I believe that it is appropriate for those of us who claim to be Christians to ask ourselves; if I am a follower of Christ, do I believe what Jesus believes?  What did He say that would give us clues to what He believes?

When Satan tempted Christ, he (Satan) said;  If (since) you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.  Jesus answered; It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:3&4). The Lord was quoting the Old Testament Scripture. Well over thirty-five hundred times the Old Testament claims to be the Word of God.  

The Old Testament is inextricably woven into what Christ taught.  From Matthew chapter five alone, there are at least forty-three Old Testament passages referenced in His teaching.

One should always consider what Christ has to say about  Scripture.  Many Old Testament accounts that are often pronounced symbolic are actually referred to by the Lord as historical accounts.  Creation, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the Flood with Noah and the Ark, and the account of Jonah being swallowed by a great fish are accounts that are often spiritualized and treated as symbolic, but these are accounts that the Lord Jesus acknowledged as historical events.  It is a curious thing that the words of our Saviour can be so readily overlooked or dismissed, considering that He is God and that God cannot lie.

What did Jesus say about Himself?  Jesus told the Pharisees; Before Abraham was, I am.  The Pharisees understood Jesus’ claim to be God and  because they did not believe Him, they accused Him of blasphemy and took up stones to stone Him.  

Jesus speaking: And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.  And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.  And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. John 5:37-40

Do you believe what Messiah Jesus believes?

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up it’s life) in you richly…