What Is It Called When Jesus Appears in the Old Testament?
When we ask, “What is it called when Jesus appears in the Old Testament?” we are looking at a profound concept known as a Christophany. A Christophany refers to an appearance of Christ in a physical form before His incarnation, showing up in various narratives throughout the Old Testament. These instances not only reveal God’s nature but also establish foundational truths about who Jesus is.
The Meaning of Christophany
The term “Christophany” is derived from the words “Christ,” referring to Jesus, and “-phany,” meaning appearance. When we look at the writings in both the Old and New Testaments, we can see that God has revealed Himself to humanity in different ways throughout history. In the Old Testament, one significant way He does this is through the pre-incarnate appearances of Christ.
Early Examples of Christophany
One of the first known Christophanies in scripture occurs in the book of Genesis. When God visits Abraham, it is often interpreted as a Christophany. In Genesis 18, three men come to visit Abraham. While two of them are identified as angels, the third is generally understood to be the Lord Himself. This divine visit underscores the importance of hospitality in the ancient world and hints at the pending birth of Isaac with the statement, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14).
The Burning Bush
Another powerful Christophany can be found in Exodus 3, where Moses encounters God in the form of a burning bush. During this encounter, Moses is given the task of leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. The voice coming from the bush reveals God’s purpose and presence, marking a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. Although this is a theophany (a visible manifestation of God), many theologians assert it also serves as a Christophany since it reveals Christ’s presence and authority.
Wresting with Jacob
In Genesis 32, we read about Jacob wrestling with a mysterious man through the night. At the end of this struggle, Jacob learns that he has contended with God. In this passage, the “man” can be interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Jacob’s encounter demonstrates the transformative power of meeting God and how such encounters can change the course of a person’s life forever.
The Role of Christophanies in the Old Testament
Christophanies serve as foreshadowing events of the New Testament where Jesus comes in human form. They often carry critical messages, act as divine interventions, or reveal God’s plans for humanity. By understanding these manifestations, we deepen our appreciation for God’s continual work throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Fulfillment of Prophecy
One key aspect of Christophanies is their role in prophecy. These appearances often point forward to the coming of Christ, highlighting the consistency and harmony of biblical narratives. For instance, the promise of a Messiah is planted throughout the Old Testament, and Christophanies serve to bolster the faith of Israel by showing that God has always been involved in their story.
Teaching Moments
Many Christophanies double as teaching moments, offering lessons that persist throughout the ages. For instance, in Isaiah 6, when the prophet sees the Lord seated on a throne, it is a transformative vision that prepares him for his future ministry. This revelation echoes through to the New Testament as Jesus calls His followers into a transformative relationship with Himself.
Christophany’s Implications for Today
Understanding Christophanies is crucial for Christians today, as it reinforces the belief that Jesus has always been present and active in our world. Through His appearances, we witness God’s unchanging nature and His desire to connect with humanity deeply.
Assurance of God’s Presence
For believers, Christophanies remind us that God has not been aloof or indifferent. He has chosen to interact with us directly, bridging the gap between the perfect God and fallible humanity. This assurance can foster a deeper faith, knowing that God is continually working for our good.
Theological Significance
The appearances of Christ in the Old Testament strengthen our theological foundations. They show that Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, is not only part of the New Testament narrative but integral to God’s overall message of redemption. This continuity can enhance our understanding of scripture and the nature of Christ.
Examples of Christophanies in the Old Testament
Various specific events in the Old Testament highlight Christophanies. In addition to those already mentioned, we can draw upon events such as the appearance in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, or the figure that appears to Joshua prior to the battle of Jericho. Each occurrence carries weight in its historical context.
The Fiery Furnace
In Daniel 3, when King Nebuchadnezzar throws Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fiery furnace, he notices a fourth figure walking with them. He refers to the fourth as “like a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:25). Many interpretations suggest this appearance was Jesus, showcasing His power to save and protect those who trust Him.
Pre-Battle Assurance to Joshua
Before the Battle of Jericho, Joshua encounters the commander of the army of the Lord (Joshua 5:13-15). This figure instructs Joshua to take off his sandals because the ground is holy. Many scholars consider this an encounter with Christ, reinforcing the idea that God is actively involved in the struggles of His people.
Ultimately, Christophanies profoundly shape our understanding of God’s character and His relationship with humanity.
Conclusion
Understanding what it is called when Jesus appears in the Old Testament helps navigate the rich tapestry of biblical narratives. Known as Christophanies, these events not only illuminate God’s promises and plans but also strengthen the faith of believers. Through these numerous appearances, we see the continuity and faithfulness of God, leading us to recognize the fullness of Christ in our lives.
Common Questions Related to What Is It Called When Jesus Appears in the Old Testament
Q. What are Christophanies?
A. Christophanies are appearances of Christ in physical form in the Old Testament, revealing God’s presence and intentions before His earthly incarnation.
Q. Can you give an example of a Christophany?
A. The burning bush where Moses speaks to God is considered a Christophany, as it represents a direct encounter with the divine.
Q. How does the story of Jacob wrestling with God relate to Christophanies?
A. Jacob wrestles with a “man,” who symbolizes Christ—showing that encounters with God often lead to significant life changes.
Q. What role do Christophanies play in biblical prophecy?
A. Christophanies foreshadow the coming of Jesus and reinforce the continuity of God’s redemptive plan throughout scripture.
Q. How can Christophanies impact my faith today?
A. They remind believers that God has always been present in our lives and offers assurance of His continual care.
Q. Are Christophanies limited to the Old Testament?
A. Christophanies primarily appear in the Old Testament, but they emphasize the overarching message of Christ’s eternal existence.
Q. Why are appearances of Christ important for understanding the Trinity?
A. Christophanies illustrate that Jesus, as part of the Trinity, has been active in the world before His incarnation, enriching our understanding of God’s nature.
Q. What significance do the three visitors to Abraham hold?
A. They provide a Christophany that emphasizes God’s promise and the importance of faith, demonstrating His personal interaction with humanity.
Q. How do Christophanies help explain the nature of God?
A. They show that God desires relationship with people and is actively engaged in guiding and protecting them.
Q. Why should I care about Christophanies?
A. Understanding Christophanies deepens your knowledge of scripture, strengthens faith, and enhances the appreciation of God’s unchanging presence and promise.