"It is difficult to overemphasize the importance of the function of the OT in the Gospel. It is readily apparent that he Jewish Scriptures were foundational to many of Jesus' teachings and probably to his self-understanding as well. Specific OT passages and themes lie behind many of the parables and often lie at the center of debate between Jesus and his opponents. The relationship of Jesus to the OT was not lost on the Evangelists. They sought in various ways to show how Jesus understood scripture, fulfilled Scripture and was clarified by Scripture. In fact there is no significant idea developed in the Gospels that does not in some way reflect or depend on the OT.
In Jesus and the Gospels the OT has three principal functions: (1) legal, (2) prophetic, (3) analogical. Legal interpretation has to do with determining what is required for the one that has faith in God. Prophetic interpretation has to do with what has been fulfilled in Jesus advent and what is expected to be fulfilled in the future. Analogical interpretation has to do with comparisons. Typology is a familiar form of analogical interpretation. " -The Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels
According to Richard Hayes the NT use of OT scripture is informed by more than a purely grammatical/historical (what was the original meaning of the original author) function. In other words, these NT writers saw that behind the original author’s usage was allusion and typology that pointed to a larger story. The Gospel writers believe that the OT scripture was part of a larger on-going story of the Bible and with the coming of Jesus the new chapter brought fresh meaning and insight to the original OT texts.
For various articles and books written on this subject see:
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