For many new believers, the Old Testament can feel mysterious or even overwhelming. It’s full of genealogies, laws, poetry, prophets, and ancient stories—beautiful, but sometimes hard to understand. Yet Jesus Himself made a remarkable claim: the entire Old Testament points to Him. But it can be difficult to see Jesus in the Old Testament.
After His resurrection, Jesus walked with two discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus and “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27 NIV). Imagine that walk. Jesus opened the Scriptures they already knew—and revealed Himself on every page.
Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament isn’t just an interesting Bible-study technique. It transforms the way you read Scripture. It deepens your understanding of God’s heart, strengthens your faith, and helps you grasp the beauty of God’s redemption story from beginning to end.
Here is a simple, practical guide to help you see Jesus in the Old Testament—whether you’re reading Genesis or the Psalms, Leviticus or Isaiah.
1. Begin With This Foundational Truth: The Bible Is One Story About Jesus
Though written by many authors over fifteen hundred years, the Bible tells one unified story—a story that climaxes in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sets the stage, introduces the themes, reveals the problem of sin, and shows our desperate need for a Savior. The New Testament reveals the fulfillment—Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah.
Jesus said:
“These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me.”
— John 5:39 (NIV)
If you begin with the mindset that Jesus stands at the center of the entire Bible, you’ll start seeing patterns, themes, and connections you never noticed before. You’ll begin to see Jesus in the Old Testament through to the end of the Book of Revelations.
2. Look for Jesus in the Promises and Prophecies
The Old Testament is filled with promises pointing forward to a Redeemer who would come to save God’s people. These are not vague predictions—they are stunningly specific.
Some of the most powerful prophecies include:
- Genesis 3:15 – The first promise of the One who would crush the serpent’s head.
- Genesis 12:1–3 – God promises Abraham that all nations will be blessed through his offspring (fulfilled in Christ).
- Isaiah 7:14 – A virgin will conceive and bear a son.
- Micah 5:2 – He will be born in Bethlehem.
- Isaiah 53 – The suffering servant who bears our sins.
When you read prophetic passages, ask:
- What does this reveal about the coming Messiah?
- How is this fulfilled in Jesus?
Seeing these prophecies strengthens faith—God always keeps His word.
3. Look for Jesus in the Patterns and Foreshadows (Typology)
A ‘type‘ is a person, event, or symbol in the Old Testament that foreshadows or points ahead to Jesus in the New Testament. These are not accidents; God intentionally built the Old Testament with patterns that find their fulfillment in Christ.
Consider the following:
People Who Foreshadow Jesus in the Old Testament
Long before Jesus walked the earth, God was already painting His portrait through the lives of key people in the Old Testament. These men were not perfect—but their stories whisper, hint, and point forward to the One who would perfectly fulfill every pattern.
Here is a deeper look at four significant biblical figures who foreshadow Jesus.
* Adam — The First Man and the Last Adam
Key Passage: “So it is written: ‘The first man Adam became a living being’; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.” — 1 Corinthians 15:45 (NIV)
Adam stands at the beginning of human history. Through him came life—but also sin, brokenness, and death. His choices affected every generation after him.
But Paul reveals something beautiful: Jesus is the “last Adam.”
Where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded.
Where Adam disobeyed, Jesus obeyed perfectly.
Where Adam brought death, Jesus brings eternal life.
Adam gives us a backdrop for understanding the magnitude of Christ’s obedience. Jesus steps into humanity’s story as the new beginning—a fresh start for all who trust Him.
In Adam we see humanity’s need. In Christ we see the perfect remedy.
* David — The Shepherd King Who Points to the True King
Key Passages: 1 Samuel 16–17; 2 Samuel 7; Psalm 23
David is one of the most central figures in Scripture—not because he was flawless, but because his life casts a long and beautiful shadow toward Jesus.
He begins as a humble shepherd, caring for the flock entrusted to him.
Jesus later identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, the One who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
David becomes Israel’s anointed king, chosen by God to lead with courage, justice, and a heart after the Lord. Yet even David’s best moments only hint at the greater King to come.
God promises David:
“Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before Me; your throne will be established forever.” — 2 Samuel 7:16 (NIV)
This covenant finds its fulfillment not in David, but in Jesus—the Son of David (Matthew 1:1).
Jesus is the rightful heir to David’s throne, the One whose kingdom will never end.
David’s most famous moment—defeating Goliath—also carries gospel echoes.
While Israel trembled, one man stepped forward to fight the enemy on behalf of the people. His victory became their victory.
In the same way:
- Jesus fights the battle we could never fight.
- He defeats sin, death, and Satan on our behalf.
- His victory becomes ours by grace.
David gives us a glimpse of a courageous shepherd-king who rescues and leads his people—but Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd-King who rules with perfect wisdom, justice, and love.
* Boaz — The Kinsman-Redeemer Who Reflects Christ’s Redemption
Key Passages: Ruth 2–4
Boaz shines as one of the clearest Old Testament pictures of Jesus’ redeeming love. His story is woven through the book of Ruth—a story of loss, loyalty, provision, and grace.
Ruth, a widowed foreigner with no resources and no protection, finds herself utterly dependent on the mercy of another. Boaz steps onto the scene as a man of integrity, compassion, and sacrificial kindness.
As a kinsman-redeemer, Boaz had the legal right—and the loving willingness—to:
- Restore Ruth’s life
- Provide for her needs
- Cover her with protection
- Welcome her into the covenant people of God
- Secure her future with hope and dignity
This beautiful redemption foreshadows the gospel.
Jesus is our true Redeemer:
- He takes us in at our most vulnerable.
- He covers us with His righteousness.
- He brings us into the family of God.
- He restores what was broken by sin.
- He gives us a secure future and a new identity.
Boaz’s compassion toward Ruth mirrors Christ’s heart toward us: people once far off, now brought near by His costly love (Ephesians 2:13).
And in God’s extraordinary providence, Ruth and Boaz become ancestors of King David, and ultimately of Jesus Himself (Matthew 1:5). Their story is more than history—it’s part of the unfolding redemptive thread that leads directly to Christ.
* Joseph — From Betrayal to Exaltation
Key Passages: Genesis 37–50
Joseph’s life reads like a prophetic shadow of the life of Christ:
- Betrayed by his own brothers
- Sold for pieces of silver
- Falsely accused and unjustly punished
- Exalted to the right hand of power in Egypt
- Used by God to save multitudes from death
Joseph’s words to his brothers summarize the heart of the gospel:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good… the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)
Jesus, too, was betrayed, sold, and unjustly condemned—yet God used that very suffering for the salvation of the world.
Joseph is a living picture of God’s ability to redeem evil and turn it into a greater good.
In Joseph we see a preview of the Suffering Servant who would one day rise to save His people from spiritual famine.
Events That Point to Jesus
- The Passover (Exodus 12) — On the night God delivered Israel from Egypt, the blood of a spotless lamb marked His people for protection. This powerful moment foreshadows Jesus, our true Passover Lamb, whose blood brings deliverance from sin and death (1 Corinthians 5:7). The rescue from Egypt becomes a picture of the greater salvation He would provide.
- The Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21) — When Israel was dying from the bite of fiery serpents, God instructed Moses to lift a bronze serpent on a pole. Everyone who looked up in faith was healed. Jesus later revealed that this was a prophetic picture of His own crucifixion—He would be “lifted up” so that all who look to Him may receive eternal life (John 3:14–15).
- The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) — Once a year, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. This solemn day pointed forward to Jesus’ perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. As Hebrews explains, Christ entered the true heavenly sanctuary and offered His own blood to secure eternal redemption (Hebrews 9). He is both our High Priest and our spotless offering.
Objects or Symbols That Reveal Jesus
- The Tabernacle — God designed the Tabernacle as a physical picture of His holy presence among His people. Every element—the lampstand giving light, the table of bread, the altar of sacrifice, and even the veil separating the Holy Place—whispers the name of Jesus. Each part points to His role as our Light, our Sustenance, our Sacrifice, and the One who tears the veil and brings us into God’s presence.
- Manna — In the wilderness, God fed Israel with manna from heaven, sustaining their bodies day by day. Jesus later revealed that this miraculous bread was pointing to Him all along. He is the true Bread of Life—the One who satisfies our deepest hunger and gives life that never ends (John 6:35).
- The Rock in the Wilderness — When Israel thirsted in the desert, God brought water from a struck rock to give them life. Paul explains that this rock was a foreshadowing of Christ Himself (1 Corinthians 10:4). Just as water flowed from the rock, life flows from Jesus, the One who was struck for our salvation.
When you study these patterns, the Old Testament becomes electric with meaning. Everything is preparing your heart to recognize Jesus.
4. Look for Jesus in the Covenants
God makes several covenants in the Old Testament—promises that reveal His character and His unfolding plan of redemption.
Key Covenants That Point to Jesus:
- The Noahic Covenant – God promises mercy toward humanity.
- The Abrahamic Covenant – God promises a family, a land, and a blessing that extends to the whole world (fulfilled in Jesus).
- The Mosaic Covenant – Reveals God’s holiness and our need for a perfect Savior.
- The Davidic Covenant – Promises a King who will reign forever—Jesus, the Son of David (Luke 1:32–33).
- The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34) – Jesus declares this fulfilled in His blood (Luke 22:20).
As you read, pause and ask:
- How does this covenant reveal God’s heart?
- How does this covenant prepare the way for Jesus?
Understanding the covenants weaves the Old and New Testaments into one glorious story.
5. Look for Jesus in the Law and the Sacrificial System
For many new believers, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy can feel confusing. But when you read these books with Jesus at the center, they come alive.
How the Law Points to Christ
The Law reveals:
- God’s holiness
- Humanity’s inability to keep His commandments
- The need for a perfect Substitute
Paul says:
“The law was our guardian until Christ came.”
— Galatians 3:24 (NIV)
Every sacrifice, offering, and purification ritual points to Jesus—the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
Jesus Fulfills the Law
Jesus said:
“I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
— Matthew 5:17 (NIV)
He lived the perfect life we could never live and died the sacrificial death we could never pay. The Law prepares our hearts to worship Him as our Savior.
6. Look for Jesus in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature
The Psalms are full of prophetic passages, emotional cries, and poetic foreshadowing of Jesus’ life, suffering, and kingship.
Messianic Psalms Include:
- Psalm 2 — The Son whom the nations must honor
- Psalm 22 — A vivid description of the crucifixion
- Psalm 23 — Jesus as our Shepherd
- Psalm 110 — The eternal King and Priest
In Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, you’ll find glimpses of:
- Christ as Wisdom
- Christ as the Fear of the Lord
- Christ as the Redeemer
- Christ as the One greater than Solomon (Matthew 12:42)
These books invite us to see Jesus as the source of all wisdom, comfort, and truth.
7. Look for Jesus in the Prophets
The prophets relentlessly point toward the Messiah—His birth, His ministry, His suffering, His kingdom, and His return.
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Micah, Zechariah—
each book contains stunning pictures of Jesus.
- Isaiah 9:6 reveals Him as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Daniel 7 shows Him as the Son of Man receiving an everlasting kingdom.
- Jeremiah 23:5–6 calls Him the Righteous Branch.
- Zechariah 12:10 foretells His piercing.
When reading the prophets, always ask:
- What future hope are they pointing toward?
- How is Jesus the fulfillment of that hope?
8. See Jesus Through the Promise of Redemption
The Old Testament is brutally honest about human sin. From Adam and Eve to the Israelites in the wilderness to the kings who failed, every page reveals our inability to save ourselves.
But woven through every dark moment is a thread of hope—a Redeemer who will come, rescue, restore, and make all things new.
This is why Jesus said:
“Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
— Luke 24:44 (NIV)
The Old Testament prepares us for the One who can finally bring redemption.
9. Use These Practical Questions as You Read
Here are simple questions to help you see Jesus as you study any Old Testament chapter:
- What does this passage reveal about God’s character?
- What does it reveal about humanity’s need for a Savior?
- Is there a prophecy or promise pointing toward Jesus?
- Is there a person, event, or symbol that foreshadows Christ?
- Does this connect to a New Testament fulfillment?
- How does this deepen my worship of Jesus today?
These questions help you read not just for information—but for transformation.
10. Remember: Scripture Is a Story of Pursuing Love
The Old Testament isn’t just about rules, kings, or ancient history. It’s about a God who relentlessly pursues His people, even when they wander.
From Genesis to Malachi, God reveals His plan to rescue humanity—a plan that takes on flesh in Jesus Christ.
When you begin to see the Old Testament as a love story leading to Jesus, everything changes:
- Your Bible reading becomes rich and meaningful.
- Your faith deepens and strengthens.
- Your understanding of the cross grows clearer.
- Your heart warms with gratitude and worship.
Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament isn’t about mastering complicated theology. It’s about slowing down, reading with expectancy, and allowing the Holy Spirit to open your eyes—just like He did for the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Ask Him:
“Lord, show me Jesus on these pages.”
And He will.
Because from beginning to end, the Bible is whispering one name—
Jesus.
The Savior promised.
The Redeemer revealed.
The King who is coming again.
Ready to Go Deeper? Explore Biblical Threads — A 12-Week Journey Through Scripture
If today’s post helped you see Jesus in the Old Testament more clearly, you will love what comes next.
Biblical Threads is a gentle, theologically rich 12-week devotional study created to help new believers understand how the themes of Scripture—like covenant, sacrifice, redemption, and restoration—beautifully point to Jesus from Genesis to Revelation.
Inside the course you’ll find:
🧵 Weekly Devotionals exploring major themes of Scripture
🧵 Scripture-rich teaching that connects the Old and New Testaments
🧵 Guided journaling prompts to help you reflect and apply what you’re learning
🧵 Printable memory verse cards & prayer prompts
🧵 A supportive journey for anyone growing in their faith
If you’re longing to understand the Bible more deeply—and to see Jesus on every page—this study was created with you in mind.
👉 Begin your journey today: Biblical Threads: Discovering Jesus Through the Themes of Scripture
