In Luke 24:44–47, Jesus shows how the entire Old Testament was preparing the way for Him—and that His death and resurrection were the key to fulfilling God’s plan to save the world. 

“Then he said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”

So beautiful, right?! That means every chapter of the Bible and every verse point toward Jesus. He is in all of Scripture, and one of the gifts of our time is that we get to discover it’s unfolding!

This reflection is a chance to do just that.

Grab your copy of this reflection PDF, print it out (or read along on your device), and let it surprise you. 

The first page is just for you to reflect. Read the verse a few times and consider what images or phrases stand out. What do they stir in your heart? What might the Holy Spirit be trying to show you about Jesus through this poetic, mysterious moment in Scripture?

As you move into the rest of the reflection, don’t feel pressured to study every passage or answer every question. Just follow what draws your attention. Choose one verse, one phrase, or one prompt that speaks to you, and let it lead you deeper.

Open your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your heart and imagination.

Jesus is there—coming up from the wilderness, like a column of smoke—ready to meet you in the pages of His Word.

Then, when you’re ready, the second page has some reference verses for you to pray through, study, journal about, or simply sit with.

As you follow the branches of this single verse—into the wilderness, through the smoke, and into the perfume of ancient worship—you’ll begin to see just how richly Scripture weaves together the story of salvation.

You don’t need to study every reference here. Just notice what stands out. Choose one verse or reflection question that stirs something in your heart. Open your Bible. Sit with it. Let the Holy Spirit guide your imagination and prayer.