When Does Jesus Appear in the Bible
Today we will talk about when does Jesus appear in the Bible. Many Christians do not know what this means. From the very beginning of the Scriptures, we can see signs, shadows, and hints of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. His presence isn’t just confined to the New Testament but echoes throughout the Old Testament too. As we embark on this journey through God’s Word, let’s be open to the ways Jesus is revealed to us in different books and verses, and reflect on their significance for our lives. So, let’s open our hearts and minds as we read through these amazing Scriptures together!
The Pre-existence of Jesus
Before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He existed. This is often referred to as His pre-existence. The Bible clearly states that Jesus is eternal, indicating that He was with God from the beginning. In the opening verses of the Gospel of John, we see this truth starkly presented. John 1:1-3 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” Here, the term “Word” refers directly to Jesus, marking Him as divine and part of creation itself; it’s mind-blowing to grasp that Jesus is not just a figure in history, but the very Creator of the universe.
The Greek word for “Word” is “Logos,” which also means reason or plan; it signifies that Christ was the ultimate plan of God for our salvation. Furthermore, the Hebrew word for “beginning,” “Bere’shiyth,” signifies the initiation of time and space and reflects God’s intentional creation, establishing a foundational understanding of Jesus being at the heart of everything.
Moreover, in Colossians 1:16-17, we read, “For by Him all things were created, that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” These passages affirm with clarity that Jesus did not come into existence at His birth but has always been part of God’s divine plan and presence.
Understanding Jesus’s pre-existence is essential. It shows us that the Gospel is not a last-minute thought from God but a well-planned redemption story that began before Adam took his first breath. Additionally, it reassures us that God has always been in control, weaving together our lives and plans long before the physical world was created.
Jesus in Prophecies and Foreshadowing
The Old Testament is rich with prophecies and shadows pointing toward Jesus Christ. From Genesis to Malachi, we see glimpses of His coming: His birth, ministry, death, and eventual return. This is significant because it reinforces the continuity of Scripture and God’s unrelenting commitment to humanity.
In Genesis, we encounter the first promise of a Savior in Genesis 3:15, known as the protoevangelium, which means “first gospel.” In this verse, God tells the serpent that the seed of the woman will one day crush his head. Here we begin to understand that Jesus’ coming was already ordained. The term “seed” in Hebrew, “zera,” holds the meaning of offspring or generations, pointing directly to the future arrival of Jesus through Mary.
Moving on through the Old Testament, a pivotal prophecy comes from Isaiah 7:14, which states, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” The name “Immanuel” translates to “God with us,” highlighting the intention of God to bring His very presence into human experience.
Furthermore, Isaiah 53 presents a beautiful yet painful depiction of the suffering servant, speaking volumes about the atonement that Jesus would fulfill. Verses like Isaiah 53:5 note, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” This reminder of Jesus’ mission amplifies the beauty of His sacrificial love and brings hope to our broken world.
The prophetic messages serve as God’s signposts. They illustrate His desire to communicate and reconnect with humanity. Each fulfilled prophecy in the New Testament confirms God’s faithfulness and intention toward us, which deepens our understanding of His timeless nature.
The Birth of Jesus
The New Testament marks the specific arrival of Jesus into the world through His humble birth. Found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the accounts detail how God chose to send His Son into the world in the most unassuming way. This moment in history had a euphoric but quiet announcement made to shepherds, emphasizing God’s love for all humanity, even the overlooked.
In Luke 2:10-11, the angel announced to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The word “Savior” resonates deeply, as the Greek term “Soter” speaks of deliverance and salvation, showing who Jesus is. His birth signifies hope for mankind and the long-awaited fulfilment of God’s promises.
Moreover, the narrative in Matthew 1:21 reiterates this by stating, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” The meaning of Jesus in Hebrew, “Yeshua”, translates to “Jehovah is salvation,” capturing Christ’s purpose and mission as soon as He entered the world.
Additionally, through His birth, Jesus identifies with humanity’s experiences, emphasizing that He is not a distant deity. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” This connection signifies the depth of God’s love and desire for relationship with us, making Christmas much more than a day of celebration, but a reminder of God’s personal investment in our lives.
Jesus’ Ministry Begins
Following His birth, we see Jesus stepping into His role as the Messiah in profound ways. His ministry kicks off with His baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. The pivotal moment documented in Mark 1:9-11 illustrates the beginning of His public ministry, embodying God’s approval and divine purpose. The heavens opening and the Holy Spirit descending upon Him in the form of a dove serves as a powerful testament to His identity and mission.
Throughout His ministry, we witness Jesus teaching, healing, and performing miracles that depicted who He truly is — the embodiment of God’s love and grace. In Matthew 4:23, we read, “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” The word “gospel” in Greek, “euangelion,” refers to the good news, spreading hope and restoration to a broken world.
Furthermore, His miracles were not merely acts of compassion; they were signs pointing to His divine nature. For example, in John 2:11, the first miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana revealed His glory and prompted belief among His disciples. This miracle represents the transformation He brings into our lives, highlighting that He can change the ordinary into extraordinary.
Additionally, Jesus’ teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, showcase His authority and desire for humanity to live in a way that reflects God’s Kingdom. He challenged societal norms and provided ethical guidelines to shape our relationships with God and each other, emphasizing that the Kingdom is not about power but about love and humility.
The Death and Resurrection of Jesus
Ultimately, the climax of Jesus’ earthly ministry is found in His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection. In John 3:16, we understand the significance of His purpose: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This assurance that Jesus came to die for our sins illustrates the depth of divine love and the purpose of His mission on Earth.
Jesus’ death on the cross serves as the ultimate act of selflessness and redemption. In Isaiah 53:6, we read, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” The cross is where our transgressions met His love, resulting in a powerful restoration between God and humanity.
Following His death, the story doesn’t end but continues with an incredible resurrection! In Luke 24:5-7, the angel declares, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” This pivotal moment encourages every believer that death has been conquered and that we too can walk in new life thanks to His victory. The resurrection not only confirms His divine nature but inspires hope for the life to come, highlighting the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him.
Jesus’ Ascension and Promise of Return
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and many more over a span of forty days. He shared meals, offered encouragement, and reminded them of His teachings, emphasizing the significance of their future mission. The ascension of Jesus is recorded in Acts 1:9-11, where He was taken up into the clouds, highlighting the transition to His position in heaven.
The promise of His return is an essential element of the Jesus story. Acts 1:11 notes, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” This affirmation assures us that Jesus’ ministry isn’t over and that He will come again to restore all things, a hope that fuels our present lives.
In closing, the journey of Jesus through the Bible is not only a chronology of events but a divine love story written for all humanity. Each mention, prophecy, teaching, and miracle reveals God’s incredible plan at work, pointing us toward the heart of the Father. From pre-existence to His promised return, Jesus is present through it all, offering hope, love, and salvation to everyone willing to receive Him.
Final Thoughts
As we ponder when Jesus appears in the Bible, we realize it’s more intricate than we might think. From the first pages of Genesis to the last verses of Revelation, Jesus’ story stands as a testament to God’s enduring love and faithfulness. He existed before creation, was prophesied in ancient times, arrived as a humble baby, performed miraculous deeds, suffered and died for us, and promises to return.
The revelations of Jesus remind us how deeply loved we are and emphasize that God is actively involved in our lives. Each scripture serves as an encouragement about the hope we have in Christ, no matter what we face. We have a Savior who understands our struggles and wants to walk alongside us in every season of life.
Ultimately, Jesus is not just a figure of the past but a living presence today, waiting for us to accept Him. I hope as we grow in understanding His story, we feel inspired to share the good news with others, inviting them into the life-changing love of Christ. Let’s embrace this journey together and look forward to the day of His glorious return!
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4