9 with Matthew 26:14-16)
In order to answer the questions on the following pages, pray that God would help you "behold wondrous things from His law." (Psalm 119:18)
Then read the Christmas story in chronological order: from what you are accustomed often helps increase mental attentiveness because you don't unconsciously gloss over things, thinking I already know that. On to Page 2 Next 4-Timeline Back to Study Choices Return to Home Page |
