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There's something to be said about a good backstory. Chock full of details and history, a good back story can prepare an audience to gobble up the climax. You follow a character or a people through highs and lows, recognizing their strengths and faults, their joys and sorrows, and especially their problems.
Paul is a master of the craft of the backstory. Given the opportunity to speak in the synagogue in Antioch, Paul reminds the Jews of their history. He journeys with them through the story of God's faithfulness to His chosen people and reminded them of the promise that God made to bring to Israel a savior. This is the story that every Jew knew deeply. It was ingrained into their very identity. Their very hearts yearned for this promised Messiah.
Paul spoke to the deepest parts of their hearts as he told them this story. He had them on the edge of their seats, right where he wanted them. And then he told them the fulfillment of this story.
God wrote this story over the course of our entire history. All the events and stories of the Old Testament were to create the foundation upon which Jesus would stand. Salvation through Jesus Christ makes the most sense when we understand the entire history of Israel.
That being said, Jesus came not just to save the world, but to save YOU. You were created to live as the beloved son or daughter of a Father that is ridiculously in love with you. Whether we recognize it or not, there's a deep longing in our hearts for the infinite God and only the infinite God can satisfy that longing. What's the backstory of your own heart?
This much I know: God created you for a personal relationship with Him, but because of the sin of humanity and your own personal sin that relationship was broken. God wasn't satisfied with that though, so He sent His only Son to take on flesh, share life with you, and ultimately to suffer and die to redeem you from your sin. In His glorious Resurrection He offers you abundant life. He no longer calls you slave but friend.
I don't know your wounds. I don't know your passions. I don't know your whole story. But this is true.
Jesus says to you, "whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."
-Amanda Nobis, Director of Evangelization