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Why would a lack of knowledge of the Old Testament weaken our understanding of the New Testament?
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Not fully understanding the Old Testament dulls our understanding of core concepts of Christian doctrine. Take for example the description of Jesus as our high priest in Hebrews. Without a proper understanding of the Old Testament and the significance of the High Priest in Jewish history, these chapters in Hebrews have less meaning to modern audiences. Jesus had a high view of the Old Testament, so should we.
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Because Jesus, who is the centre of our faith, tells us that the Old Testament completely points to himself. Thus, if we want to learn to love and obey the one who gave us the New Testament sealed in His blood, and if we want to heed the teachings of the apostles who came after Christ recorded in the New Testament, we must know the Old Testament scriptures well.
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Part of the wisdom from OT history points to the weakness and imperfection of humanity. We, in modern day or no better than those who’s stories live on through writings about and from the distant past. They failed in faith just as we often do. It’s important to understand GOD’s frustration but also faithful love as we fail as his children and beings of the world.
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Understanding God, begins with the Old Testimatet. While dismissing the Old Testament would leave us with half the story and likely many misconceptions about God.
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If we have a lack of the OT then we won’t understand the NT and the need for a savior. The OT points to Jesus.