The Bible starts with the same words as our reading: “In the beginning” (Gen. 1:1; John 1:1). God created a good universe to share with humans made “in the image of God” to represent him and rule (Gen. 1:26-28). It’s a lofty purpose, but humanity soon fell short (Gen. 3), beginning our need for the perfect, embodied image of God to enter creation (Heb. 1:3). But let’s not get ahead of the story. 

The Bible’s next chapter presents humanity thriving in a garden in God’s presence. But when a mysterious talking serpent appeared, twisting God’s words, the first humans brought sin and shame into God’s good world. They’re exiled from their beautiful, peaceful life with God. Yet there’s still hope, as God gave a promise. Someday, the offspring of the woman will crush the serpent’s head, but the serpent will strike him too (Gen. 3:15). For centuries, readers would have to ask, “Who’s the offspring of a woman who’ll deal that blow to the serpent?”

From there, things went from bad to worse as humanity spiraled out of control (Gen. 4-11). Then God chose one family, telling Abraham that through him and his offspring, “all the families of the earth” would “be blessed” (Gen. 12:3; 22:18). But again we wonder, who is this offspring of Abraham that’ll bless all people (Gal. 3:8, 16)? God tested Abraham’s faith in that promise when he shockingly told him to sacrifice his only son on an altar. But God stopped him and provided the offering. 

Abraham’s grandson, Israel, had twelve sons, all ending up in Egypt. The Egyptians enslaved their descendants until God called Moses. Through the sea and across the wilderness, Moses led them to freedom. At Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the law, detailing the need for sacrifices to deal with their sins. And when the people rebelled against God, Moses put himself between God and the people, pleading for mercy. 

Moses had a special role, bringing God’s law and liberty, but he didn’t lead them into the promised land. That was his successor, Joshua’s job. Yet before Moses died, he promised that someday God would raise up a prophet like him. 

God spoke to Israel through many other prophets, often looking beyond whatever current crisis they faced to a new dawn that would come under a Messiah or Christ — God’s anointed king. God promised King David his offspring would reign forever (2 Sam. 7:12-16). The Jews spent centuries meditating on these mysterious promises. How could the Messiah be God, but also a child (Isaiah 9:6-7)? How will people of all different nations and languages become part of his kingdom (Dan. 7:13-14)? If he’ll reign forever, how is he pierced in his hands and feet, and why must he die for our failures (Ps. 22:16; Isa. 53:5, 10-12)?

Into this swirl of questions and expectations, Jesus was born. The first four books of the New Testament tell his life’s story. He taught a new way on a mountain — not abolishing the law Moses gave but fulfilling it (Matt. 5:1,17). Unlike Abraham’s son, God’s only son was not spared. He was the sacrifice God provided for our sins. He arose from the dead and ascended to reign at God’s right hand, mediating for us like Moses did for God’s people — the king and priest forever, as David predicted centuries earlier (Ps. 110:1, 4). 

Then Jesus sent the Spirit to guide us, revealing his way and helping us become more like him, the perfect image of God. The book of Acts tells how Jesus continued working through his Spirit and the Christians carrying his message. They told people the good news that the kingdom of God is here, and with it, a victory at last over sin and death.

And though the Bible was completed 2,000 years ago, Jesus’ story continues as we live for him today. He still reigns and works in the world. As we come to him in faith and obedience, we can receive the gift of his Spirit, follow him as our king, and tell others about this good news. Until someday, the king returns to make everything new and right and beautiful. That’s the point of this big book!