“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Prophecies of the Coming Messiah
In the Old Testament, we will find numerous prophecies pointing to the coming of Jesus, our Savior. These verses provide us with profound insights into God’s plan for redemption and illustrate how Easter was anticipated long before the actual event. The prophecies about the Messiah show us that God had a deliberate purpose: to send His Son to save us. For us, these promises encourage a deeper understanding of the significance of Easter, as they remind us that our salvation was prophesied and predestined out of love.
Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6
Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” – Micah 5:2
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Psalm 22:16
“Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.” – Psalm 22:16
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
Sacrificial System and Atonement
The sacrificial system established in the Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. It reflects the seriousness of sin and the requirement for atonement. We see how animal sacrifices were a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. Through these rites, we can appreciate the importance of Jesus’s death on the cross and the resurrection celebrated at Easter. By exploring this aspect, we gain clarity on how Jesus fulfilled the law and provided a new way for us all to be reconciled with God.
Leviticus 17:11
“For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” – Leviticus 17:11
Exodus 12:13
“The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.” – Exodus 12:13
Hebrews 9:22
“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” – Hebrews 9:22
Genesis 22:8
“Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.” – Genesis 22:8
Isaiah 53:10
“Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.” – Isaiah 53:10
Foreshadowing Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
Throughout the Old Testament, we are given glimpses of what Jesus would endure. The stories and events depict a greater reality that points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross—his death and resurrection. As we study these scriptures, we can see that Easter isn’t just a moment in time but rather the fulfillment of God’s divine plan established in the Old Testament. These powerful narratives inspire hope and joy in our hearts, reminding us that, through Jesus, we have victory over sin and death.
Jonah 1:17
“Now the LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” – Jonah 1:17
Psalm 16:10
“because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful servant see decay.” – Psalm 16:10
Daniel 9:26
“After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.” – Daniel 9:26
Exodus 12:46
“It must be eaten inside one house; take none of the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the bones.” – Exodus 12:46
Zecharaiah 12:10
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.” – Zechariah 12:10
The Role of the Passover
The Passover holds a unique place in the Old Testament as it was a pivotal moment during the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. This event serves as a powerful reminder of God’s mercy and deliverance. As we observe the Passover, we can see clear connections to Easter, as Jesus is our ultimate Passover Lamb. By reflecting on the significance of this sacred feast, we bolster our appreciation for the grace and redemption made available through Christ and His sacrifice, celebrating the fulfillment during Easter.
Exodus 12:1-3
“The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. Tell the whole Israelite community that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household.” – Exodus 12:1-3
Exodus 12:11
“This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover.” – Exodus 12:11
Exodus 23:18
“Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast. The fat of my festival offerings must not be kept until morning.” – Exodus 23:18
Matthew 26:17
“On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” – Matthew 26:17
Luke 22:15
“And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” – Luke 22:15
God’s Hope and Promise of Redemption
God’s hope and promise of redemption resonate strongly throughout the Old Testament. These scriptures assure us that, despite our failures, God remains faithful to His covenant. As we delve into these verses, we can find encouragement and comfort knowing that Easter embodies the fulfillment of God’s redemptive promises. It serves as a reminder that He makes all things new, giving us another layer of appreciation for the joy brought forth by the resurrection.
Jeremiah 31:34
“No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” – Jeremiah 31:34
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1
Joel 2:32
“And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.” – Joel 2:32
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 43:19
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19
Celebration of God’s Goodness
In celebrating Easter, we are called to reflect on God’s incredible goodness and faithfulness. The Old Testament is rich with praises and testimonies of His character, encouraging us to celebrate who He is. Focusing on God’s goodness strengthens our faith and relationship with Him. As we come together to acknowledge Easter, we can appreciate the fullness of God’s goodness, recognizing that – through His resurrection – we find hope for our lives today.
Psalm 100:5
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” – Psalm 100:5
Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
Psalm 34:8
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8
Psalm 145:9
“The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” – Psalm 145:9
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
Final Thoughts
As we explore the connection between the Old Testament and Easter, we witness God’s prophetic promises, the foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice, and the unwavering hope we have in Him. Each verse reminds us that Jesus’s coming was no coincidence, but rather a carefully orchestrated plan to save us. The stories of the Old Testament reveal God’s heart and affection toward all of us, culminating in the beautiful gift of Easter. In this time of reflection, we can celebrate His grace and embrace the joy of our risen Savior.
Let us continue to seek understanding of His love and purpose for our lives. We can find more insights into God’s word by checking out the Bible verses about Jesus in the Old Testament or delve into the Bible verses about Jesus’ birth in the Old Testament. Our exploration of scripture fuels our faith and deepens our relationship with God.