And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:27)
Throughout the entire O.T. we find shadows, types, promises, prophecies and even Christophanies (a physical appearance) of Jesus. We even find a hint about Him as far back as the fall of mankind when God promised that one would come who would crush the serpents head (Genesis 3:15). This is often refereed to as the "Protoevangelium" (the 1st announcement of the Gospel). And who can forget the prophecies of Isaiah 53 which are exceedingly detailed about the sufferings of Christ.
1 Peter 1:11-12 tells us something interesting about the Prophets (writers of the O.T.) & their message:
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12 ESV)Jesus was not someone new to God's plan, or to Scripture. He is the main focus of the Bible from beginning to end. The Prophets knew that what they were saying was important, that's why they sought & inquired about it. We know they were serving us, and since the person and time has now been announced let's make careful inquiry as to what these Prophets from long ago were revealing to us about The Christ.
