Daily Devotion: Jesus In The Book Of Genesis by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: John 5:37-47 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
- John 5:39 KJV

The pages of the Old Testament are not merely a collection of historical accounts and prophetic writings, but they also hold a vivid portrayal of Jesus Christ, the central figure of our faith. As we delve into the ancient scriptures, we discover that the foreshadows, symbols, and types which all point to the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As John 5:39 points out, Jesus Himself said that the Old Testament was about Him. In this devotional, we will share references to Jesus in the book of Genesis. 

While Jesus is not explicitly mentioned by name in the book of Genesis, there are several passages that contain prophetic and typological references to Him. Here are some examples:

1. Genesis 1:26-27: The creation account highlights God’s image-bearing creation, including humanity, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the very image of God (Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3).

Genesis 3:15: In the aftermath of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, God pronounces a curse on the serpent and promises a future deliverer. The “seed” of the woman (Eve) is promised to crush the serpent’s head, foreshadowing Jesus’ victory over Satan (Hebrews 2:14-15, Romans 16:20).

Genesis 7:13: As we continue our journey through Genesis, we encounter the story of Noah and the ark. God chose to spare Noah and his family. The ark, a foreshadow of Christ, became a place of refuge and salvation for Noah, his family and the animals (1 Peter 3:20-21). This story points us to the future day when Jesus will return to judge the world and gather His people to Himself.

Genesis 12:3: God promises to bless all nations through Abraham’s offspring, pointing to Jesus, the ultimate descendant of Abraham, who would bless all nations (Galatians 3:8, Acts 3:25-26).

1. Genesis 22:8 foreshadows a future day when "...God will provide himself a lamb..." as Jesus, the Lamb of God, provides himself as the sacrifical lamb for the sins of all mankind.

1. Genesis 22:14: Abraham names a mountain “The Lord Will Provide” (Jehovah Jireh), prefiguring Jesus, the ultimate provision of God, who would provide salvation through His sacrifice (John 1:29, Romans 8:32). 
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3. Genesis 49:10: Jacob’s blessing on Judah speaks of a future ruler who would “tie his donkey to a vine” and “wash his garments in wine,” symbolizing Jesus’ humble and victorious reign (Revelation 19:11-16).

Throughout the Book of Genesis, we see the hand of God at work, shaping the lives of individuals and nations. From the call of Abraham to the establishment of the nation of Israel, we witness the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. And at the center of it all, we find Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13).

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