2024 Finding Jesus in the Old Testament
January–December 2024
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Join us for JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. In 2024, we will watch and read to see the story of Jesus through every page of Scripture and know how to read the whole Bible in light of Jesus.
JANUARY | Jesus in the Old Testament
Jesus’s followers are heartbroken after his death. After his resurrection, Jesus meets two disciples discussing all that has happened. He conceals his identity and then begins to help them understand what he is about. He starts at the beginning of Scripture and teaches how God’s Word has always pointed to him—Moses, law and prophets. The New Testament authors later expound on this teaching in their writings to the early churches. Hundreds of references to the Old Testament help make the connection for Jesus’s followers that he had been the plan all along. He fulfills all of the Old Testament.
Read PostFEBRUARY | Jesus in Genesis
New Man. Genesis opens with the grand creation of the world, culminating in God creating man and woman in his image. God charges them to multiply and fill the earth. God intends for them to take the beauty and order of Eden and fill the whole world with it. Where man fails, Jesus succeeds. Jesus is the ultimate reflection of the image of God (Hebrews 1:3). He faces temptation and does not sin (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus brings God’s kingdom and will one day restore the earth to Eden (Revelation 21:1-4).
Read PostMARCH | Jesus in the Minor Prophets
Zechariah, the priest, ministers in Jerusalem post-exile. Opposition stalls the rebuilding of the temple and people grow deeply discouraged. Zechariah reminds them that God watches them, is still working and will restore all things at just the right time. He points to Jesus through the coming Branch, a ruler from the line of David (Zechariah 3:8, 6:9-15, 9:9-10). The coming King will ride into Jerusalem on a donkey, pointing to Jesus’s triumphal entry before his trial and crucifixion (Zechariah 9:9). He will be a good shepherd and not desert his flock (Zechariah 11, 13:7-9). The prophet also points to salvation in Jesus, who will be pierced and mourned for (Zechariah 12:10).
APRIL | Jesus in Exodus
The Israelites’ dramatic departure from Egypt and God’s defeat of Pharaoh foreshadow Jesus’s defeat of Satan and how he will rescue people from slavery to sin. The Israelites grumble, disobey and wander in the wilderness for forty years. For forty days, Jesus is tempted in the wilderness but does not sin. Israel receives the law on Mount Sinai and then breaks it immediately. On another mount, Jesus re-gives the law in his most well-known sermon. In every way the Israelites fail to obey God, Jesus obeys completely.
Read PostMAY | Finding Jesus in David's Story
Shepherd. David’s is a humble shepherd from an ordinary family. Following God’s directions, the prophet Samuel arrives to anoint the next king. David’s family doesn’t even call him inside. They do not think David could be the Lord’s chosen one (1 Samuel 16:11). Similarly, Jesus is born into a humble family who does not always recognize him as the Lord’s chosen one (John 7:5). David’s life as a shepherd foreshadows Jesus. Jesus even refers to himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11).
Read PostJUNE | Jesus in Psalms
King David wrote many psalms that point to Jesus, his descendant whom God promised would rule forever one day. During his crucifixion, Jesus quotes one of David’s psalms as he cries, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Psalm 22:1). Psalm 22 points to Jesus being mocked on the cross and people wondering why he cannot save himself when he saved others (Matthew 27:42). The psalm ends by describing families from all nations kneeling before him, serving him and declaring to future generations what he has done.
Read PostJULY | Jesus in Isaiah
Isaiah is one of the most well-known prophets in the Old Testament. His writings have a familiar ring for Jesus’s followers. Isaiah’s prophecies point to God’s grace and love through the coming of Jesus so much that multiple scholars refer to it as the Gospel of the Old Testament. Isaiah serves the Lord during the final years before Israel’s Northern Kingdom fell to Assyria (around 722 BC). God sends Isaiah to remind the Southern Kingdom that God promised to protect his people from anyone and anything if they stand firm in their faith and follow his commands. Ultimately, the Southern Kingdom doesn’t stand firm in their faith and falls to the Babylonians in 586 BC. Yet, Isaiah’s words remind them God is still at work on their behalf.
Read PostAUGUST | Jesus in Jeremiah
Jeremiah is often referred to as the “weeping prophet.” He ministers in the southern kingdom of Israel (Judah) during a time of great distress. The downfall of entire nations—including Judah—is being sealed due to their rebellion against God. Jeremiah endures a lonely calling to share God’s words during this upheaval and chaos. Jeremiah points to the one true God as the only one who can save and offer a future hope for restoration.
Read PostSEPTEMBER | Jesus in Ezekiel
Ezekiel is often called the prophet of divine glory. He ministers during the Babylonian exile, when God’s people were displaced and greatly distressed. Through vivid visions and powerful metaphors, Ezekiel conveys messages of both judgment and hope. He reminds the exiles of God’s sovereignty and holiness, calls them to repentance and offers promises of future restoration. Throughout the book, there are glimpses of Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
Read PostOCTOBER | Jesus in the Prophets
Daniel’s visions foreshadow Jesus as the Son of Man with everlasting dominion (Daniel 7:13-14). Hosea’s life mirrors God’s faithful love, pointing to Jesus’s sacrificial love for his church (Hosea 3:1; Ephesians 5:25). Joel prophesies the outpouring of God’s Spirit, fulfilled at Pentecost through Jesus (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:1-4). Amos calls for justice and righteousness, which Jesus perfectly fulfills (Amos 5:24; Romans 3:25-26).
Read PostNOVEMBER | Jesus in Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah
Esther, set in Persia, shows God’s providential care for his people, even when he seems hidden. Esther’s willingness to risk her life for her people foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice for us as our ultimate deliverer who came at the perfect time. Ezra, chronicling the return from exile, focuses on spiritual restoration and the importance of God’s Word. Ezra’s dedication to teaching God’s law anticipates Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the law, taught with authority and is the living Word. Nehemiah emphasizes the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem…
Read PostDECEMBER | Jesus in Six Minor Prophets
These minor prophets reveal various parts of God’s redemptive plan. Obadiah proclaims God’s justice against pride while pointing to Christ’s future kingdom (Obadiah 1:15). Jonah’s three days in the fish and mission to Nineveh foreshadow Jesus’s death, resurrection and heart for all peoples (Matthew 12:39-40). Micah prophesies Jesus’ humble birth in Bethlehem and promises his reign of peace, offering hope amid dark times (Micah 5:2-5). Nahum declares
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