Why the Old Testament?

Last week we finished studying the Old Testament in the Chronological School of Biblical Studies (CSBS.)  Emily Yoder taught on Malachi and at the end of her lecture she posed a question to our students:  Why the Old Testament?  Why is it important to study it?  Why did God take so long to bring about his plan of redemption through Jesus?  Why the Law?  ... Basically, why the Old Testament?

I could write my answer to the question... but instead, I'd like to share some of the things that our students shared.  I only copied their words into my journal.  This makes my heart happy.  And, while we've seen Jesus throughout the Old Testament, I feel this anticipation and excitement for the students to study the New Testament (now that they have studied the Old) and meet Jesus in a whole new way.

P.S.  Click on the image to zoom in!  :)