The origins of this study came from a study of the book of Revelation several years ago. I know that probably sounds odd – but it’s true. The last book of the canon is avoided by the majority of Christians and, sadly, it is read through the lens of preconceived storylines by many of those who don’t avoid it. One of the main reasons Revelation is sidestepped and misunderstood is this: many sincere and faithful followers of Jesus simply do not know their Old Testament. If they did, the more than 500 Old Testament allusions contained in Revelation would provide clarity instead of opportunities for wild conjecture and guesswork. Instead, these self-proclaimed “scholars” who’ve studied “end times” for decades simply regurgitate the opinions of others at best … or the storylines of works of fiction at worst. Either way, that is not how we truly get acquainted with our Lord and Savior.

The better we know the Old Testament, the more we will know Jesus. That sounds counterintuitive on the surface, right? The flood was 2500 years before Jesus. Abraham lived 2100 years before Jesus. The exodus from Egypt was over 1400 years before Jesus was born. David was crowned king over 1000 years before Jesus. The Lord spoke to Malachi, the author of the last Old Testament book over 400 years before the birth of Jesus! So, what in the world could they possibly have to do with Jesus of Nazareth? Well, everything!

When New Testament writers refer to “scripture” they are not speaking of their own writings. They are speaking of the Old Testament writings. When the Apostles explained the gospel to the Jews, they used the Old Testament. When Paul shared the gospel with the Gentiles, he used the Old Testament as the source for his points. Of course, Paul didn’t quote or refer to the verses, but that is where he sourced his message. Even when Jesus spoke of Himself, He used the Old Testament. Quite simply, the Old Testament is vital to understanding the gospel thoroughly.

This is written in 2 Peter 1:20-21, “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” The Old Testament is absolutely inspired. It is God breathed. And, according to verse 19 of 2 Peter 1, the prophetic word is like “a lamp shining in a dark place” and we should pay attention to it. But what does that “lamp shining in a dark place” mean? What is the darkness? What is the lamp? Paul tells us in one of his letters to the church in Corinth.

“But their minds were hardened;” according to 2 Cor 3:14-16, “for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ… whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” Put simply, it is impossible to truly understand the Old Testament unless a person is in Christ. That means that everyone, every single person who is not a follower of Jesus, cannot clearly see the true meaning of the Old Testament. It is only by reading it while peering through the lens of Jesus that everything will snap into focus. Until that is done, the reader will see the shapes, notice the motions, and even observe a few details, but they will never completely understand.

Jesus Himself was adamant that the Old Testament’s focus was on Him!

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me.” John 5:39

“Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them.” Matthew 5:17

“Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’” Luke 4:20-21

“’O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!’ …And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:25-27

“Jesus said to them, ‘While I was still with you, I told you that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Books of the Prophets, and in the Psalms had to happen.’ Then he helped them understand the Scriptures. He told them, The Scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death.” Luke 24:44-46

Sometimes these pictures of the Lord are very direct and obvious: Melchizedek, Abraham, and Joseph. Others are like the negatives of a photo and you have to see the contrast to recognize the Christ: Adam and Cain. Other comparisons are based on events and places and objects: the fall, the ark, the tower of babel, and the city of Salem. Some are prophetic in nature: from a woman, from Abraham, and from Judah. Some are simply interesting allegories that make you stop and ask yourself how you didn’t recognize it before: dwelling in the tents of Shem and the curse of Ham. And, many are just interesting parallels that make you think, “I’m not sure if that’s intentional or not, but at some level, I can use this passage of scripture to reflect on Jesus and what He did for me.”

So, come with me as we explore the book of Genesis. Hopefully, many of the things I point out will already be known to you. Others may give you a little to think about. The Old Testament is full of “types and shadows” that are all centered around Jesus and the gospel. Enjoy, and may God bless you.