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The Old Testament gives us the history of Christianity. It shows how Israel kept "back-sliding" and worshipping other gods despite what God had done for them. The OT explains why mankind was in need of a Saviour.
It would've been easier for the Father to just scrap mankind, and start all over again. Instead, He sent His Son Jesus (to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins).
Jesus' instructions came from the Father. Jesus wasn't teaching anything that deviates from what the Father wanted Him to do.
Jesus is the model for obedience - therefore, He wouldn't be teaching us something that goes against the Father.
Don't forget that Jesus had emphasized the first Commandment is the most important of all Commandments.
Matthew 22
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
The Father is a loving God, even in the Old Testament. There were reasons why God had punished people in the Old Testament.
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/467-old-testament-events-and-the-goodness-of-god
Actually, I thing the first is the least important commandment.