Finding Jesus in Every Biblical Book

To help you study the Bible, I am putting together a series titled “Finding Jesus in Every Biblical Book.” The story of Jesus doesn’t begin in Bethlehem, it begins in the beginning (even before the beginning). Here is the first installment in the series

"Genesis: Revealing Jesus in the Beginning"

Welcome to a journey through the book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, and the opening act of God’s grand narrative. This exploration is not just about the creation of the world, the fall of humankind, or even the saga of humanity's early patriarchs. Instead, we approach Genesis with a distinct perspective: viewing it as a foundation upon which the life, ministry, and salvation of Jesus Christ are built. We will look at Genesis not just as a story of beginnings, but as the initial revelation of the Messiah, a portrait of Jesus painted in shadows and types, long before His arrival in the New Testament.

Genesis, meaning "origin" or "beginning," sets the stage for the great drama of redemption that unfolds throughout the rest of the Bible. It introduces us to a loving Creator, a world marred by sin, and God’s promise of a savior. Amid the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, we find the earliest intimations of Jesus Christ.

In Genesis 3:15, in the aftermath of the Fall, God makes a promise, known as the Protoevangelium or "first gospel." God tells the serpent, a symbol of evil, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." Christians have long seen in this verse a prophecy of Jesus, the one who would deal a death blow to sin and evil, even though it would cost Him His life.

Consider the story of Abraham, who commanded to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. In this heart-wrenching narrative, we see a reflection of God the Father, who would one day offer His own Son for the salvation of the world. Isaac, who willingly carries the wood for his own sacrifice, foreshadows Jesus, who would carry His own cross.

The story of Joseph, betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, but eventually becoming their savior, also points to Christ. Joseph's story is a poignant foreshadowing of the life of Jesus, the one who was rejected, and suffered, but eventually brought salvation to His people and indeed, to the entire world.

Genesis is filled with such foreshadowing, and our aim in this exploration is to illuminate these shadows, to see Jesus in the patterns, the prophecies, and the personalities of Genesis. We will come to understand that the story of Jesus did not begin with His birth in Bethlehem but with the very dawn of creation itself. Christ is present in Genesis, not in physical form, but in the promise of redemption that is woven into the fabric of its narratives.

It is important to note that the revelation of Jesus in Genesis is not always explicit. It requires careful reading, a broad understanding of the biblical narrative, and a humble approach to the Holy Spirit's guidance. We must read Genesis in light of the entire Bible, recognizing that the same God who created the heavens and the earth is the one who sent Jesus Christ to save us from our sins.

While Genesis reveals humanity's fall and the introduction of sin, it also lays the groundwork for God’s plan of redemption through Jesus. It is a book of beginnings, but also a book of promise—a promise fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. As we journey through Genesis, we will see how every story, every character, and every promise points us forward to a future hope, a hope that becomes reality in Jesus Christ.

When we see Jesus in Genesis, we understand more deeply the unity and cohesiveness of the Bible. The Old Testament and the New Testament are not separate stories, but one continuous narrative of God's unfailing love and redemptive plan for humanity.

Genesis is not merely a book of creation, flood, and patriarchs, but a book that sets the stage for the most significant event in human history: the coming of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. It is here, in the book of Genesis, that we first hear the whispers of God's promise, a promise that is fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

But remember, reading the Old Testament with Christ in mind does not mean forcing Him into every verse. It involves discerning the anticipations of His person and work, understanding the theological foundations laid for His coming, and seeing how the themes, patterns, and promises of the Old Testament find their ultimate fulfillment in Him.

As we delve into the rich tapestry of Genesis, may our eyes be opened to see the beautiful threads of grace, mercy, and redemption that run through it. May we be drawn closer to the heart of God and gain a deeper understanding of His great plan of salvation. And may we come to see Jesus Christ, the promised Savior, in a new and transformative light, recognizing that from the very beginning, He was always part of God's grand story.

So, let's embark on this journey through Genesis together, with open hearts and minds, and discover the incredible ways in which Jesus is revealed in these ancient texts.

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