Seeing the Big Picture: How the Old Testament Points to Christ

Brother, Sister, friend. Have you ever felt like you’re reading scripture, and it’s just… chapters? A lot of names, battles, laws, and stories that feel disconnected? It’s easy to get bogged down in the details, especially when we’re knee-deep in our own mission prep or studying for a Book Club session. We can focus so much on the immediate task—the tract we need to leave, the doctrine we need to master—that we forget the grand narrative weaving through it all.

But here’s the beautiful truth we need to remember as disciples: Nothing in the scriptures is accidental. The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, built a divine curriculum, and the Old Testament is nothing less than a prologue pointing us straight to the Savior. It’s all leading to Him.

Seeing the Big Picture: The Thread of Atonement

When we study the Old Testament, we are studying humanity's journey—a journey marked by covenant, failure, and ultimately, the need for a Redeemer. It’s a story of people yearning for the promised blessings that only the coming Messiah could bring. It’s a constant echo of the Atonement.

I was recently reminded of this while reviewing some material on the covenants and the pattern of prophecy. It hit me: every time a people needed deliverance, a prophet was sent. Every time they failed, they needed mercy. It’s a pattern that cries out for the ultimate fulfillment—the Savior.

"The Lord has always been preparing the way."

This isn't just academic knowledge for our Iron Rod studies; this is vital for our daily discipleship. When we feel discouraged in the field, or when a missionary discussion gets thorny, remembering that the entire sweep of scripture is pointing toward Christ helps us keep our focus—our *gospel focus*—fixed where it belongs. We aren't just studying ancient history; we are studying the groundwork for eternal life.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material, I highly recommend diving into a structured study. If you are looking for a way to deepen your understanding of the context of what we read, I encourage you to listen to the Big Picture podcast. They do a wonderful job of giving that necessary context so that when you open your scriptures, you aren't just reading words, but following a divine storyline.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: The Context Question

Here’s a little skill I’ve picked up—and I think it’s perfect for our role as internet missionaries. When someone asks a tough question, don't just answer the literal question. Try to gently guide them to the *context* of the answer. If they ask, "Why did this law exist?" instead of just reciting the law, you might gently ask, "What do you think the Lord was trying to teach the people *through* this law?" This shifts the focus from compliance to covenant understanding.

Connecting with Fellow Disciples

The best way to solidify this understanding is together. If you're looking for a place to dig deeper into scripture contextually, check out the Book Clubs or Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to learn from others who are also striving to see the big picture!

For those who enjoy deep dives into the texts, I always recommend checking out the latest material from the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. It’s such a rich resource for strengthening our understanding of the Plan of Salvation.

What part of the Old Testament are you finding most challenging to connect to the Savior right now? Drop your thoughts below, or better yet, join us this week for a quick chat about it!