From Type to Fulfillment: Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament
From Type to Fulfillment: Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament
By Brother Donato S. Powell, Sr.
A Spirit-filled reflection on how to live by faith today
🕊️Introduction: Jesus Didn’t Just Arrive — He Was Always There
When we think of Jesus, we often begin with the Gospels — His birth in Bethlehem, His teachings, His sacrifice. But the story of Jesus didn’t start in Matthew. He is found throughout the entire Bible, even in the Old Testament.
Jesus Himself said:
“If you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me.” —John 5:46
From the very beginning, God was painting a picture — using events, people, and objects to point toward His Son. These previews are called types: symbolic foreshadowing of the one who would fulfill them completely — Jesus Christ.
📖 Old Testament Shadows and Symbols
The Old Testament is full of glimpses of Jesus before He came in the flesh. These “types” help us understand the depth of God’s plan.
1. The Passover Lamb
In Exodus, the Israelites were saved from death by the blood of a spotless lamb. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes our true Passover Lamb whose blood saves us from eternal death (1 Corinthians 5:7).
2. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred container that held God's presence and law. Jesus is now our new covenant — God's law written on our hearts.
3. Manna from Heaven
God fed His people in the wilderness with bread from heaven. Jesus says, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).
4. The Bronze Serpent
Lifted up by Moses in the desert to heal those bitten by snakes. Jesus referenced this moment when He said He must be lifted up on the cross to bring eternal healing (John 3:14–15).
These weren’t just stories — they were signs pointing to Jesus
🌟 From Type to Fulfillment
Everything in the Old Testament finds its completion in Christ.
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him.” —2 Corinthians 1:20
Where the tabernacle once hosted God’s presence, Jesus became God with us (Immanuel).
Where the high priest entered once a year for atonement, Jesus became our eternal High Priest, interceding for us daily (Hebrews 7:25).
Where animal sacrifices were repeated constantly, Jesus became the final sacrifice, once and for all (Hebrews 10:10).
The Old Testament lays the foundation. Jesus is the fulfillment.
💡 Real-Life Encouragement
If the Old Testament has ever felt confusing or distant — you’re not alone. But when you read it through the lens of Christ, everything comes into focus.
If you’ve ever wondered whether God had a plan — the shadows show He’s been pointing to Jesus all along.
If you feel like your faith is shaky — know that your Savior didn’t suddenly appear. He’s been the centerpiece of God’s plan from the very beginning.
🛐 A Prayer for Today
“Lord, thank You for revealing Your Son through every page of Scripture. Help me see Jesus not just in the New Testament, but throughout the entire Bible. Open my heart to understand how Your promises were fulfilled in Him. Build my faith on the solid foundation of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
📥 Download the Free Devotional Worksheet
This week’s printable worksheet helps you reflect on key Old Testament symbols, connect them to Jesus, and grow in your understanding of God’s big-picture plan.
👉 [Download the Simple Worksheet – From Type to Fulfillment (PDF)]
Use it in quiet time, group study, or Bible journaling.
🎥 Go Deeper: Watch the Full Teaching
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This devotional is part of The Berean Journey, a series by Kingdom Fusion Fellowship.
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