Welcome to the Old Testament: Lesson 1

Introduction to the Old Testament

The Old Testament Testifies of a Caring Heavenly Father and of Jesus Christ

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

Many people assume the Old Testament doesn’t teach about Jesus Christ. Because of Restoration scripture and modern prophets, we know that it does teach about Him and His role as Savior of the world. Old Testament stories show how involved God is in the lives of His children. This lesson can help you increase your desire to draw closer to God while studying the Old Testament.

Study the Doctrine

What we choose to focus on can make all the difference in our lives. Have you ever missed something important by focusing on the wrong thing? If available, watch the video “Focus Test,” from time code 0:00 to 0:22. As you watch, focus on how many times the white team passes the ball.

How many passes did you count? Did you notice anything else happening in the video? If so, what?

Watch the remainder of the video. This time, watch for an old woman dancing, a ninja, a football pass, and the black team putting on hats. If the video is not available, think back on a time when focusing on the wrong thing caused you a problem.

Why is it so easy to miss important details? How might this be like what some people experience while reading the Old Testament?

Read the following from Elder Michael T. Ringwood of the Seventy about the focus of the Old Testament.

We are the focus of Heavenly Father’s plan and the reason for our Savior’s mission. …

… Chapter after chapter [of the Old Testament] we discover examples of how Heavenly Father and [Jesus Christ] are intimately involved in our lives. (“For God So Loved Us,” Liahona, May 2022, 88)

While Jesus Christ is central in the Old Testament, some struggle to see his presence because the name “Jesus Christ” does not appear in the book.

As you study the Old Testament, it will refer to the Lord or Jehovah. It is helpful to know that Jehovah is Jesus Christ. Jehovah did the will of Heavenly Father in all things. As you learn about Jehovah, you also learn about Heavenly Father, who guided and empowered Him.

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:

Before the Fall, our Heavenly Father spoke directly to Adam and Eve. Thereafter, the Father introduced His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior and Redeemer and gave us the command to “hear Him.” From this direction we conclude that the scriptural records of words spoken by “God” or the “Lord” are almost always the words of Jehovah, our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. (“The Teachings of Jesus Christ,” Liahona, May 2023, 102)

As you study the Old Testament, your focus can determine how meaningful your experience is. Focusing on how Jesus Christ is intimately involved in our lives can help you have a more meaningful study.

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

Where are Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the Old Testament?

Choose one of the four stories below to study.

• David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:26, 32, 40–49). Goliath the Philistine warrior challenged Israel to send their best fighter against him. David volunteered to face him.

• Lion’s den (Daniel 6:7, 10, 16–23). King Darius made Daniel a ruler in Babylon. Other rulers conspired against him so he would lose favor with the king.

• Fiery furnace (Daniel 3:4–6, 12–13, 16–25). King Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image and called the rulers of his land together to dedicate it.

• Moses parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10, 13–16, 21–22). The children of Israel were fleeing Egypt when Pharaoh’s army approached to attack and enslave them again.

Answer the following questions in your notebook.

• How does this story demonstrate the love or involvement of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

• How can understanding God’s involvement in these stories help you see Their involvement in your life?

Option B

Do I know about the Old Testament?

Which of the following are some of the major themes or topics of the Old Testament? Select all that apply.

1. The gathering and scattering of Israel

2. The calling and ordaining of the Apostles

3. The life and ministry of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem

4. Making and keeping covenants with the Lord

5. The role of prophets in Heavenly Father’s plan

6. The ministry of Jesus Christ on the American continent

7. The need for Jesus Christ to atone for our sins

8. The Old Testament addresses just four of the themes above.

Use the following verses to correct your quiz. As you identify the theme being taught, tag the doctrine in your scripture.

• Genesis 17:7

• Deuteronomy 4:27–31

• Isaiah 53:3–5

• Amos 3:7

The Old Testament tells about people who lived before the birth of Jesus Christ. His ministry in Jerusalem, calling of Apostles, and visit to America all come later. However, the themes of the Old Testament are designed to point us toward Jesus Christ. By studying these themes, we can better understand Christ’s doctrine and draw closer to Him.

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you increase your desire to draw closer to God while studying the Old Testament.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

• What you learned about God’s involvement in your life from the story you studied.

• How the themes emphasized in the Old Testament show God’s love for His children.

• Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

• Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?