In the gospel of Mark, we see an action-packed account of Jesus’ life and ministry. We hear called the Son of God. We also see him set the example as a servant, laying his life down as a ransom for many. In Mark, Christ is revealed as our Servant Redeemer.

The gospel of Matthew opens the New Testament, giving us details of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Christ is revealed in this book as our Promised Messiah.

The Old Testament comes to a close with the minor prophets pointing ahead to the day of the Lord, when Christ will return to judge sin and to redeem all his own. Nothing and no one will escape this “great and awesome day.” For those who have resisted Christ, it will be a day of burning wrath. For those who know him, Christ will rise as our sun of righteousness.

All of the minor prophets share the same job description in warning people of coming judgment, and proclaiming the mercy of God that welcomes the repentant. Zephaniah preaches the day of the Lord more than any other prophet, yet also declares some of the most beautiful truths about God’s heart for his people. In the book of Zephaniah, Christ is revealed as our Saving Warrior.

The Minor Prophets give us a clearer picture of the Messiah and his role among the people of God. In Micah, Nahum, and Habakkuk, we see Christ revealed as our Shepherd-King.

The well-known story of Jonah is the story of a reluctant prophet who runs away from the Lord and his call. But sometimes lost in the story is the gracious God who runs after Jonah, and rescues him by his grace. The book of Jonah is a gospel story that reveals Christ as our Gracious Savior.

The prophets Joel, Amos, and Obadiah proclaim both the righteous judgment and unfailing mercy of the Lord. They call God's people to repentance, warn of the coming Day of the Lord, and point to the hope of restoration for all who return to Him. Though sin brings judgment, God's purpose is ultimately to redeem, renew, and restore his people. In these prophetic books, Christ is revealed as our Righteous Restorer.

The prophet Hosea was given a difficult assignment from the Lord. He was called to marry a woman who would be unfaithful to him. This would be a dramatic picture of the unfaithfulness of Israel in relationship to the Lord. But even more than his people’s unfaithfulness, we see the faithful covenant love of God. In Hosea, Christ is revealed as our Redeeming Husband.

The book of Daniel is full of visions from God about future events. Before any of those is a dream God gives the king of Babylon that reveals Christ as our Kingdom Conquerer.

The book of Ezekiel shares the visions God gave this prophet during Israel’s exile in Babylon. There is hope ahead as the Lord promises to send a leader who would guide his people. Christ is seen in Ezekiel as our Good Shepherd.