In the book of Luke 24:27, Luke writes that, “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” This passage is a key reference that tells us that Jesus may be found throughout the Old Testament. The events and personalities, the stories, laws, and prose all point to Jesus Christ in some fashion. A great example of this is in the Ten Commandments. Have you ever thought of the Ten Commandments as pointers to Jesus? If the Old Testament is filled with pointers and indicators to the coming Messiah, then that must include the Ten Commandments as well.
The Ten Commandments, which begin the Mosaic Covenant, are more that a simple set of rules to follow. The commandments themselves can be interpreted to point to Jesus, the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. Let’s take a brief look at all ten.
1.) You shall have no other gods before me.
Jesus is the God of the Old Testament. While many people worship other so called gods and religious teachers, for us our supreme allegiance belongs to Jesus.
2.) You shall not make for yourself a carved image (idols).
Jesus is the image of God in human form (Colossians 1:15). Thus, no other images are necessary to help us understand who God is. If you want to see God, look to Jesus.
3.) You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
In the Ancient Near East names carried reputation, respect, and power. God’s name is the highest name. And at the name of Jesus every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10). There is no other name under Heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
4.) Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
The promised rest from sin comes only through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:1-13). The Sabbath is an important practice, but its fulfillment is found in Jesus. It is a shadow of what was to come (Colossians 2:16-17).
5.) Honor your father and your mother.
He who has the Son also has the Father (I John 2:23). If we want to honor God then we must honor Jesus, the Son (John 5:23).
6.) You shall not murder.
Jesus was murdered, but it was a murder that brought about our forgiveness.
7.) You shall not commit adultery.
Our supreme devotion belongs to Jesus. Worshipping false religions is a form of spiritual adultery (Hosea 4:12-13).
8.) You shall not steal.
As disciples, we belong to Jesus. But the enemy tries to steal us away from him (John 10:10).
9.) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
False testimony was given against Jesus at his trial (Mark 14:56).
10.) You shall not covet.
Man’s basic problem is rebellion. That rebellion causes us to want control of our own lives. But our lives belong to Jesus. We covet control of our own lives, but the control of our lives belongs to him.
Conclusion
Like many of the scriptures, each of the Ten Commandments are a picture of supreme fidelity to God through Jesus Christ. They are not simply rules to follow. They are pictures and indicators pointing to Jesus.
