Four Ways Jesus is Revealed in the Old Testament
The Old Testament points to Jesus in clear ways. God planned to send His Son from the beginning. Scripture shows this through prophecy, types, divine appearances, and themes.
Direct Prophecy
God spoke through prophets about the coming Messiah. These prophecies tell us who Jesus would be and what He would do.
The Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14) Isaiah said a virgin would have a son called Immanuel. This means "God with us." Matthew 1:23 shows this happened when Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) Micah said the ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem. This small town would produce someone who existed from ancient times. Jesus was born there, just as God promised.
The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53) Isaiah wrote about a servant who would suffer for others' sins. He would be pierced, crushed, and killed. Yet through His death, many would be made right with God. This chapter describes Jesus' death on the cross.
Typology
Types are people, events, or things that point ahead to Christ. They show us what Jesus would be like or what He would do.
Adam as the First Man Adam represents all people. His sin brought death to everyone. Jesus is the "last Adam" who brings life. Where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded. Romans 5:12-21 explains this connection.
The Passover Lamb God told Israel to kill a perfect lamb and put its blood on their doors. This saved them from death. Jesus is our Passover Lamb. His blood saves us from God's judgment. John 1:29 calls Him "the Lamb of God."
The Bronze Serpent When snakes bit the Israelites, God told Moses to make a bronze snake on a pole. Those who looked at it lived. Jesus said He would be lifted up like that serpent. Looking to Him in faith brings eternal life (John 3:14-15).
Divine Appearances
Jesus appeared in the Old Testament before His birth. These visits show He has always been God's Son.
The Angel of the Lord to Hagar This angel spoke as God and received worship. He found Hagar in the desert and promised to bless her son. Only God can make such promises. This was likely Jesus appearing before His birth (Genesis 16:7-13).
Wrestling with Jacob A man wrestled with Jacob all night. Jacob said he saw God face to face. This man blessed Jacob and changed his name to Israel. Jesus often appeared as a man in the Old Testament (Genesis 32:22-32).
The Fourth Man in the Fire King Nebuchadnezzar saw four men in the fiery furnace. The fourth looked "like a son of the gods." This divine person protected God's people from harm. Many believe this was Jesus appearing to save His faithful servants (Daniel 3:25).
Thematic Anticipation
The Old Testament creates expectations that only Jesus can fulfill. These themes run through Scripture and point to our need for Christ.
The Need for a Perfect Sacrifice Animal sacrifices could never fully pay for sin. They had to be repeated over and over. Hebrews 10:4 says bull and goat blood cannot take away sins. These sacrifices showed the need for a perfect offering. Jesus gave Himself once for all.
The Promise of a New Covenant God promised to make a new agreement with His people. He would write His law on their hearts and forgive their sins completely. Jeremiah 31:31-34 describes this new covenant. Jesus established it through His death and resurrection.
The Coming Kingdom God promised to send a king from David's family. This king would rule forever and bring peace to the world. The Old Testament creates a longing for this perfect ruler. Jesus is that promised King who will return to establish His kingdom on earth.
Jesus Confirms This Reality
Jesus Himself taught that the Old Testament was about Him. He showed His followers how Scripture pointed to His coming.
On the Road to Emmaus After His resurrection, Jesus walked with two disciples. He explained how Moses and the prophets spoke about Him. Luke 24:27 says He showed them what the Scriptures said about Christ. Jesus made it clear that the Old Testament was His story.
Speaking to the Pharisees Jesus told the religious leaders that Scripture testified about Him. In John 5:39, He said they searched the Scriptures but missed their main point. The Bible's purpose was to point people to Christ for eternal life.
Teaching His Disciples Before He went to heaven, Jesus opened His disciples' minds to understand Scripture. Luke 24:44-45 shows He explained how the Law, Prophets, and Psalms spoke about Him. Everything written had to be fulfilled through His death and resurrection.
Conclusion
The Old Testament prepares us for Jesus in many ways. Prophecies tell us exactly who He would be. Types show us pictures of His work. Divine appearances prove He has always existed. Themes create the need that only He can meet.
Jesus Himself confirmed this truth. He taught that all Scripture points to Him. God planned salvation from the beginning. Every part of the Old Testament reveals Christ. When we read these ancient words, we see Jesus on every page. The whole Bible tells one story – God's plan to save His people through His Son.