Christ in the OT (I)

Christ in the Old Testament
Lesson 1

Overview

Jesus Christ is the theme of redemptive history as recorded in Scripture. He is the focal point of the Bible upon whom our salvation hinges and by whom God is glorified. Obviously, Christ is the center of the New Testament revelation, but He also permeates the Old Testament revelation (Luke 24:25-27, 44-46; John 5:39; 8:58; Acts 10:43; 26:22, 23; 28:23; Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 1:10-12). Since Christ is the object of our worship and the essential subject of the entire Bible, our study, reading, meditation, and preaching must revolve around Christ Jesus and the center-piece of redemption, the cross.
Searching the Old Testament Scriptures for Christ does not mean that we disregard the historical significance of the message, nor are we to allegorize (spiritualize) God’s word so that Christ is forced unnaturally into the lesson. Rather, we naturally see Christ as the centerpiece of God’s purpose to glorify Himself as that purpose converges upon Christ.
Some helpful guides to better view Christ can include:
1. Prophecy: Genesis 3:15 (the seed of the woman); Isaiah 7:14 (Immanuel)
2. Types: Passover (Exodus 12); Tabernacle (Exodus 25:40)
3. Theophanies: The Angel of the Lord (Genesis 22:11; Exodus 3:2)
4. Symbols: Rock (1 Cor. 10:4); Jacob’s Ladder (Genesis 28:12)
5. Characters: Joseph, David, Melchizedek
6. Themes: Victory in battle, righteous reign, overruling of sin
An example of viewing Christ from the Old Testament:
In the reign of Jehoshaphat this week in my personal devotion from 2 Chronicles 17 I saw a picture of Christ’s rule. God established Jehoshaphat’s rule with riches and honor so that Judah brought gifts to him (v. 5). Jehoshaphat sent out princes and Levites to teach the people of Judah God’s word (vv. 7-9). Kingdoms came into subjection to him and served him (vv. 10, 11). He grew exceedingly great and built castles and cities (v. 12). Can you view similarities between Jehoshaphat’s reign and Christ’s? Certainly Christ’s rule greatly overshadows Jeshoshaphat’s, but Jesus’ rule is glorious (Luke 1:32). He too sent out princes (apostles and disciples) to establish His word (Matthew 28:18-20). Through His influence and power many bow to His regal authority. His rule will continue and all nations of the world will be overtaken by His greatness and power (Revelation 11:15).
Also, through Jehoshaphat’s failures we are made to appreciate Christ’s reign of true righteousness by way of contrast. Jehoshaphat allied himself with a wicked King, Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1), and experienced judgment because of his sin (2 Chronicles 19:2). In Christ we view only righteousness and a perfect reign (Hebrews 1:8).