The words of Jesus as He was incognito with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus are instructional about the idea of types in the Old Testament. When the disciples displayed their stunning lack of understanding about the death and resurrection of Jesus, He finally opened their eyes and revealed His identity. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:27) No doubt, He opened their eyes to the types of Him in the Old Testament, because He’s not specifically named there.
So, who is the greatest type of Jesus in the Old Testament? Some say Joseph and/or Daniel, because no sin is ever recorded about either of them. That is one plausible speculation. As I’ve studied, I have an educated guess about who is the most significant type of Christ in the Old Testament. But first, consider these three things:
1) In our discussion here, a type is a shadow or proxy for Jesus. Look for who best “stands in” for Jesus if you carry that character’s role forward to Christ. Who best pictures Him?
2) Jesus is multi-dimensional. He’s more than Savior (Joseph is a good picture of Jesus as Savior). He is also Prophet (Moses is a great OT type of Jesus as prophet. So is Daniel). Jesus is Priest. (Melchizedek is a great type of Jesus as priest, though some say he’s actually the pre-incarnate Christ, so perhaps Aaron as type of Christ as priest). And Jesus is/will be King. King David is an apt proxy for Jesus in the OT. Thus, there are multiple types of Jesus in the Old Testament.
3) The theme of the Bible presents a great clue as to who is the greatest type of Christ in the Old Testament. By the way, what is the theme of the Bible? Hint: It is not “Jesus died for me.” Rather, it is Jesus sitting on the throne ruling and reigning. He did that in the past and will again in the future. Meanwhile, He left His throne in heaven, came to earth to accomplish God’s plan for the salvation of mankind, rose again, and in the end, He will be back on His throne ruling and reigning as King of King and Lord of Lords in His Kingdom.
Here's the theme of the Bible in two verses, looking forward to the ultimate future. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Now, back to our question. Who is the greatest type of Christ in the Old Testament? In light of the theme of the Bible, which is His kingdom, it’s David as king. Notice the reference to David in the verses above. I’ve been studying the life of David for the past year, and I’ve seen him as a type of Christ over and over.
But I finally reached the end of David’s life in my study the other day, and I noticed something that cements him as the greatest type of Christ. His last words, compared to Christ’s last words.
- David’s last words were prophetic of him as a type of Christ (because, surprise, David was not only king, he was a prophet) Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. (2 Sam 23:1-5)
- In Christ’s last words, He equates Himself with David. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. (Rev. 22:16) And in verse 20, Surely I come quickly.
Here’s a Bible study tip. In your daily devotions, pick a book of the Bible or a Bible character and read—looking for something in particular. I picked David from 1 and 2 Samuel earlier this year and read with one thing in mind each day. “How does David picture Christ in this chapter?” And I took notes on my computer. It was a rich study, learning about Jesus from a different perspective.
Jody
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