The Bible is a complex and multifaceted text. It contains many references, allusions, and quotations. Among the many books within the Bible, the book of Deuteronomy stands out. This book is part of the Torah, or the Law of Moses. It holds significant weight in both Jewish and Christian traditions. Jesus, a central figure in Christianity, often referenced scripture in His teachings. Deuteronomy was one of the books He quoted frequently. This article explores how many times Jesus quoted Deuteronomy, examines the context of these quotes, and discusses their significance.
Jesus and the Old Testament
Jesus was well-versed in the Old Testament. As a Jewish teacher, He knew the scriptures intimately. The Old Testament was His primary source of teaching. Jesus used it to teach, to challenge, and to fulfill prophecy. The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—record numerous instances where Jesus referenced Old Testament scripture. Among these references, Deuteronomy is particularly prominent.
The Temptation of Jesus
One of the most well-known instances where Jesus quotes Deuteronomy is during His temptation in the wilderness. This event is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew (4:1-11) and Luke (4:1-13). After fasting for forty days and forty nights, Jesus was tempted by Satan. Each time Satan tempted Him, Jesus responded with scripture.
First Temptation
Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread. Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” This quote emphasizes reliance on God and His word over physical sustenance.
Second Temptation
Satan then tempted Jesus to throw Himself off the pinnacle of the temple, suggesting that angels would protect Him. Jesus replied with Deuteronomy 6:16: “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Here, Jesus underscores the importance of not testing God.
Third Temptation
Finally, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Jesus answered with Deuteronomy 6:13: “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” This response highlights exclusive devotion to God.
In these three temptations, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy three times. Each quote demonstrates His deep understanding of scripture and its application in resisting temptation.
See Also: What Is the Role of the Serpent in Genesis?
Jesus’ Teachings and Parables
Jesus often quoted scripture in His teachings and parables. Deuteronomy, as part of the Torah, frequently featured in His lessons.
The Greatest Commandment
In Matthew 22:37-40, a Pharisee asked Jesus which commandment in the Law is the greatest. Jesus replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is a direct quote from Deuteronomy 6:5. Jesus continued, “This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The first part of Jesus’ response is a direct quote from Deuteronomy, showing its foundational importance in His teaching.
The Law and Prophets
In Matthew 5:17-18, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” While this is not a direct quote, it reflects the spirit of Deuteronomy and the Mosaic Law. Jesus’ affirmation of the Law underscores its enduring relevance.
Swearing Oaths
In Matthew 5:33-37, Jesus addressed the issue of oaths. He said, “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’” This teaching aligns with Deuteronomy 23:21-23, which emphasizes the importance of keeping one’s vows to God.
Justice and Mercy
In Matthew 23:23, Jesus criticized the Pharisees for neglecting the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” This teaching resonates with Deuteronomy 10:12-13, which emphasizes justice, love, and obedience to God.
In these teachings, Jesus either directly quotes or alludes to Deuteronomy. These references illustrate the central role Deuteronomy played in His understanding and interpretation of the Law.
Jesus and the Pharisees
Jesus often engaged in debates with the Pharisees, the religious leaders of His time. In these encounters, He frequently referenced Deuteronomy.
Divorce
In Matthew 19:3-9, the Pharisees asked Jesus about the lawfulness of divorce. Jesus responded by quoting Genesis but also referenced the Mosaic Law. He said, “Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.” While not a direct quote from Deuteronomy, this discussion reflects Deuteronomy 24:1-4, which addresses the issue of divorce. Jesus’ response indicates His deep understanding of the Mosaic Law and its application.
Great Commandment Debate
In Mark 12:28-34, a scribe asked Jesus which commandment is the most important. Jesus replied, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’” This is a direct quote from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. Jesus’ use of this quote underscores its foundational importance in Jewish faith and practice.
Honoring Parents
In Mark 7:9-13, Jesus criticized the Pharisees for allowing traditions to nullify the commandments of God. He said, “For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’” While the initial quote is from Exodus 20:12, the concept is reinforced in Deuteronomy 5:16 and 27:16. Jesus’ reference to these commandments highlights their continued relevance and importance.
These interactions with the Pharisees show how Jesus used Deuteronomy to challenge and clarify the understanding of the Law among the religious leaders.
Jesus and Prophecy Fulfillment
Jesus’ mission was to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament. Deuteronomy contains several messianic prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.
Prophet Like Moses
In Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Moses spoke of a prophet like himself who would arise from among the Israelites. Christians believe this prophecy points to Jesus. In Acts 3:22 and 7:37, the apostles Peter and Stephen explicitly identify Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy. While Jesus Himself does not directly quote this passage, His life and ministry fulfill its promise.
Curses and Blessings
Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. Jesus’ teachings often mirrored these themes. In Matthew 5:3-12, the Beatitudes, Jesus speaks of the blessings for those who are poor in spirit, mourn, and hunger for righteousness. These blessings reflect the promises found in Deuteronomy. Additionally, Jesus’ warnings of judgment and His pronouncements of woes (Matthew 23) parallel the curses found in Deuteronomy 28.
Loving God
Deuteronomy 6:5 commands to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and might. Jesus reiterated this commandment as the greatest one. His life and ministry exemplified perfect love and obedience to God, fulfilling the heart of Deuteronomy’s message.
Jesus’ fulfillment of Deuteronomy’s prophecies and themes underscores His role as the promised Messiah and the perfect adherent to the Law.
Conclusion
Jesus quoted Deuteronomy multiple times throughout His ministry. He used its teachings to resist temptation, instruct His followers, engage with religious leaders, and fulfill prophecy. In the wilderness, He quoted Deuteronomy three times to counter Satan’s temptations. In His teachings, He referenced Deuteronomy to emphasize the greatest commandment, the importance of justice and mercy, and the integrity of vows. In debates with the Pharisees, He used Deuteronomy to challenge their interpretations and practices. Ultimately, Jesus’ life and ministry fulfilled the prophetic promises and teachings of Deuteronomy.
The exact number of times Jesus quoted Deuteronomy can be counted in specific instances recorded in the Gospels. However, the influence of Deuteronomy on Jesus’ teachings extends beyond these direct quotes. It shaped His understanding of the Law, His ethical teachings, and His fulfillment of messianic prophecy. Deuteronomy’s presence in Jesus’ ministry highlights its enduring significance and relevance in understanding His mission and message.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy was a vital part of Jesus’ scriptural foundation. His frequent quotations and allusions to it demonstrate its importance in His life and teachings. By examining these instances, we gain deeper insight into how Jesus understood and applied the Old Testament, and how He fulfilled its promises and prophecies.