Interpreting the Bible: Jesus Concealed and Revealed
Introduction
One of the most beautiful, transformative truths about Scripture is its unity. Despite being written over a span of approximately 1,500 years by over 40 different authors across various cultures and languages, the Bible tells one grand story—the story of redemption through Jesus Christ. A foundational key to interpreting the Bible rightly is to recognize how Jesus is concealed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament. This Christ-centered hermeneutic helps believers grasp the full depth and beauty of God’s plan.
1. Jesus in the Old Testament: Concealed but Present
Many Christians mistakenly think the Old Testament is simply a historical or legal document and has little relevance to the New Covenant. But Jesus Himself corrected that notion.
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.” — John 5:39 (ESV)
Jesus was speaking of the Old Testament here, which was the only Scripture available at the time. The Old Testament, in types, shadows, prophecies, and figures, points to Christ.
a. Typology and Shadows
Throughout the Old Testament, we find types (foreshadowings) of Christ:
- Adam as the first man, failed, but Christ is the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45) who succeeded.
- Joseph was betrayed, suffered unjustly, and rose to save his people—just like Jesus.
- The Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) points directly to Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29).
- The sacrificial system pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:1-10).
b. Prophetic Scriptures
Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies point forward to Jesus.
- Isaiah 53 vividly describes the suffering of the Messiah.
- Micah 5:2 predicts His birth in Bethlehem.
- Psalm 22 speaks of the crucifixion with astonishing precision.
2. Jesus in the New Testament: Revealed and Fulfilled
The New Testament is not a new story, but the fulfillment of the promises made in the Old. It brings clarity and fulfillment to what was previously concealed.
a. Jesus Fulfills the Law and the Prophets
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” — Matthew 5:17
Everything in the Old Testament finds its true meaning in Christ. He is the true Temple (John 2:19), the perfect Priest (Hebrews 7), and the final Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12).
b. Christ-Centered Interpretation
The apostles, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, interpreted the Old Testament Christologically.
- Peter interpreted David’s words in Psalm 16 as a prophecy of the resurrection (Acts 2:25–31).
- Paul explained that the rock that followed the Israelites in the wilderness was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4).
c. The Gospels as the Climax
The four Gospels are the apex of Scripture, where the long-expected Messiah enters the world. His birth, life, death, and resurrection are not abrupt turns but the fulfillment of centuries of divine promise.
3. A Right Approach to Bible Interpretation
To read the Bible correctly is to read it with Jesus at the center. Here are principles to keep in mind:
- Context is key: Understand the historical, grammatical, and literary context.
- Scripture interprets Scripture: Allow clear passages to illuminate difficult ones.
- Christ is the lens: All of Scripture points to Him (Luke 24:27).
- Progressive Revelation: Understand that God’s revelation unfolds over time, becoming clearer as it culminates in Christ.
Conclusion: One Story, One Savior
The Old Testament lays the foundation; the New Testament builds upon it and completes it. Together, they form a seamless garment, woven with divine intent and centered on the person of Jesus Christ. To know the Bible is to know Christ, and to know Christ is to see the Bible anew.
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” — Luke 24:27
May we never read the Word without looking for the Word made flesh.
