How the Old Testament Foreshadowed the Death of Yeshu Christ
Yeshu Himself said,
“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
At the time of Yeshu, the people of Israel deeply respected the Old Testament (the Hebrew Scriptures) as God’s Word. Yeshu made it clear that these Scriptures point to Him, the promised Messiah. Many prophecies and symbols in the Old Testament foretold His suffering and death. Here are some important examples:
1. Early Foreshadows of the Messiah’s Death
- Genesis 3:15
God told the serpent (Satan):
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
This means the Messiah would defeat Satan but suffer injury in the process—pointing to Yeshu’s death and victory over sin. - Genesis 3:21
God made garments of animal skins to clothe Adam and Eve, replacing their fig leaves. This act of sacrifice points forward to the Messiah, who would die for sinners, showing that salvation comes from God’s provision, not human effort. - Genesis 22
God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham obeyed. This story foreshadows God’s sacrifice of His own Son, Yeshu, for humanity.
2. The Sacrificial System and Symbolic Offerings
- Sin Offering (Leviticus 4 & 17:11)
The Israelites offered animals without blemish to atone for their sins.
God said:
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood... it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”
These sacrifices were temporary symbols pointing to the perfect sacrifice Yeshu would make with His own blood. - The Passover Lamb (Exodus 12)
God protected the Israelites from judgment in Egypt by the blood of a lamb on their doorposts. On the night before His death, Yeshu celebrated Passover and declared:
“This is my body... this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” — Matthew 26:26–28
Yeshu is the true Passover Lamb who saves us from judgment. - The Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21:4-9 & John 3:14)
When poisonous snakes bit the Israelites, God told Moses to lift a bronze serpent on a pole so anyone bitten who looked at it would live. Yeshu compared this to His own crucifixion, lifted up on the cross to bring healing and life to those who believe in Him.
3. Major Prophecies About the Messiah’s Suffering and Death
- Isaiah 53
Describes a suffering servant who is silent before his accusers, wounded for our sins, and buried with the rich, even though innocent. - Psalm 22
A vivid description of suffering, including pierced hands and feet and people casting lots for the sufferer’s clothes—details that mirror Yeshu’s crucifixion. - Zechariah 12:10-13:1
Foretells a time when people will mourn deeply for the one “whom they have pierced” and describes a fountain opened for cleansing from sin.
These Old Testament Scriptures are powerful witnesses that Yeshu’s death was not accidental but part of God’s divine plan to save humanity. They invite us to see the cross not just as a tragic event, but as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the pathway to salvation.
