How you can find Jesus in all of scripture — Allison Mattson

Scripture references are linked in this post.

Did you know Jesus shows up in the first chapter of Genesis? Did you know the first mention of the gospel appears in Genesis 3? We often think of Jesus appearing for the first time in the four gospels, but His fingerprints are on the Bible from the beginning.

Here’s an easy way to remember how scripture points to Jesus:

Jesus participates in creation.
Jesus is promised as our Savior.
Jesus is pointed to through the law.
Jesus is present with us in the incarnation.

Jesus participates in creation.

Jesus spoke the world into being. He was the Word that brought creation to life. He played an active part in creation and is mentioned as part of the trinity when God is quoted as saying “Let us make man in our image” (emphasis added).

Jesus is promised as our Savior.

After Adam and Eve sinned and God placed the curse on mankind and creation, God promised redemption through the seed of Eve. God renewed His promises throughout the Old Testament, promising the coming of the Messiah to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and the prophets.

Jesus is pointed to through the law.

All of the law given to Moses points to our need for a Savior. The Israelites, like us, were never able to fulfill the law on their own. They needed someone to fulfill the law for them. The Israelites were also required to bring sacrifice after sacrifice to atone for their sin. A priest interceded on their behalf, stepping in to turn away God’s wrath.

Christ fulfills every aspect of the law:

He perfectly upheld the law when He lives a sinless life on earth.
He is our spotless Lamb who, once for all time, made atonement for our sins on the cross.
He is our true High Priest who continually intercedes on our behalf.

Jesus is present with us in the incarnation.

In the New Testament, Christ “became flesh and dwelt among us.” He became the visible image of our invisible God. He walked, talked, and lived on this earth and was our Immanuel “God with us.” Shortly after He ascended to heaven, He sent His Holy Spirit so believers in Christ could experience His presence in their daily lives.

On this side of the cross, we look forward to a day when Christ will be present among us. We won’t need to be pointed to Him because we will be looking right at Him. He will dwell among us and we will behold His glory.