The question of where Moses wrote about Jesus in the Old Testament is a fascinating one, deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of biblical prophecy and typology. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I approach this question with reverence for the sacred texts and a desire to illuminate the ways in which the Pentateuch, or Torah, foreshadows the coming of Christ. While Moses did not explicitly name Jesus, the writings attributed to him contain numerous passages that Christians believe point to the Messiah and, by extension, to Jesus Christ.
The Protoevangelium: Genesis 3:15
One of the earliest and most significant messianic prophecies is found in Genesis 3:15, often referred to as the Protoevangelium, or "first gospel." After the fall of man, God speaks to the serpent, saying:
"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."
This verse is seen as the first hint of the gospel, indicating a future descendant of the woman who would ultimately defeat Satan. Christians interpret this as a reference to Jesus Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, would conquer sin and death. The imagery of crushing the serpent's head is symbolic of a decisive victory, while the striking of the heel suggests the suffering that the Messiah would endure.
The Promise to Abraham: Genesis 12:3
Another key passage is found in God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3:
"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
This promise is foundational for understanding the messianic hope because it indicates that through Abraham's lineage, all nations would receive a blessing. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 3:8, explicitly connects this promise to the gospel, stating that "Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: 'All nations will be blessed through you.'" Christians believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise, bringing salvation to all people, both Jews and Gentiles.
The Binding of Isaac: Genesis 22
In Genesis 22, we find the story of the binding of Isaac, known in Hebrew as the Akedah. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, but at the last moment, provides a ram as a substitute. This event is rich with typological significance. Isaac, the beloved son, carrying the wood for his own sacrifice up Mount Moriah, prefigures Jesus, the beloved Son of God, carrying His cross to Golgotha. The substitutionary ram points to the substitutionary atonement of Christ, who died in our place. The writer of Hebrews reflects on this story in Hebrews 11:17-19, noting that Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac was a demonstration of his faith in God's promise to raise the dead, a promise ultimately fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus.
The Passover Lamb: Exodus 12
The Passover narrative in Exodus 12 is another profound foreshadowing of Christ. God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and to apply its blood to the doorposts of their homes. When the Lord passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood and "pass over" those houses, sparing the firstborn of Israel. This event is commemorated annually in the Jewish festival of Passover.
The New Testament draws a direct connection between Jesus and the Passover lamb. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The Apostle Paul explicitly states, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites from death, the blood of Christ protects believers from eternal death and judgment.
The Bronze Serpent: Numbers 21
In Numbers 21, the Israelites, grumbling against God and Moses, are punished with a plague of venomous snakes. When the people repent, God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Anyone who is bitten can look at the bronze serpent and live. This incident is directly referenced by Jesus in John 3:14-15:
"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him."
The bronze serpent serves as a type of Christ, lifted up on the cross, providing healing and salvation to all who look to Him in faith.
The Prophecy of a Prophet Like Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15-19
One of the most explicit messianic prophecies attributed to Moses is found in Deuteronomy 18:15-19. Moses tells the Israelites:
"The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, 'Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.' The Lord said to me: 'What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.'"
This prophecy is understood by Christians to refer to Jesus, the ultimate prophet who speaks God's words and reveals His will perfectly. In the New Testament, Peter and Stephen both cite this prophecy in reference to Jesus (Acts 3:22-23; Acts 7:37).
The Day of Atonement: Leviticus 16
The rituals of the Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16, also prefigure the work of Christ. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. Two goats were used: one was sacrificed, and the other, the scapegoat, was sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people.
The writer of Hebrews explains how these rituals point to Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. Hebrews 9:11-12 states:
"But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption."
Jesus is both the high priest and the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the symbolism of the Day of Atonement by offering Himself to atone for the sins of humanity once and for all.
Conclusion
In summary, while Moses did not explicitly name Jesus, his writings in the Pentateuch contain numerous passages that Christians believe point to the coming Messiah. From the Protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15 to the promise to Abraham, the binding of Isaac, the Passover lamb, the bronze serpent, the prophecy of a prophet like Moses, and the rituals of the Day of Atonement, the Torah is rich with foreshadowings of Christ. These passages form a tapestry of messianic hope that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who Christians believe is the promised Savior and Redeemer. The New Testament writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, reveal the connections between these ancient texts and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, inviting believers to see the continuity and depth of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture.
