Articles
JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT (Part I)
Introduction
“Is Jesus in the Old Testament?” The short answer is yes; however,
He is in the Old Testament in more ways than people think. There are three
main ways Old Testament reveals Jesus; prophecy, typology, and theophany.
Prophecy
The most significant Old Testament Christology material is in the
Messianic prophecies. While the number of messianic prophecies seems
subjective, a conservative estimate is north of 300 prophecies of Jesus. In 1
Peter 1:10-12, the apostle points out that men inspired by the Holy Spirit
longed to know more about Whom they wrote. There are two groups of
Messianic prophecy: Typical and Direct. A typical Messianic prophecy applies
initially in the Old Testament, with its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, while
Direct Messianic prophecy applies to Jesus and Him alone. An example of
the former is Psalm 41:9, which David wrote in response to the betrayal of
Ahithophel (2 Sm 15:12). Christ applied Psalm 41:9 to Judas’ betrayal (Jn
13:18). The book of Isaiah provides an example of direct Messianic prophecy
in Isaiah 7:14, where the prophet foretells of the virgin birth of Jesus.
This prophecy can only be attributed to Jesus. Genesis provides the very
first Messianic prophecy, forecasting the incarnation of Jesus and His victory
over Satan. “ I will put enmity between you and the woman and between
your offspring and her offspring [the seed is an attribute of men, with this
exception pointing to the virgin birth]; he shall bruise your head, and you
shall bruise his heel [in regards to the temporary ‘success’ of the crucifixion].”
