I don’t think it is a big secret that many Christians struggle with, and as a result, shy away from the Old Testament. With its laws, sacrifices, battles, lists of genealogies, and at times “doom and gloom” outlook, many are asking “why should I bother with it at all?” On the other hand, the New Testament draws the reader in. Why wouldn’t it? It is here that we can see Jesus clearly. It is here that we see the love of God clearly through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son Jesus. It is here we see fewer “laws”, the One Sacrifice, the battle against the enemy won at Calvary, and the Name above All Names magnified. Who wouldn’t want to read about this? Some even go as far as to say that you won’t find Jesus in the Old Testament at all. In his new book, “Jesus on Every Page; 10 Simple Ways to Seek and Find Christ in the Old Testament”, pastor and professor David Murray shares his personal struggle in making the connection between the clearly seen Jesus Christ of the New Testament and the not-so-seen Jesus Christ of the Old Testament.

Murray’s book is divided into two parts. Part One, My Road to Emmaus, chronicles the author’s personal journey of discovering Jesus in the Old Testament. Here, he looks to the words the apostles Paul, John, Peter, and to Jesus Christ Himself as evidence for the presence of Christ throughout the Old Testament. In Part Two, Spiritual Heartburn, Murray outlines the 10 ways to discover Jesus in the Old Testament:

Christ’s Planet (Jesus in Creation)

Christ’s People (Jesus in OT Characters)

Christ’s Presence (Jesus in OT Appearances)

Christ’s Precepts (Jesus in OT Law)

Christ’s Past (Jesus in OT History)

Christ’s Prophets

Christ’s Pictures (Jesus in OT Types)

Christ’s Promises (Jesus in OT Covenants)

Christ’s Proverbs

Christ’s Poems

I found two chapters to be especially helpful. In Christ’s Precepts, Murray deals with the Old Testament Mosaic Law in relation to Jesus Christ. Instead of insisting that Jesus replaces the Law, he shows how Jesus was the fulfillment highlighting the aspects of retribution, restitution, deterrence, and rehabilitation. In Christ’s Promises, Murray deals simply and smartly with Old Testament covenants. He defines what covenant is, who was affected by them, and how Jesus is the ultimate theme of them all. “Jesus on Every Page” is a good book. I really enjoyed the style of writing: simple, to the point, and personal. Well documented and written, Murray has a book that will help not just pastors or teachers find Jesus in the canon of scripture, but all believers who want to better understand the Old Testament.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”