Applying SP to New Testament Fulfillment (Cross in Gospels)

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Day 17: Applying SP to New Testament Fulfillment (Cross in Gospels)[edit | edit source]

🔹 Concepts Outline[edit | edit source]

  • The Gospel writers were trained by Jesus to see Himself in all of Scripture (Luke 24:27, 44).
  • They applied sensus plenior by recognizing that Scripture speaks symbolically, prophetically, and structurally about the cross.
  • Fulfillment often looks like:
    • Typology (Jonah, Isaac, David)
    • Quotation (e.g., Hosea 11:1 → Matthew 2:15)
    • **Riddle ** (e.g., the first shall be last)
  • The cross is not only in prophecy — it is hidden in narrative and revealed by Christ Himself.

📖 Teaching[edit | edit source]

Jesus taught the disciples that all of Scripture speaks of Him:

“Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.” (Luke 24:27)

The Gospel writers took this to heart. Their use of the Old Testament is not just proof-texting. It’s the fruit of Spirit-led interpretation, seeing the cross hidden in story, symbol, and structure.

Example 1: Hosea 11:1 → Matthew 2:15[edit | edit source]

“Out of Egypt I called My son.” (Hosea)

Hosea was speaking of Israel, but Matthew applies it to Jesus. Why? Because Jesus is the true Son — fulfilling what Israel only symbolized. The pattern (Egypt → wilderness → promised land) is replayed in Christ.

Example 2: Jonah → Matthew 12:40[edit | edit source]

“As Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish…”

Jonah becomes a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection. But the story of Jonah also shows reluctance, descent, and return — all shadows of Christ’s internal struggle and victory.

Example 3: Isaiah 53 in the Passion[edit | edit source]

  • He was silent before His accusers.
  • He bore our transgressions.
  • He was counted with the wicked.

The crucifixion does not just fulfill prophecy — it reveals what the prophecies were always about.

These are not loose connections. They are Spirit-led discoveries. Sensus plenior is how the apostles learned to read. Jesus opened their eyes, and they began to see:

  • The stories of Scripture were one story.
  • The symbols were one pattern.
  • The fulfillment was one person — Christ crucified and risen.

When we read like they did, we no longer see the Gospels as separate from the Old Testament — we see them as examples of its unveiling; inviting us to pull back the veil that has been torn.

💬 Group Dialogue Questions[edit | edit source]

  1. How did the Gospel writers learn to apply sensus plenior?
  2. A/B: Is New Testament fulfillment more like discovery or revelation?
  3. Why does it matter that the Old Testament speaks of Christ, even when not obvious at first?
  4. How can we follow the apostles’ method of reading, without overreaching or guessing?

🏠 Individual Meditation (Homework)[edit | edit source]

  • Read Matthew 2:13–15 alongside Hosea 11:1. What deeper meaning do you now see?
  • Meditate on Jonah 1:17–2:10. Where is the cross? Where is the resurrection?
  • Journal Prompt: “How does seeing the cross in the Old Testament change the way I trust God’s story?”

📘 Facilitator Notes[edit | edit source]

  • Reinforce: This day connects the Old and New — a major breakthrough moment.
  • Help students wrestle with difficult uses of prophecy. It’s okay to say, “I never saw that before.”
  • Consider reviewing Luke 24:13–35 (the road to Emmaus) in detail.
  • Invite students to begin their own list of “Christ revealed” OT connections.
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