Previews of Jesus
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Our opening verse says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God,” Men wrote it, but God inspired them to write what they did: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21)
God gave us the Bible “…for doctrine,” so we would not be confused by false teaching. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says, “For God is not the author of confusion,” Isaiah 8:20 says, “…if they [religious teachers] speak not according to this word [the Bible], it is because there is no light in them.” God also gave us the Bible “…for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” to guide us in our conduct.
Most importantly, God gave us the Bible so we would be saved: “But these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:31) The Old Testament gives us previews of Jesus.
Genesis 3:21 says, “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” The fig leaf aprons Adam and Eve made were their way of trying to deal with sin by their works. Works can never make up for sin. Only the death of an innocent one, namely Jesus, can make up for sin. The death of animals to make the skins and cover them is a preview of Jesus’ death.
God told Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham obeyed. When Isaac asked Abraham where the lamb was for a burnt offering, Abraham said, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:” (Genesis 22:8) Many years later, God “…gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Abraham was a picture of God the Father. Isaac was a picture of Jesus, God the Son, willing to be the sacrifice for our sins.
This was an obedience test for Abraham, as well as for Isaac, since he arguably could have fought Abraham off and fled. But they obeyed, and God stopped Abraham from carrying out the sacrifice.
Joseph’s life is a preview of Jesus’ life. Joseph was sold for twenty pieces of silver; Jesus for thirty. Joseph served Potiphar honorably. Jesus served people honorably. He “…went about doing good,” (Acts 10:38) Joseph went to prison for a wrong he had not committed. Jesus went to the cross for wrongs He had not committed. Joseph came out of prison by events only God could engineer: the dreams of the chief butler, the chief baker, and Pharaoh. Jesus also rose from the grave by the power of God.
Joseph became Egypt’s governor. All of Egypt bowed to him: “…they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he [Pharaoh] made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:43) Jesus will one day reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. All will bow to Him one day: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)
The ark was also a picture of salvation. Before God flooded the earth, He said, “My spirit shall not always strive with man,” (Genesis 6:3) God deals with people’s hearts about receiving Jesus as Saviour, but He does not do this forever. If you have not received Jesus as your personal Saviour, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?” to see how to do so.
Brian Miller 7/8/2023