What the New Covenant Means for Us: How Jesus Changes Everything
An Easy-to-Understand Look at How the Bible Describes God’s Relationship with His People
In the New Testament, the word “covenant” doesn’t always show up directly, but it’s everywhere when we look at how the Bible talks about our relationship with God. Instead of only using the word “covenant,” the writers describe this relationship using powerful images. The most important one is the “Kingdom of God,” which was the main thing Jesus preached about. This Kingdom includes all who follow Him, and the Bible also calls them things like God’s temple, Christ’s body, the city of God, and God’s family. These are all different ways of saying, “You belong to God now.”
Just like in the Old Testament where God said, “I will be their God, and they will be my people,” the New Testament writers say that this still applies—but now through Jesus (see Hebrews 11:16, 1 Peter 2:10, Revelation 21:3).
Jesus Fulfills the Old Covenant
In the Gospels, we read about Jesus as the “One” that God had promised long ago. Sometimes the writers quote Old Testament prophecies to show that Jesus is the one they were talking about. Other times, they just tell the story, and it’s clear that Jesus is the one who fulfills all of God’s promises.
Jesus teaches about what God wants, just like Moses did in the Old Testament. When someone asked Him about the greatest commandment, Jesus repeated Moses’ words: Love God with all your heart, and love others like yourself (Mark 12:30–31). This is what the covenant is all about—loving God and staying loyal to each other as His people.
A New Covenant Through Jesus
Jesus didn’t just teach, He gave His life. The Gospels show that His death and resurrection brought the old covenant to completion and started a new one. The night before He died, Jesus shared a meal with His disciples. This is where He said, “This is my blood of the new covenant” (Matthew 26:26–29). Today, when we take Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist), we’re remembering what Jesus did and recommitting ourselves to live in this covenant relationship with Him (1 Corinthians 5:7).
Jesus Is the Covenant
Jesus didn’t just bring the covenant, He is the covenant. The New Testament says He’s:
· The Servant (Philippians 2:7)
· The Lord (Philippians 2:11)
· The Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20–21)
· The Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14)
· The Sacrifice and Meal (1 Corinthians 5:7; John 6:48–54)
· The Garment we “put on” (Galatians 3:27)
· Our Peace, Righteousness, and Sign from God (Ephesians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Luke 2:34)
Jesus is everything the old covenant pointed to, and everything we need to live in relationship with God.
What Should Our Response Be?
So, what do we do with all this? We worship. Just like the people of Israel had festivals and offerings to thank God, the church today celebrates Jesus through worship, especially in the Communion or the Eucharist (which literally means “thanksgiving”). The Bible says the reason we were saved and formed into a people is so that we can “declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).
Even in the Old Testament, Isaiah said that God’s goodness would make “righteousness and praise spring up before all nations” (Isaiah 61:11). And on the day the church was born (Pentecost), the first thing the disciples did was praise God out loud (Acts 2:11).
Jesus once told a Samaritan woman that God is looking for people who will worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23). That’s still true today.
Final Thought
You are part of something much bigger than yourself. If you believe in Jesus, you’re part of a new covenant—a new way of living, loving, and worshiping. God didn’t just make promises to ancient people. He made them to you too. And in Jesus, every one of those promises comes true.
Study Guide
Main Idea
The New Testament shows us that Jesus fulfills the old covenant and creates a new one—a new relationship between God and His people. This covenant is built on love, sacrifice, and worship. Through Jesus, we are now part of God’s family, His kingdom, and His church.
Key Points to Remember
1. Jesus Taught the Kingdom of God
· Jesus’ main message was about the Kingdom of God. This means God’s rule in the lives of those who follow Him.
2. New Covenant = New Identity
· The church (that’s all believers in Jesus) is called:
§ God’s temple (Ephesians 2:21; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17)
§ Christ’s body (Romans 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27)
§ The city of God (Matthew 5:14)
§ God’s family (1 Peter 2:10)
3. Jesus Fulfilled the Old Covenant
· Like Moses gave the law, Jesus taught the greatest commandments: love God and love others (Mark 12:30–31).
· Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfilled the old covenant and started something new.
4. The Lord’s Supper is the New Covenant Meal
· Communion (also called the Eucharist) reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice and our relationship with Him (1 Corinthians 5:7; Matthew 26:26–29).
5. Jesus Is the Covenant
· Jesus isn’t just the messenger—He is the new covenant.
· He is the Servant, the Lord, the Shepherd, the Sacrifice, the Word, the Peace, and the Righteousness (John 1:14; Philippians 2:7–11).
6. Worship Is Our Response
· Just like Israel worshiped through festivals, the church worships Jesus through praise and thanksgiving (1 Peter 2:9–10).
· God is seeking people who worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23).
Key Scriptures Referenced
· Ephesians 2:21–22 – The church as God’s temple
· 1 Peter 2:9–10 – We are a royal priesthood meant to praise God
· Matthew 26:26–29 – The Last Supper as the new covenant meal
· Mark 12:30–31 – Love God, love others
· Acts 2:11 – The early church praised God publicly
· John 4:23 – God seeks true worshipers
· Galatians 3:27 – We “put on” Christ like a garment
· Philippians 2:7–11 – Jesus as Servant and Lord
· 1 Corinthians 1:30 – Jesus is our righteousness
· Revelation 21:3 – God dwells with His people
Discussion Questions
1. What do you think it means that Jesus fulfilled the old covenant?
2. Why do you think God uses different images (temple, body, family) to describe the church?
3. How does Communion help you remember and live out your relationship with Jesus?
4. In what ways can worship show your loyalty to God?
5. How can you live as part of God’s kingdom today?
Reflection Activity
Take 15 minutes to quietly read Mark 12:30–31 and 1 Peter 2:9. Then ask yourself:
· “How can I love God with my whole life this week?”
· “How can I show others the light of Jesus through my actions?”
Write down two practical ways you’ll live out this covenant relationship with Jesus. Example: “I will spend 10 minutes each morning praying” or “I’ll encourage a friend who’s having a hard time.