Did Jesus live under the new covenant?

The New Testament begins with the books called the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and the accounts of the life of Jesus. Jesus was the Son of God and promise of the new covenant. But did Jesus live under the new covenant?

How Scripture answers "Did Jesus live under the new covenant?"

Jesus lived under^2,3 the Old Covenant, observing it through His life^4,5. He instructed others from the Old Covenant regarding nothing less than eternal life⁶! It was not until after Jesus’ death¹ that the New Covenant took effect.

Answer built on scripture-blocks below

1

Hebrews 9:15-17

Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.

What does it say?

Therefore, He [Jesus] is the mediator of a new covenant [or will, testament], in order for those that are called to inherit the promise of eternal life because a death occurred redeeming them from sins committed under the old covenant. For where a covenant is involved, the one making it must die for it to take effect. It is not in force when the maker of it is alive.

What is the context?

Hebrews is a letter encouraging Jewish Christians to “hold fast” because their faith in Christ is “better” than the Mosaic law they were under in numerous ways. At this point, the writer is contrasting the tabernacle, priesthood, and sacrifices in place under the Mosaic Law and replaced with Christ and the new covenant.

How does it apply here?

The new covenant didn’t come into existence until after Jesus’ death.

2 Luke 2:39-40

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

What does it say?

After fulfilling all of their duties according to the Law of Moses [while in Jerusalem], they returned home to Nazareth of Galilee. And the child [Jesus] grew stronger and filled with wisdom. And God’s favor was upon him.

What is the context?

The infant Jesus is being presented at the temple to observe what was written in the Law of Moses (vss 22-24). They encounter Simeon who was a devout Hebrew who had been promised that he would see “the consolation of Israel” (vs 25) before his death.

How does it apply here?

Joseph and Mary did all the things required for Jesus under the Law of Moses.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

He was circumcised on the eighth day (vs 21) and they went to go to Jerusalem for purification (vs 22) and sacrifice (vs 23).

6

Luke 10:25-28

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said to him, What is written in the Law? How do you read it? And he answered, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. And he said to him, You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.

What does it say?

A lawyer stood to test Jesus and asked him what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus in turn responded by asking him what was written and how he interpreted it. The lawyer answered by quoting two verses from the Law. The first was from Deuteronomy and said that one should love God with all his heart. The second was from Leviticus and said that one should love his neighbor as himself. Jesus said he answered correctly and that if he practiced them he would live.

What is the context?

Jesus is in the midst of His public ministry, teaching the people while gaining notoriety. The lawyer quoted two passages in the Law (from

and

How does it apply here?

Jesus was asked about how the Old Law instructed about gaining eternal life (and never bothered to correct the Lawyer regarding a current ‘New Covenant’ system).

end of scripture-blocks; go back to the answer

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Did Jesus live under the new covenant?

How Scripture answers "Did Jesus live under the new covenant?"

Hebrews 9:15-17

What does it say?

What is the context?

Luke 2:39-40

What does it say?

What is the context?

Galatians 4:4-5

What does it say?

What is the context?

John 2:13

What does it say?

What is the context?

Luke 22:7-8

What does it say?

What is the context?

Luke 10:25-28

What does it say?

What is the context?

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