Why Cross References?

Cross references are one of the best ways to discover what the Bible teaches. They help us to compare Scripture with Scripture in various ways:

Parallel and similar passages

In Mark 4 we read about the Parable of the Sower, and we can see that the same parable is also found in Matthew 13 and Luke 8.
Ephesians 5:16 speaks about redeeming the time, which is also spoken of in Colossians 4:5.

Quotations and allusions

Hebrews 7's beautiful teaching on Melchisedek, which is drawn from Genesis 14 and Psalm 110.
Jesus' warning "Remember Lot's wife" in Luke 17:32, which refers to what happened in Genesis 19.

Tracing Themes

John 1:29 "Behold the Lamb of God", which is a rich image found in Old Testament passages like:
- Genesis 22:7-8,
- Exodus 12:3-13,
- Isaiah 53:7.
In Mark 2:10 Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of Man, identifying Himself as the Son of Man in Daniel 7:13-14.

Supporting Verses

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world..."
- Romans 5:8
  "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
- 1 John 4:10
  "And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins."

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