Today we will talk about bible verses in the Old Testament about Jesus. Many Christians may not realize that the Old Testament contains numerous prophecies and foreshadowings of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. These verses provide not only insight into His identity and mission but also encourage us to recognize God’s grand plan throughout history. As we dive into these scriptures, let’s keep our hearts and minds open, allowing the words to inspire us and strengthen our faith. Together, we will explore how the Old Testament beautifully points to the life and work of Jesus, revealing God’s unwavering love for us, which culminated in Christ’s coming to save humanity.
Bible Verses in the Old Testament About Jesus
Messianic Prophecies
As we delve into the Messianic prophecies, we will see how the Old Testament paints a vivid picture of Jesus long before His birth. These verses serve as a testament to God’s promise of redemption, showing His intention to send a Savior who would fulfill the needs of humanity. When we reflect on these prophecies, we are reminded that God’s plan was always centered on love and saving grace, which culminated in the person of Jesus Christ. By understanding these verses, we gain deeper insight into the significance of Jesus and His impact on our lives.
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” – Micah 5:2
Isaiah 53:3
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” – Isaiah 53:3
Jeremiah 23:5-6
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.” – Jeremiah 23:5-6
Psalm 22:16-18
“Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” – Psalm 22:16-18
Foreshadowing Christ
Many of the stories and figures in the Old Testament foreshadow the coming of Jesus. These narratives illustrate God’s plan for salvation, showing us not just historical accounts but profoundly spiritual truths that point directly to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. As we reflect on these foreshadowings, we are invited to see God’s handiwork throughout all of Scripture, unveiling how Jesus fulfills the roles and lessons we encounter in these stories.
Genesis 3:15
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” – Genesis 3:15
Exodus 12:21-23
“Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, ‘Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin, and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe.'” – Exodus 12:21-23
Numbers 21:9
“So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole; then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.” – Numbers 21:9
2 Samuel 7:12-13
“When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom.” – 2 Samuel 7:12-13
Daniel 7:13-14
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.” – Daniel 7:13-14
The Role of the Suffering Servant
Another aspect we encounter is the theme of the suffering servant, which reveals the nature of Jesus’ mission on Earth. The Old Testament speaks of a servant who would face trials and bear the burdens of others. This portrayal resonates deeply with us as it emphasizes the grace and sacrifice that Jesus would ultimately make for humanity. Reflecting on this theme, we realize the depth of Christ’s love and commitment to us, as He willingly took on suffering for our sake.
Isaiah 53:4-5
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:4-5
Isaiah 53:10
“Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.” – Isaiah 53:10
Zechariah 12:10
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child.” – Zechariah 12:10
Psalm 69:21
“They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.” – Psalm 69:21
Isaiah 50:6
“I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.” – Isaiah 50:6
The King Who Will Reign
As we explore the concept of Jesus as the reigning King, we see how the Old Testament foreshadows His ultimate authority and kingship. These scriptures remind us that Jesus is not just our Savior, but also the King of Kings, establishing a kingdom characterized by righteousness and justice. This understanding instills hope within us, knowing that we serve a victorious King who reigns over all creation, and His kingdom is present in our hearts and lives today.
Zechariah 9:9
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” – Zechariah 9:9
Psalm 2:7-8
“I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, ‘You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.'” – Psalm 2:7-8
Isaiah 9:6-7
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6-7
Psalm 110:1
“The Lord says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'” – Psalm 110:1
Isaiah 11:1-2
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots, a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.” – Isaiah 11:1-2
The New Covenant
In understanding Jesus’ role in establishing a new covenant, we reflect on the transformation that His coming signifies. The Old Testament speaks of God’s desire to form a new relationship with humanity, one defined by grace instead of law. This promise of a new covenant highlights our access to redemption and a deep relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As we ponder this theme, we realize that we are invited into a loving bond with our Creator, one that echoes throughout all of Scripture.
Jeremiah 31:31-34
“The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors…” – Jeremiah 31:31-34
Ezekiel 36:26-27
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26-27
Isaiah 55:3
“Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” – Isaiah 55:3
Malachi 3:1
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.” – Malachi 3:1
Isaiah 43:19
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19
The Light to the Nations
The theme of Jesus as the light to the nations is revealed in the Old Testament, reassuring us of His mission to bring hope and salvation to everyone. These verses remind us that Jesus came not only for the people of Israel but for all humanity. His light shines brightly, illuminating the path towards God. Reflecting on this theme, we are encouraged to let that light shine in our lives, welcoming others into the warmth of His love and grace.
Isaiah 42:6-7
“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” – Isaiah 42:6-7
Isaiah 49:6
“He says: ‘It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.'” – Isaiah 49:6
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Isaiah 60:1-2
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.” – Isaiah 60:1-2
Isaiah 9:2
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.” – Isaiah 9:2
God’s Unchanging Promises
In contemplating God’s unchanging promises, we are comforted by the assurance that He remains faithful to His word. These promises extend to the coming of Jesus and the salvation He offers. As we study the Old Testament, we see how God’s faithfulness spans generations, encouraging us to trust Him today. Reflecting on these promises nurtures our faith in a God who never fails, even when circumstances seem uncertain. We are reminded of His constant presence in our lives.
Isaiah 46:10
“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'” – Isaiah 46:10
Psalm 33:11
“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” – Psalm 33:11
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
Psalm 145:13
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.” – Psalm 145:13
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these Bible verses in the Old Testament about Jesus, we see the beautifully woven narrative of God’s love and plan of redemption. Each verse paints a picture of Jesus’ coming, His purpose, and His unchanging nature. Through messianic prophecies, foreshadowing, and the promise of a new covenant, we recognize that Scripture continuously reveals His ongoing work in our lives.
Understanding these verses helps deepen our faith, reminding us of the importance of Jesus not only as our Savior but as our King. His light shines brightly in our hearts, guiding us to bring hope and love to others. By holding onto God’s unchanging promises, we can trust in His faithfulness as we walk our daily paths.
May we embrace the truth that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises and allow that revelation to inspire us in our journey of faith. Together, let us love others and share the light of Christ, knowing that through Him, we have eternal life.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
