Who Is Jesus
From the opening pages of Genesis to the closing visions of Revelation, the Bible presents Jesus not as a late arrival but as the central figure around whom all Scripture turns. He is the promised Seed, the presence walking with humanity, the Redeemer foreshadowed through symbols and sacrifices, the Messiah revealed in the flesh, the risen Lord, and the returning King. Jesus is not confined to the New Testament—He is woven into the entire biblical story as God's eternal Son who enters human history to rescue, restore, and reign.
In Genesis, Jesus is introduced through prophecy and pattern. After humanity falls, God promises that the “Seed of the woman” will crush the serpent's head, pointing directly to a future Savior born of a woman, yet victorious over evil. Melchizedek, a priest-king of Salem, foreshadows Christ's eternal priesthood. Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac mirrors the Father offering His Son. Jacob wrestles with a mysterious “Man” who bears divine authority, and this points to the pre-incarnate Christ. Joseph, betrayed yet exalted to save many, foreshadows Jesus' suffering and glory. Even in creation itself, the New Testament later reveals that all things were made through Jesus, showing He is present from the very beginning.
As the story continues through Exodus, Jesus appears symbolically as the Passover Lamb whose blood brings deliverance. The pillar of cloud and fire guiding Israel reflects Christ as light and protection. The manna from heaven anticipates Jesus as the Bread of Life. The rock Moses strikes—later explained as “the spiritual Rock that was Christ”—reveals His life-giving presence even in the wilderness. God's dwelling in the tabernacle foreshadows Jesus becoming flesh and dwelling among humanity, and the high priest's ministry points forward to Christ's perfect mediation.
In Leviticus, every offering, sacrifice, and priestly law whispers of Jesus' perfect atonement. He is the spotless sacrifice, the only One able to remove sin completely. The Day of Atonement, with blood carried into the Most Holy Place, prefigures Christ entering heaven itself with His own blood. Numbers continues the theme, showing Jesus symbolically in the bronze serpent lifted up for healing—later Jesus uses this picture to explain His crucifixion. Deuteronomy promises a coming Prophet like Moses, but greater, who speaks God's word with ultimate authority.
Through the historical books—Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings—Jesus' role unfolds through types and promises. Joshua, whose name in Hebrew mirrors “Yeshua,” leads God's people into their inheritance, pointing to Jesus as the One who brings salvation and rest. David's kingship establishes the line of the Messiah, and God promises a Son who will reign forever. Every righteous king reflects part of the future Messiah, while every failed king shows the need for a perfect one. In the Psalms, Jesus is the Shepherd, the Anointed One, the pierced Savior, the risen King, and the enthroned Lord to whom all nations will bow.
The prophets intensify the revelation. Isaiah foretells a virgin birth, a suffering Servant pierced for iniquities, and a reigning King called Mighty God. Jeremiah promises a New Covenant written on hearts. Ezekiel envisions a Shepherd-King restoring His people. Daniel reveals the Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion. Micah identifies Bethlehem as the Messiah's birthplace. Zechariah speaks of a King riding on a donkey and being betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. All these prophecies converge in the person of Jesus.
The Gospels reveal Jesus fully: the eternal Word who became flesh, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of Mary, fulfilling every prophecy and symbol. He teaches with unparalleled authority, heals the sick, casts out demons, calms storms, and forgives sins—actions that reveal His divine identity. He calls people to repent, to believe, and to follow Him. Jesus reveals God's character perfectly: full of grace, truth, compassion, and justice. He proclaims the kingdom of God, gathers disciples, and demonstrates God's love in every word and action.
At the center of the Gospel story is Jesus' sacrificial death. He willingly lays down His life as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His crucifixion satisfies divine justice and provides forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption. Three days later, Jesus rises bodily from the dead, proving His victory over sin, death, and Satan. His resurrection is the turning point of human history and the foundation of Christian faith. He then commissions His followers to share the good news with all nations.
In the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus ascends to heaven yet continues His work through the Holy Spirit. He is portrayed as the risen Lord guiding, empowering, and expanding His church. The apostles preach that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, crucified yet living, and exalted to the right hand of God. Through His name, the Spirit performs miracles, transforms lives, and brings people from every background into the family of God.
The epistles explain who Jesus is and what He has accomplished. They reveal Jesus as Lord, God's Son, Creator, sustainer of all things, High Priest, Mediator, Redeemer, and Head of the church. Through His blood believers are justified, sanctified, adopted, and made new. Jesus intercedes for His people, gives spiritual gifts, breaks the power of sin, and promises to finish the good work He begins. He is the image of the invisible God, the fullness of deity in bodily form, and the One in whom all things hold together. The letters teach that life in Christ is one of faith, hope, love, obedience, and transformation.
Finally, Revelation unveils Jesus in glory. He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Lamb on the throne, the Faithful and True Rider, and the conquering King who returns to judge evil, restore creation, and dwell with His people forever. Every vision magnifies His majesty. He shines brighter than the sun, holds the keys of death and the grave, and commands all the hosts of heaven. In the end, every eye will see Him, every knee will bow, and He will make all things new.
Across the entire Bible, Jesus stands as the Creator, Redeemer, Savior, and King—the fulfillment of God's promises, the center of God's plan, and the hope of humanity. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals a single story: God reaching toward humanity through His Son, inviting all who will believe to find life, forgiveness, purpose, and eternal hope in Him.