For Catholics, recognising these connections can deepen their understanding of Scripture and the continuity of God's revelation.
This article explores how Jesus is foreshadowed and revealed in the Old Testament, highlighting key figures, prophecies, and events that point to the Messiah.
The Promise of a Redeemer
From the very beginning of the Old Testament, there are hints of a coming Redeemer. In Genesis 3:15, after the fall of Adam and Eve, God promises a saviour who will crush the serpent's head.
This verse, known as the Protoevangelium or "first gospel," is seen by Christians as the first prophecy of Christ’s victory over sin and Satan.
Here, we see the initial promise of a Messiah who would restore the broken relationship between God and humanity.
Typology: Prefigurations of Christ
Typology is a method of interpreting the Bible in which an element found in the Old Testament is seen to prefigure one found in the New Testament. Through typology, we can see how many Old Testament figures and events serve as foreshadowings of Jesus.
Adam and Christ
Saint Paul, in his letters, often draws parallels between Adam and Jesus. In Romans 5:14, Paul describes Adam as "a type of the one who was to come." While Adam's disobedience brought sin and death into the world, Christ’s obedience brought redemption and life. Thus, Jesus is often referred to as the "second Adam," signifying a new beginning for humanity.
Abraham and Isaac
The story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 is another powerful typological foreshadowing of Christ. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, which Abraham obediently prepares to do. However, God intervenes and provides a ram as a substitute.
This act prefigures God’s own willingness to sacrifice His only Son, Jesus, for the salvation of humanity. Isaac carrying the wood for the sacrifice up Mount Moriah parallels Jesus carrying the cross to Calvary.
Joseph
Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also prefigures Jesus in several ways. Sold by his brothers and thought to be dead, Joseph rises to a position of great power in Egypt and ultimately saves his family from famine. Similarly, Jesus was betrayed, suffered, and through His resurrection, brings salvation to all. Joseph’s forgiveness and reconciliation with his brothers mirror Christ’s forgiveness and reconciliation offered to humanity.
Messianic Prophecies
The Old Testament is rich with prophecies that point directly to Jesus as the Messiah. These prophecies are found throughout various books and provide specific details about His life, mission, and death.
The Suffering Servant
One of the most striking Messianic prophecies is found in Isaiah 53, which describes the "Suffering Servant." This passage speaks of one who will bear our infirmities and be pierced for our transgressions.
The vivid depiction of suffering and sacrifice closely aligns with the passion of Christ. Christians see this prophecy as a clear foretelling of Jesus’ crucifixion and the redemptive power of His suffering.
Born of a Virgin
In Isaiah 7:14, it is prophesied that a virgin will conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us). This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament with the virgin birth of Jesus to Mary, as recounted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Bethlehem as Birthplace
The prophet Micah foretells the birthplace of the Messiah in Micah 5:2, stating that out of Bethlehem will come one who will be ruler in Israel. This prophecy is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, as narrated in the Gospels.
The Line of David
The Old Testament frequently mentions that the Messiah will come from the line of David. In 2 Samuel 7:12-13, God promises David that his offspring will establish a kingdom that will endure forever. This promise is reiterated in the Psalms and the prophets.
The genealogies in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke trace Jesus’ lineage back to David, confirming His rightful place as the promised King.
Jesus in the Psalms
The Psalms, often considered the prayer book of the Bible, contain numerous references and foreshadowings of Jesus. Many Psalms, written by David, are seen as prophetic and Messianic.
Psalm 22
Psalm 22, in particular, stands out for its detailed depiction of suffering and anguish, mirroring the crucifixion of Jesus. It begins with the words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"—words Jesus Himself utters on the cross. The Psalm goes on to describe mockery, the piercing of hands and feet, and the casting of lots for clothing, all of which are fulfilled in the events of Jesus' crucifixion.
Psalm 110
Psalm 110 is another significant Psalm, often quoted in the New Testament. It begins with, "The LORD says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.'" This Psalm speaks of the Messiah's eternal priesthood and kingship, roles fulfilled by Jesus.
The Wisdom Literature
The Wisdom literature of the Old Testament, including books like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, also contains glimpses of Jesus and His teachings.
The Personification of Wisdom
In Proverbs 8, Wisdom is personified and described as being present with God during the creation of the world. This personification is seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who, according to the Gospel of John, was with God in the beginning and through whom all things were made.
The Suffering of the Righteous
The Book of Job, which explores the suffering of the righteous, can also be seen as prefiguring Christ. Job, an innocent man who endures immense suffering, reflects the experience of Jesus, the innocent Son of God who suffers for the sake of humanity.
Jesus in the Prophets
The prophetic books of the Old Testament are rich with imagery and messages that point to Jesus.
Ezekiel’s Good Shepherd
In Ezekiel 34, God condemns the unfaithful shepherds of Israel and promises to send a true shepherd to care for His flock. Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in the Gospel of John, fulfilling this prophecy by guiding and sacrificing Himself for His sheep.
Daniel’s Son of Man
The Book of Daniel contains visions of a figure called the "Son of Man," who is given everlasting dominion and glory. Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the Son of Man, linking Himself to this prophetic vision and highlighting His divine authority and mission.
The New Covenant
Jeremiah 31:31-34 speaks of a new covenant that God will make with His people, one that is written on their hearts rather than on stone tablets. This prophecy points to the establishment of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection bring about a new relationship between God and humanity. Jesus, at the Last Supper, explicitly connects His sacrifice with the New Covenant, fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy.
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Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament enriches our understanding of the Bible as a unified and coherent narrative of God's redemptive plan. The various figures, events, and prophecies of the Old Testament serve as a foundation and foreshadowing of the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
For Catholics, recognising these connections deepens our appreciation of the Scriptures and the continuity of God's revelation from the Old Testament to the New.
By studying the Old Testament with an eye for these prefigurations and prophecies, we can gain a fuller understanding of who Jesus is and the significance of His work.
This holistic approach to Scripture reinforces the Catholic teaching that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets, the long-awaited Messiah who brings salvation to the world.
As we continue to explore the Old Testament, let us do so with an openness to discovering the profound ways in which it reveals and prepares us for the coming of Christ.