Class 1: The Hebrew Scriptures: God’s Plan for Redemption

Section 2– A Jewish Perspective on the Scriptures

Class 1: God’s Plan for Redemption

Teacher: Dr. Dan Sered

The Hebrew Bible is God’s intricate plan for redemption for the Jewish people and the world.
It consists of the Torah (Law), the Prophets, and the Writings, which together form a divine tapestry.
Understanding the Old Testament helps us understand the gospel message.

Born and raised in a secular Israeli Jewish home
Celebrated Jewish holidays culturally but had faith in the Old Testament as a child
In college, met a Jewish believer in Jesus who introduced him to the concept of Yeshua
Studied the Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament
Prayed to receive Jesus and felt called to share the gospel with other Israelis
Returned to Israel and spent 20+ years ministering and sharing Jesus as the promised Messiah

The Hebrew Bible is a tapestry of poetry, songs, narrative, and wisdom that tells the story of redemption.
The Hebrew Scriptures are not just a precursor to the New Testament but are pivotal in Christian faith.
They are divided into three sections:
- Torah (Law)
- Nevi’im (Prophets)
- Ketuvim (Writings)

Genesis and the Fall:
- Creation is perfect, but humanity sins (Adam and Eve).
- God provides a plan for redemption immediately (Genesis 3:15 – the promise of the seed of the woman crushing the serpent).
God’s Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:2)
- Abraham’s faith leads to a covenant where God promises to bless his descendants and all nations through him.
Israel’s Deliverance from Egypt
- Israelites became slaves in Egypt.
- God redeems them through miraculous plagues.
- After the Red Sea crossing, God gives them the Torah (Law), including the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the sacrificial system.
Foreshadowing of Jesus in the Torah
- Joseph—suffers for the sins of his brothers but ultimately brings reconciliation.
- Moses—prophet, priest, and leader; Deuteronomy 18:15 prophesies a greater prophet (Jesus).
- The sacrificial system foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice in Jesus.
The Covenant and Israel’s Future
- Moses warns that Israel will fail to keep the covenant but will be restored through God’s faithfulness.

Israel’s Struggles
- After entering the promised land, Israel continually strays from God.
- Judges and prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah call them back.
Messianic Prophecies
- Suffering Servant (Isaiah 52–53)—Jesus takes on humanity’s iniquities.
- Zechariah 12:10—A suffering figure is pierced.
- Zechariah 14:4, 9—The Messiah will return as a reigning King.
- Micah 4:3—The Messiah will bring peace and judge nations.
Jewish Objections
- Many Jewish people reject Jesus as Messiah because the prophecies of a reigning king have not been fulfilled yet.
- Christians recognize Jesus as the Suffering Servant and believe He will return as King.

Kings and the Establishment of Israel
- They focus on kings like Saul, David, and Solomon.
- Psalms, Song of Songs, and other writings emphasize worship and wisdom.
David as a Messianic Figure
- David unites Israel and is a foreshadowing of the Messiah.
- 2 Samuel 7:16—God promises David’s kingdom will last forever.
- Jeremiah 23:5–6—A future descendant of David will reign righteously.
- Jesus is a direct descendant of David (genealogies in Matthew and Luke).
God’s Plan of Redemption
- God’s goal is not just to bless Israel but to use them to redeem all of humanity through the Messiah.

Why This Matters for Sharing the Gospel with Jewish People
- Many Jewish people haven’t studied the Hebrew Bible deeply.
- Christians’ love for the Hebrew Scriptures can be a powerful testimony.
- The Hebrew Bible itself contains the gospel message.
- The Bible calls us to be ready to explain why we believe what we believe.
- The Holy Spirit must move in people’s hearts—our role is to share in love and clarity.

Learn more about a Messianic Jewish perspective on this topic.