Seeing the Christ Pattern: Finding the Savior in the Old Testament

Sometimes, when we’re knee-deep in the wonderful, powerful narratives of the Gospels, it’s easy to feel like we’ve got the whole picture of the Savior. We focus on the miracles, the teachings, the ultimate Atonement. And those moments are everything! But as we know, the Spirit rarely lets us get comfortable in just one place.

It reminds me of when I first started really digging into the scriptures as a returned missionary. I thought I understood the Plan of Salvation, but then I started connecting the dots—the parallels, the prophecies—and it was like a floodlight hit me. Suddenly, the whole tapestry of scripture started making sense, pointing back to the central figure.

That’s what Dr. Josh Sears was discussing recently, and it’s a vital message for every disciple, whether you’re prepping for your own mission, studying in a Book Club, or just reading your morning scriptures. He reminded us that to truly understand the fullness of the gospel, we have to look at the whole canon—and that includes the Old Testament.

The Bigger Picture: More Than Just the Gospels

Dr. Sears pointed out that if we only focus on the Gospels, we risk missing the massive, overarching narrative thread woven throughout the entire Hebrew Bible. The Old Testament isn't just a collection of historical accounts; it’s a prophetic roadmap, pointing forward to the coming of the Messiah. It’s about seeing the *pattern* of Christ.

This isn't about academic gymnastics; it’s about discipleship. It’s about letting the Spirit guide our study so that we can see Jesus Christ shining through the prophets, the types, and the shadows. When we read through the scriptures with this lens, the "Oh, wow!" moments become constant.

For those of us who have been through the intensity of the MTC or are currently in the field, this concept is gold. It deepens our understanding of the covenants we are here to share. It helps us answer those tough investigator questions with depth and confidence, showing them that the gospel is eternal and comprehensive.

A Skill for Every Disciple: Reading Through the Lens of Restoration

One of the most encouraging takeaways was how the Restoration scripture informs the entire Old Testament. It’s a beautiful testament to divine providence—that the Lord has prepared all the record to guide us back to Him. This is a perfect example of how our role as Internet missionaries extends beyond our assigned boundaries; we are called to be disciples *everywhere*, all the time.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of scripture, don't let it intimidate you. Approach it with the humility of a student and the eagerness of someone who knows the Savior is at the center. Don't be afraid to look up resources like the *Come Follow Me* manual or use the LivingBook to explore the social scripture study layer—sometimes seeing related insights from others can illuminate a passage you were struggling with!

We are continually being taught how to *be Christlike* in our study habits, and that means being diligent, humble, and open to revelation from all parts of the record.

If you enjoyed this deep dive into scripture study, I highly recommend checking out the followHIM podcast for more discussions like this. And if you want to dig deeper into the textual analysis, Dr. Sears' book, *This is Great*, is a fantastic resource!

Fellowship Invitation: If you’re looking for a structured way to apply this, I’m encouraging everyone to join a local HolyPlaces Book Club or Bible Study Group this month. It’s a wonderful way to share these insights with companions!