Episode 638: Jesus in Human Form in the Book of Genesis

In today’s episode, we explore the concept of preincarnate appearances of Jesus, also known as Christophanies, in the Old Testament. Some scholars believe that Jesus appeared in human form in several instances before his birth in Bethlehem. The earliest Christians believed in the pre-existence of Christ and saw him as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. We contend that the first preincarnate appearance of Christ in the Old Testament was in Genesis 18, where Christ, in human form, along with two of His angels, visited Abraham.

We identify other examples where Christ appeared in the Old Testament, such as in Genesis 22, where the Angel of the Lord was identified as God, and in Genesis 32, where Jacob wrestled with a being, who was Jesus in human form. 

Reflecting on these pre-incarnate appearances of Jesus can help believers deepen their understanding of God's character and purposes, and draw closer to him in faith and obedience. By looking for signs of God's presence in their daily lives and cultivating a spirit of attentiveness and openness to God's leading, believers can grow in their faith and draw closer to him.

Additional scriptures referenced include Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Genesis 22:11-12; Genesis 3:15; Exodus 33:20; Judges 6:22; 13:22; Isaiah 6:5; and Genesis 16:7-13.