I. Contrasts: Human Failure vs. Christ's Fulfillment

In these parallels, human actions lead to death and separation, while Christ's actions bring life and reconciliation.

1. Adam's Failure to Cover vs. Christ's Covering Righteousness

· Human Failure: After the Fall, Adam failed in his priestly role to adequately cover his wife, Eve, and instead participated in the sin that brought death into the world (Genesis 3).

· Christ's Fulfillment: Jesus, the "last Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45), died on the cross to cover the sin of His bride, the Church, with His own righteousness. "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered" (Psalm 32:1).

2. Moses' Disobedience vs. Jesus' Obedience

· Human Failure: Moses dishonored God by striking the rock in anger when he was commanded only to speak to it (Numbers 20:7-12). This act prevented him from entering the Promised Land.

· Christ's Fulfillment: Jesus, the true Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4), was struck once on the cross. His pierced side (John 19:34) brought forth the living water of salvation, and now we need only to speak to Him in faith to receive grace.

3. Jephthah's Rash Vow vs. Christ's Sacrificial Love

· Human Failure: Jephthah made a foolish vow that cost his daughter her life (Judges 11:30-39). His story is one of tragic, human-initiated sacrifice.

· Christ's Fulfillment: Jesus, confronting the adulterous woman, extended grace and forgiveness, stating, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more" (John 8:11). He absorbed the punishment Himself to give life.

4. Eli's Failed Priesthood vs. Christ's Eternal Priesthood

· Human Failure: High Priest Eli dishonored God by failing to restrain his wicked sons, who blasphemed the tabernacle (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25). His lineage was cut off from the priesthood, and his death upon hearing the Ark was captured signaled the loss of God's glory (1 Samuel 4:18).

· Christ's Fulfillment: While Eli's story ends in death and judgment, Jesus Christ embodies a perfect and eternal priesthood, faithfully interceding for His people.

5. Saul's Incomplete Obedience vs. Christ's Complete Victory

· Human Failure: King Saul dishonored God by sparing Agag, the king of the Amalekites, when commanded to destroy them completely (1 Samuel 15).

· Christ's Fulfillment: Jesus accepted the task of utterly defeating sin, death, and Satan, God's ultimate enemies, so that we could have eternal life (Colossians 2:15).

6. Elijah's Judgment vs. Jesus' Patience

· Human Failure: The prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume his enemies (2 Kings 1:10-12), demonstrating God's power in judgment.

· Christ's Fulfillment: When a Samaritan village rejected Him, Jesus rebuked His disciples for wanting to call down fire, saying, "the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them" (Luke 9:54-56).