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Can Jesus Be Found in the Old Testament?
Crossings Family!
I wanted to piggyback off of last week’s article about God in the Old Testament being mean and vindictive and talk about how we can see Jesus all through the Old Testament. To be sure, Jesus is NOT just a New Testament “character”! People have asked me before, “Was Jesus really present before His birth in Bethlehem, or is He just a New Testament figure?”
For many, it can seem like the Old Testament is one book and the New Testament is another, with little connection between the story of Israel and the ministry of Christ. But if we look closer, we’ll see that Jesus is woven through every page of Scripture. In fact, He Himself told His disciples, “Everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44).
Let’s step back and see how the Old Testament is not a collection of unrelated stories, but rather God’s unfolding plan to rescue the world through His promised Redeemer. From the very first chapters, we see Jesus:
In genesis chapter 1 verse 26 it says, “Then God said: Let US make man in OUR image and OUR likeness” (Emphasis mine). This is a clear reference to the Trinity (God the Father, Jesus & The Holy Spirit)
After Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden, God promises one who will crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). That “offspring” points directly to Jesus and the victory he would win on the cross. As the story continues, God calls Abraham, promising that through his descendants, all nations will be blessed (Genesis 12:3). This was in reference to the fact that Jesus would come directly from Abraham’s lineage. Paul later explains that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this promise (Galatians 3:16).
When Israel was enslaved in Egypt, God provided freedom through the Passover Lamb. The blood covering their doorposts became a symbol of the yet to come Christ! This symbol was fulfilled perfectly in Christ, our Passover Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (1 Corinthians 5:7).
Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people longed for someone to rescue them, a prophet greater than Moses, a priest who could truly bring forgiveness, a King from David’s line whose reign would be perfect and eternal. The Psalms, Isaiah’s Servant Songs, the prophecies of Ezekiel and Zechariah, all point ahead to Jesus the Messiah who would suffer, serve, and save.
When Jesus walked with the disciples after His resurrection, He opened their minds to understand how all of Scripture spoke of Him (Luke 24:27). The road to Emmaus is a beautiful reminder that none of God’s Word is wasted or accidental. Every sacrifice, festival, and promise was preparing the way for the Savior of the world.
What does this mean for us? First, it’s a reminder that our faith is rooted in the faithfulness of God across centuries. Jesus didn’t appear out of nowhere. The Old Testament builds our confidence in His identity and mission. Secondly, it means we read the Old Testament not just as rules or history, but as a story of hope and expectation that finds its fulfillment in Jesus.
If you’ve ever wondered how to find Jesus in “hard” or obscure parts of Scripture, don’t be discouraged. Ask the Lord for understanding and remember: Jesus is the Hero, from beginning to end. Whether through direct prophecies (like Isaiah 53’s suffering servant), types and foreshadowings (like Joseph, David, or the sacrificial lambs), or God’s unchanging character, every page whispers His name.
Church family, as we dig into the Word together, let’s commit to seeing the beauty and unity of God’s story, one that stretches from Eden to eternity, all pointing to Christ. Let’s encourage each other to treasure the Scriptures, find Jesus in every chapter, and share this good news with a world still waiting to see the Savior.
Pastor Justin |
