He is Here too!

“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:44 ESV)

Alright, smart guy, where in Deuteronomy is Christ? Deuteronomy is all about laws. Did not Christ redeem us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13)? Yes, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. He became a curse for you; that is the love of Christ. So, I will tell you where He is in Deuteronomy.

First, let us be clear about the Book of Deuteronomy. It is one of the most essential books in the Old Testament and the last book of the Pentateuch. Jesus himself used Deuteronomy often in his life. He used this book to answer the temptations during the 40 days in the wilderness. So, if we think about it, Jesus is the Gospel, He is the good news, and if Deuteronomy was a part of Jesus’ life and ministry, it should be easy to find Him.

Deuteronomy tells us, from the perspective of those under the Old Covenant, what the laws are and what will happen if they are or are not followed. This law section is surrounded by grace. The essence of the first four chapters is about the grace God has already displayed towards Israel. God’s grace motivates the Israelites to keep the laws. The last four chapters are more about how God will continue to be gracious to Israel. What does this have to do with Jesus? John told us that the law came from Moses, but grace and truth came from Jesus Christ (John 1:17). This is about the grace of the New Covenant.

Paul certainly saw the gospel in Deuteronomy. Paul wrote that the commandments are kept by Christians because of God’s grace, not to earn it. Remember, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Paul reminded us we cannot save ourselves. Salvation is through Christ by faith through grace.

 Paul used scripture from Deuteronomy to teach that the law reveals sin (Rom. 7:7). Paul also wrote in Romans 10:6-8 that righteousness is by faith. Paul told us in Romans 2:29 that circumcision of the heart is necessary for true obedience (Deut. 30:6) and that keeping the law is the way to love one’s neighbor (Rom. 13:9) – (Deut. 5:17–19, 21). Paul used the writings meant for those under the Old Covenant to reveal Christ in the New Covenant.

No doubt, Jesus knew the gospel in Deuteronomy. Jesus quoted from it often and used it in His life and ministry. When asked what the most important commandment was, Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Jesus taught that we love God because He is God, and we keep His commandments out of love for Him, not because we keep his commandments; we love God. Love comes first, and obedience comes from love. God did not say to the Israelites, love and worship me, and I will let you out of Egypt. On the contrary, God said I have released you from the bondage of Egypt, and now worship and love me as your God. This idea, my brothers and sisters, is grace; this is the gospel; this is Christ.

Because of this grace, we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We love because He loved us first. Amen.

Peace and Grace!