From Malachi to Matthew: Seeing the Threads of the Covenant in Scripture

Brothers and sisters, if you've ever felt like the narrative of our Savior's life—the glorious New Testament—was somehow separate from the covenants and prophecies laid out in the Old Testament, I want to talk to you today. It’s a common feeling, especially when we’re diving deep into specific books, but as disciples, we know better. The gospel is a tapestry, and every thread connects back to the beginning.

Jared Halverson’s recent study on tracing the New Testament's roots back to Malachi is such a powerful reminder of the scope of revelation. It’s easy, when we’re focused on Christ's ministry, to forget the monumental foundation laid by prophets, covenants, and the anticipation of the coming Redeemer.

The Grand Sweep: Seeing the Whole Story

What struck me most while watching this lesson was the emphasis on context. We can’t treat the New Testament as if it appeared in a vacuum. It is the fulfillment, the glorious culmination, of centuries of divine preparation. Think about it: the promise to Abraham, the law given at Sinai, the prophecies of Isaiah—all pointing forward, all drawing us toward the Savior.

This isn't just academic knowledge for our Book Club discussions; this is vital for our discipleship. When we understand the sweep of history—the Age of Empires, the influence of Hellenization—we gain a deeper appreciation for the divine timing and the consistent pattern of God’s plan. It helps us see that the gospel isn't a sudden arrival; it’s a continuous, unfolding revelation.

I was reminded of the importance of knowing our scriptures deeply. It’s not enough to just read the assigned chapters; we need to trace the lineage of revelation. This is what makes studying the whole canon so rewarding!

A Little Mission Prep Thought: Tracing the Narrative

For those of us preparing to serve, or those of us who are currently in the field, this concept of 'tracing the narrative' is gold. When you are in missionary discussions, don't just answer the question asked. If an investigator asks about the Atonement, take a moment to point back to the covenants made in the temple, or the prophecies of the Old Testament that foretold it. Show them the *line*. This is how we teach the fullness of the gospel.

Remember that every member can be an internet missionary, and that means being able to guide someone through the scriptures, showing them the connections, just like Jared did here.

If you want to build your ability to see these connections, I highly recommend checking out the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. Highlighting verses and seeing how they relate across different books is the perfect way to practice this skill!

If you’re looking for more deep dives into scripture, check out the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. They have incredible insights into how the scriptures build upon one another.

This week, let's challenge ourselves to look at one key doctrine—like the Plan of Salvation—and trace its roots from Genesis all the way to the Book of Moroni. Let's see the whole picture!

If you want to discuss this or dive into another area of scripture, join us this week! We’re hosting a free Disciple Challenge session on Thursday evening. Come ready to share a scripture connection you've recently discovered!