New, Messianic Covenant explores how the Messiah is the goal at which God’s covenants aim. Through the new covenant, Messiah Yeshua becomes the one, eternal mediator between God and humanity.
Expectation of the Messiah
The historical background of the New Testament is one of expectation: of a promised Messiah, bringing national deliverance.
Revelation of the Messiah
The Messiah Yeshua is the goal at which the biblical covenants aim. The New Testament gospels establishes Yeshua’s identity, significance and vocation, as the Jewish Messiah.
Vocation of the Messiah (A)
The vocation of the Messiah is rooted in the roles of Israel’s prophets, priests and kings.
Vocation of the Messiah (B)
God promises to raise up a descendant of David to govern his covenant community — eternally.
Eternal mediation of the Messiah
As prophet, king and high priest Yeshua forms the centre of an emerging new covenant community and mediator of an eternal covenant.
Biblical panorama
Figure 4, Messiah Yeshua and New Covenant updates the biblical panorama being constructed by this module. It points towards the Messiah and his mission as the true purpose and goal of Israel’s covenantal history, as the Messiah fulfils covenant promises given to Abraham, Israel and David:
The New Testament reveals how the Messiah exceeds the greatness of the Jewish Patriarchs Abraham, Moses and David. The writer of Hebrews declares that Yeshua deserves more honour than Moses. He reveals how the Messiah is greater even than Abraham, Father of the Jewish nation by comparing the Messiah to *Malki-Tzedek, priest of El ‘Elyon*. Malki-Tzedek receives a tithe from Abraham and blesses him. According to scripture, *the greater blesses the lesser*. Thus *Malki-Tzedek* is greater than Abraham. Hence, the Messiah is greater than Abraham — and guarantor of a better covenant.
Further reflection
Use these Reflective Questions — together with unexplored Scripture readings from Topic Footnotes — to reflect further on this Study — either with others in a discussion group, or by journalling your personal thoughts and reflections. Consider sharing the Study with a friend or colleague.
Reflective Questions
Why was there a need for a new covenant?
How is the new covenant related to the former covenants?
How is Yeshua greater than each of the Jewish Patriarchs?
