Jesus in Genesis: 7 Ways Christ Is Revealed in the First Book of the Bible
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Did you know that Jesus is present from the very first book of the Bible? Many think of the Gospel as beginning in the New Testament, but the truth is, the message of Yeshua (Jesus) is written into the foundation of Scripture—starting in Genesis. From creation to redemption, from prophecy to foreshadowing, Genesis is filled with glimpses of the Messiah.
When we look at Genesis through the lens of the New Testament, we see that Jesus wasn’t just hinted at—he was there all along. His mission, sacrifice, and victory over sin are embedded in the very structure of the book. In fact, when we examine Jesus in Genesis further, we discover that the Gospel is not something that appeared suddenly with the arrival of the Messiah, but rather, something that was foretold and foreshadowed from the very beginning.
In this post, we’ll explore seven powerful ways that Jesus is revealed in Genesis, showing how God’s plan for salvation was in place from the very start.
📖 Want to go even deeper? Be sure to download our FREE 6-week Bible study on The Gospel in Genesis at the end of this post! It’s packed with Scripture readings, study questions, and reflection prompts to help you uncover even more hidden treasures about Jesus in the first book of the Bible.
Jesus in Creation (Genesis 1:1-3, John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16)
Genesis begins with the famous words: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” But when we turn to John 1, we see that this creation happened through Jesus.
“In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were made through Him, and apart from Him nothing was made that has come into being.”
John 1:1-3, TLV
This passage reveals that Jesus, the divine Word (Memra in Aramaic), was not only present at creation but was actively involved in it. Jewish tradition in the Targums often refers to the Memra as the way God interacts with the world—speaking creation into existence, revealing His presence, and bringing salvation.
The Targums are ancient Aramaic translations and interpretations of the Hebrew Scriptures. Since many Jewish communities in the time of Yeshua spoke Aramaic rather than Hebrew, these paraphrased versions helped people understand the meaning of the Torah and other biblical texts.
The Targums not only translated the Scriptures but also added commentary and explanations, providing insight into how Jewish communities understood certain passages.
In Genesis 1:3, we read: “Then God said, ‘Let there be light!’ and there was light.” This light appeared before the sun, moon, and stars were created, showing that it wasn’t just physical light—it was a spiritual reality. Many Jewish scholars associate this with the Or HaGanuz (the Hidden Light), a divine light reserved for the righteous and ultimately revealed in the Messiah.
Jesus later declared:
“I am the light of the world. The one who follows Me will no longer walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12, TLV
From the very first moments of creation, Jesus is there—bringing life, order, and the light that overcomes darkness.
The Protoevangelium – The First Gospel (Genesis 3:15)
After Adam and Eve sinned, God pronounced judgment—but in the midst of this, He also gave the first prophecy of redemption, known as the Protoevangelium, or “First Gospel.”
“I will put animosity between you and the woman—between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will crush his heel.”
Genesis 3:15, TLV
This is the first direct prophecy of the Messiah, but there’s a key detail that often goes unnoticed—the promised Redeemer is linked to the seed of the woman rather than the seed of the man.
In Scripture, genealogies are almost always traced through the father, making this wording very unusual. Because of this, some see it as an early indication of the virgin birth, since Yeshua was conceived by the Holy Spirit and not through a human father (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-23).
However, this prophecy can also be understood in a broader sense—pointing to Israel, the chosen nation through whom the Messiah would come.
- In Isaiah 54:5-6, Israel is described as God’s bride, showing the deep connection between the nation and the “woman” in biblical imagery.
- The Jewish people are often referred to as Zera Yisrael (Seed of Israel), showing that the ultimate deliverance would come from within this covenant family.
- Revelation 12 paints a vivid picture of a woman giving birth to a male child who will rule the nations—a clear link between Israel and the coming of the Messiah.
The seed of the woman is Israel, through whom Yeshua, the Messiah, was born. The battle between the serpent and this seed represents not just an individual struggle but the ongoing spiritual conflict between the forces of darkness and God’s covenant people.
The enemy has always sought to destroy Israel—whether through Pharaoh, Haman, Antiochus, or Hitler—because through Israel, the Messiah and salvation for the world would come.
When Yeshua came, He crushed the serpent’s head through His death and resurrection, breaking the power of sin and death. However, this prophecy is not only about the past—it also points to the future, when Messiah will return and establish His final victory over evil. would undo the curse of sin and death, fulfilling the first prophecy given in Scripture.
Melchizedek – The Mysterious Christ Figure (Genesis 14:18-20)
One of the most mysterious figures in Genesis is Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem who appears in Genesis 14. After Abraham’s victory in battle, Melchizedek brings out bread and wine and blesses him:
“Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine—he was a priest of El Elyon. He blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by El Elyon, Creator of heaven and earth, and blessed be El Elyon, who gave over your enemies into your hand.’”
Genesis 14:18-20, TLV
Melchizedek is unique because he is both a king and a priest, something unheard of in Israel. Later, Psalm 110:4 prophesies that the Messiah will be “a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
The book of Hebrews expands on this, revealing that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this priesthood:
“Without father, without mother—without genealogy, having neither a beginning of days nor end of life—but made like the Son of God, He remains a priest for all time.”
Hebrews 7:3, TLV
Melchizedek’s priesthood and offering of bread and wine foreshadow Jesus’ role as our eternal High Priest and the Last Supper, where he gives his body and blood for the redemption of the world.
Abraham & Isaac – A Foreshadow of the Cross (Genesis 22)
Genesis 22 tells one of the most dramatic stories in the Bible—God’s command for Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Yet, this moment is more than just a test of faith. It is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
- Isaac carries the wood for his own sacrifice, just as Jesus carried his cross. (Genesis 22:6, John 19:17)
- God provides a substitute—a ram caught in the thicket—just as Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes our place. (Genesis 22:13, John 1:29)
- The location, Mount Moriah, is later revealed to be the site of Jerusalem, where Jesus would be crucified.
Abraham himself seems to recognize that God will provide:
“God will provide for Himself a lamb for a burnt offering, my son.”
Genesis 22:8, TLV
And indeed, centuries later, God did provide the ultimate Lamb—Jesus.
Joseph’s Life as a Messianic Type (Genesis 37-50)
Joseph’s life is filled with parallels to Jesus:
- Joseph was rejected by his brothers, just as Jesus was rejected by his own people. (Genesis 37:4, John 1:11)
- He was sold for silver, just as Jesus was betrayed for silver. (Genesis 37:28, Matthew 26:15)
- He was falsely accused and suffered unjustly. (Genesis 39:20, Matthew 26:59-60)
- He was exalted to rule after suffering, just as Jesus was raised to glory. (Genesis 41:41, Philippians 2:9-11)
Joseph ultimately saves his family and forgives them, just as Jesus offers salvation and forgiveness to all who come to him.
The Lion of Judah – The Promise of the Messiah (Genesis 49:8-10)
Before his death, Jacob prophesies over his son Judah:
“The scepter will not pass from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes. To him will be the obedience of the peoples.”
Genesis 49:10, TLV
This is a prophecy of the coming Messiah, who would come from the line of Judah. Revelation confirms that Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise:
“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.”
Revelation 5:5, TLV
Jesus is the long-awaited King who will rule forever.
The Hidden Gospel in the Genealogy of Genesis 5
At first glance, Genesis 5 seems like a straightforward genealogy—just a list of names from Adam to Noah. However, when we look at the Hebrew meanings of these names, an astonishing hidden message emerges.
Here is a breakdown of the ten names and their meanings:
- Adam – Man
- Seth – Appointed
- Enosh – Mortal
- Kenan – Sorrow
- Mahalalel – The Blessed God
- Jared – Shall come down
- Enoch – Teaching
- Methuselah – His death shall bring
- Lamech – The despairing
- Noah – Rest
Now, when we read these meanings as a sentence, they form a prophetic message of the Gospel:
“Man is appointed mortal sorrow, but the Blessed God shall come down teaching. His death shall bring the despairing rest.”
This is an incredible summary of the mission of Jesus:
- Humanity is under the curse of death and sorrow due to sin (Genesis 3).
- But God Himself comes down (John 1:14, Philippians 2:7).
- Yeshua teaches the way of salvation (John 6:68).
- Through His death, we receive peace and rest (Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 11:28).
This hidden Gospel message in Genesis 5 shows that from the beginning, God was telling the story of redemption through the names of the first ten generations.
It’s yet another way that Jesus is revealed in Genesis, proving that the Bible is divinely designed with layers of meaning pointing to the Messiah.
My Final Thoughts
Genesis is not just the beginning of the Bible—it is the beginning of the Gospel. Jesus is present from the very first pages, showing that God’s plan for salvation was in place from the start.
What was the most eye-opening insight for you? Leave a comment below!
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FAQs About Jesus in Genesis
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If Jesus is one with God, why is He referred to as the “Word” in John 1:1?
In Jewish thought, the Memra (Aramaic for “Word”) was often used in the Targums to describe God’s presence and action in the world. Instead of saying “God created,” the Targums sometimes say “the Memra of God created.” This concept helps us understand why John describes Jesus as the Word—He is the divine expression of God, actively involved in creation and redemption.
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Why does Genesis 1:26 say, “Let Us make man in Our image”? Who is God speaking to?
Many Jewish and Christian scholars have debated this verse. Some say God is speaking to the heavenly court (angels), while others see this as an early hint at the plurality within God’s nature—what Christians later understood as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Since John 1 confirms that Jesus was active in creation, this could be a conversation within the divine nature itself.
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Why is the Messiah called “Shiloh” in Genesis 49:10?
The name Shiloh has been interpreted in different ways, but many Jewish and Christian commentators agree that it refers to the coming Messiah. Some translate it as “the one to whom it belongs,” meaning the scepter (kingship) will belong to the Messiah. Others link it to peace (shalom), as the Messiah is the Prince of Peace.
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Did Adam and Eve understand that a future Redeemer was promised?
While Adam and Eve likely didn’t fully grasp the details, Jewish tradition holds that they expected a redeemer. Eve’s statement in Genesis 4:1, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord,” has led some scholars to suggest she thought her firstborn son, Cain, might be the promised one. However, the ultimate fulfillment would come much later in Yeshua.
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Why does Genesis use animal sacrifice so much?
The sacrifices in Genesis foreshadow the atonement system later established in the Torah. From God providing animal skins for Adam and Eve to Abraham sacrificing a ram instead of Isaac, we see a pattern—innocent blood must be shed to cover sin. This points to Jesus as the final and perfect sacrifice.
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What does the Tower of Babel have to do with Jesus?
The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) represents humanity’s attempt to reach God on their own terms. God confuses their language, scattering them across the earth. This division is reversed in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit enables the disciples to speak in many languages at Pentecost. Through Jesus, God brings unity where there was once separation.
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Why is Jesus compared to Adam in the New Testament?
Paul calls Jesus the “Second Adam” (Romans 5:12-21, 1 Corinthians 15:45) because Adam brought sin and death into the world, while Jesus brings righteousness and life. Adam’s disobedience led to separation from God, but Jesus’ obedience restores our relationship with Him.
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Why isn’t Jesus mentioned by name in Genesis if He was present?
Jesus’ name (Yeshua) was not revealed in Genesis because God gradually unfolded His redemptive plan throughout Scripture. The Hebrew Scriptures contain patterns, prophecies, and foreshadowings that point to Him, but His full identity was revealed in the New Testament. This gradual revelation is part of God’s design, leading to the fullness of time when Jesus came (Galatians 4:4).
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Why did God choose Judah’s tribe for the Messiah instead of Joseph’s?
Joseph might seem like the obvious choice since he was righteous and a leader in Egypt. However, Judah’s story is one of redemption—he went from making mistakes to offering himself as a substitute for his brother Benjamin. This transformation mirrors the heart of the Gospel: grace, repentance, and restoration. God often chooses the unexpected to fulfill His purposes.
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How does Jesus fulfill the role of both a suffering servant and a king?
Jewish tradition speaks of two Messianic figures: Mashiach ben Yosef (Messiah son of Joseph), who suffers, and Mashiach ben David (Messiah son of David), who reigns. Jesus fulfills both roles. His first coming was as the suffering servant who bore our sins (Isaiah 53), and His second coming will be as the reigning King (Revelation 19:11-16).
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Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.
About Our Author
Diane Ferreira is a Jewish believer, wife, and mom, as well as a proud bulldog mom. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Jewish Studies at seminary, deepening her passion for Scripture and Jewish history. Diane writes with a heart to connect the rich traditions of her Jewish heritage with her faith in Yeshua, offering insights that inspire believers to grow in their walk with God. When she’s not studying or writing, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and crochet.