Biblical Typology: How Does Jesus Connect to Israel?

Jesus is connected to every inch of the Bible. Just like the term "Lamb of God" Jesus is the Good Shepherd, but also the Lamb that was to be slain.

New Life Through the Waters

From the very beginning, water has played a pivotal role in God's plan for His people. In Genesis, new life emerged through the waters of creation. Later, God’s chosen people stepped into a new chapter of their identity as they passed through the Red Sea, leaving behind their bondage in Egypt. A few weeks ago, we explored the theme of new life through baptism, focusing on Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River. Immediately following His baptism, Jesus entered the Judean Wilderness for a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and preparation for His ministry. This time of testing is rich with Old Testament connections, revealing profound spiritual truths.

The Israelites crossing the Red Sea on dry ground.

The Significance of Forty Days

The number 40 carries deep biblical symbolism. Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness mirror Israel’s 40-year journey through the desert after passing through the Red Sea. This number also appears in the lives of other key figures in Scripture: Moses fasted for 40 days on Mount Sinai as he received God's law (Exodus 34), and Elijah undertook a 40-day fast on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19). These connections between the Old and New Testaments are not incidental; they are intentional and profoundly revealing.

What is Biblical Typology? : Foreshadowing Christ

The study of these connections is known as biblical typology, where Old Testament events, people, and institutions serve as previews of New Testament fulfillment. For instance, Paul describes Adam as "a type of the one to come" (Romans 5:14), pointing to how Jesus, the second Adam, undoes the damage caused by the first. Whereas Adam’s disobedience brought sin and death, Jesus’ obedience brings life and righteousness. Likewise, the Passover in Exodus 12 is not only a historical act of deliverance but also a foreshadowing of Christ, the ultimate sacrificial Lamb.

Interpreting Scripture: Historical Context and Typology

Not all scholars embrace typology, arguing that it can detract from the historical context of biblical events. However, an approach that values both historical grounding and typological insight offers a fuller understanding of Scripture. The Passover, for example, is both a commemoration of Israel’s deliverance and a prophetic sign pointing to Jesus’ redemptive work. Recognizing these layers enriches our grasp of God's intricate plan of salvation.

Jesus in the Wilderness: Dependence on God

Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness was not merely about physical deprivation—it was a profound act of spiritual alignment. By choosing to rely on God rather than earthly sustenance, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate truth that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God (Deuteronomy 8:3). This season of preparation strengthened Him for the mission ahead, modeling for us the necessity of setting aside the temporal to focus on the eternal.

The Three Temptations: Triumph Over the Enemy

During His time in the wilderness, Jesus faced three key temptations from Satan—each corresponding to failures in Israel’s history:

1. Physical Needs – Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, echoing Israel’s grumbling about hunger in the wilderness. Jesus resisted, declaring that true life comes from God’s Word (Deuteronomy 8:3).

2. Testing God’s Protection – Satan urged Jesus to throw Himself from the temple to prove God's care. Jesus refused, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, which warns against testing the Lord. This contrasted with Israel’s doubts about God's presence and provision in the wilderness.

3. Worldly Power – Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Jesus rejected this outright, affirming that only God is worthy of worship (Deuteronomy 6:13). Unlike Israel, which often turned to idols, Jesus remained unwavering in His devotion.

Applying the Wilderness Experience to Our Lives

Jesus' victory over temptation is more than a historical event—it is a lesson for us today. Like Israel and Jesus, we all experience our own wilderness seasons—times of testing, doubt, and spiritual struggle. We may be tempted to prioritize physical comfort over faith, to question God's faithfulness, or to chase worldly success over divine purpose. Yet, through Jesus' triumph, we are reminded that our strength comes from God alone.

When we feel weak, we can look to Christ, who overcame every trial. His faithfulness in the wilderness gives us the power to resist temptation, trust in God’s provision, and walk in obedience. Our failures do not define us—His victory does.

Conclusion: Strength in the Eternal

The story of Jesus in the wilderness is a powerful reminder that true strength is found in aligning with the eternal rather than the temporary. It calls us to seek God above all else, to resist the enemy’s lies, and to live in the freedom of His grace. May we follow Christ’s example, standing firm in faith and drawing ever closer to the One who never fails us.