“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Jesus is God in the Old Testament
Definition and Meaning
When we say “Jesus is God in the Old Testament,” we are touching on the profound concept of the divinity of Christ and His presence before His incarnation in the New Testament. The term “Jesus” comes from the Hebrew name “Yeshua,” which means “to save.” This name evolved into the Greek “Iesous,” which we find in the New Testament, reflecting a continuation of Yeshua’s mission to save humanity.
The concept of Jesus being God finds its roots in the strong assertions made throughout the Old Testament. Underpinning that is the expansive term for God used by the Hebrews—YHWH (often rendered as Jehovah or Yahweh)—which expresses God’s eternal nature. Even though Jesus was revealed in the New Testament, His presence and nature can be traced back to foundational texts in the Old Testament. These include prophecies and theophanies where God’s glory manifested, often seen in shadows or types that point to the coming Christ.
Notably, passages like Isaiah 9:6 refer to a child that will be born and called “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father.” Such references suggest not merely a messianic figure but a divine nature aligned with God Himself. As believers read the Old Testament, they discover hints of the divine nature of the promised Messiah—Jesus. The development of this understanding allows us to connect the Old Testament with the New Testament’s fuller revelation of Jesus Christ, culminating in His declaration of unity with the Father in John 10:30.
Historical and Cultural Context
Understanding the phrase “Jesus is God in the Old Testament” also requires us to look at historical and cultural contexts of the biblical texts. In ancient Israel, God communicated with His people through covenants, signs, and prophetic utterances. The pivotal events—such as God’s deliverance in the Exodus or His manifestations through the tabernacle—demonstrated His presence among the people, laying the groundwork for understanding the Messiah.
Key figures such as Moses, David, and the prophets consistently spoke and acted under the authority of God. For example, in Exodus 3, God identifies Himself to Moses as “I AM,” establishing His eternal nature, something Jesus echoes in John 8:58. Furthermore, Jewish believers were strictly monotheistic, emphasizing that God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4), creating a rich context for understanding Jesus’s claim to divinity within His Jewish roots.
Throughout the Old Testament, there are typologies of Christ that reveal glimpses of His character and nature; examples include Adam, Moses, and the sacrificial lamb. These figures and events provide a backdrop against which the full revelation of forgiveness and grace in Christ can be understood. This fulfilled prophecy is highlighted as key Jewish figures communicated God’s plan for restoration—a plan that ultimately integrates the Person of Jesus.
Scholarly Insights
Many biblical scholars and theologians recognize the connection between Jesus and God within the Old Testament narrative. For instance, Dr. Michael Horton, a prominent theologian, emphasizes that “the Old Testament is a prologue to the New Testament, where Christ is its main character.” This highlights that the divinity of Christ is interwoven throughout Scripture.
Famed theologian N.T. Wright also underlines a significant thought: “The Jesus who is revealed in the gospels is not a different God from the one revealed in the Old Testament. Instead, He is the fulfillment of all His promises.” In this way, Wright encourages readers to see continuity rather than a sharp divide between the two testaments.
Additionally, Dr. Timothy Keller notes, “The Old Testament reveals the character of God, thus preparing the way for understanding the dual natures of Christ.” His insights help us appreciate how the Old Testament does not simply predict the coming of Jesus, but rather exhibits a continuous unfolding of God’s plan that culminates in Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection. Biblical references such as Psalm 110, presenting the Lord speaking to my Lord, also serves to support this view, as the identity of the Messiah as God is intertwined through prophetic literature.
Biblical References
The exploration of Jesus’ divinity in the Old Testament can be supported by several verses that align with this understanding. For instance:
- Isaiah 7:14 – Forces us to acknowledge that a virgin will conceive and bear a son, called Immanuel (God with us).
- Isaiah 9:6 – Refers to the coming Messiah, calling Him “Mighty God” and “Prince of Peace.”
- Micah 5:2 – Prophecies His birth in Bethlehem, highlighting His eternal origins.
- Exodus 3:14 – God reveals His name as “I AM,” which Jesus correlated with Himself in the New Testament.
- Psalm 110:1 – This verse reinforces the duality of authoritative figures seen as both King and God.
Spiritual or Practical Application
Understanding that Jesus is God in the Old Testament carries a profound significance for our faith and spiritual lives. It invites us into a deeper relationship with God, who is not distant but has continually sought to reconcile with humanity. Recognizing Christ’s role as both a historical figure and divine savior encourages us to both worship and relate personally to Him.
This realization also transforms our worship. When we gather in church, we celebrate not just Jesus’s life in isolation but honor Him as the fulfillment of thousands of years of divine prophecy and presence. He is worthy of our praise because He is both our Lord and God, as Thomas affirmed in John 20:28 (“My Lord and my God”).
Furthermore, this truth shapes our daily life. Believers can act from a position of victory and hope, knowing that the God who created the universe walks alongside us through life’s challenges. We can share our burdens in prayer, confident that we are addressing a God who understands our struggles because He has experienced humanity firsthand. This can fill us with comfort and purpose, reminding us to reflect God’s love and grace to those around us.
Final Thoughts
As we explore the concept of “Jesus is God in the Old Testament,” it’s clear that this idea is not simply a theological statement but a vital part of our faith journey. Through careful examination of the Scriptures, we see how the Old Testament prepares the way for understanding Jesus’s role as not just the Messiah but as God Himself.
We uncover a rich tapestry of prophecies and revelations that connect the two testaments, showing that God has always intended to be in relationship with us. The insights of scholars confirm that this understanding deepens our trust in God’s promises, urging us to fulfill our calling as His followers.
Ultimately, embracing Jesus’s divinity strengthens our worship and instills hope in our daily lives. We can take great joy in acknowledging that God has continuously journeyed with humanity, beckoning us to a loving relationship that transforms our hearts and minds.
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
