The bible is full of symbolism. As you read the bible over and over, you will begin to understand the symbolism. If you only listen to others talk about the bible or preach, it is doubtful that you will have good understanding of the bible. In fact, without reading the bible, it is very likely that you will be easily persuaded to doubt it. To some, it will seem nonsensical. However, as you read and also realize that the bible was written by many different people over time, you will come to realize the truths in the bible and will grow closer to God. Some of the symbolism of the bible is discussed below.
Jesus as the Door
Jesus says in John 10: “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep”, and again, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture”. A door allows us to move from one place to another. Jesus allows us to move from this life which is perishable to a life with God that is everlasting. The Jewish Passover represents a time when the Jews placed a lamb’s blood over a door so that they would be protected against the angel of death. Jesus is the door and Jesus’ blood was shed to protect us from the second death (see Revelation 2:11, 20:6, 20:14 and 21:8 for better understanding of the second death).
Jesus as the Servant
Many verses of the bible mention Jesus as a servant. Acts 3:26 says, “For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.” Beginning in Philippians 2:4 it states, “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” Jesus came as a bond-servant dying on the cross in order to bring us into God’s family guaranteeing us eternal life and freedom from sin and death.
Jesus as the New Covenant
2 Corinthians 3:4-6 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Note: The new covenant is through Jesus saving us and is unlike the old covenant which was through the written law (or letter as referred to in this verse). The written law required humankind to follow rules and regulation which they were unable to do. We are no longer slaves to the written law but are saved through Jesus Christ (Yeshua) and are free. We are now heirs and were brought into sonship by Christ’s actions.
Though we are free as heirs, God calls us to be like Christ and become bond-servants while on earth meaning we should share the news of salvation to others and help save the lost.
Personal observations about bible symbolism:
These are personal observations of possible symbolism meant for discussion. It appears most of the stories throughout the bible point to Jesus/God in some way. These observations may not be accurate as they are my own personal observations. I encourage others to read the bible on their own and to pray to God for understanding. Regardless, there is definitely symbolism and signs in the bible for us to heed.
Jacob A website that delves into parallels between Jacob and Jesus, https://theinplacemissionary.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/old-and-new-testament-parallels-symbols-and-ponderings-series-part-5-jacob-as-a-type-of-christ/
Joseph (Jacob’s son by Rachael) symbolized as Jesus who was sold into slavery, despised by his brothers but saved his brothers. Some parallels between Joseph and Jesus include both being sold for silver (Gen 37:28; Matt 26:15), stripped of their clothing (Gen 37:23; Matt 27:28), bound (Gen 39:30; Matt 27:2) and condemned with two other criminals (Gen 40:1–3; Luke 23:22–23), one of whom received life and the other death (Gen 40:20–23; Luke 23:39–43).
Manasseh and Ephraim (Joseph’s sons) possibly symbolized as the gentiles grafted in with the Israelites (their mother was Egyptian not an Israelite) – see Genesis 48. Manasseh and Ephraim would have been the youngest sons brought into the 12 tribes of Israel just as the gentiles were brought in to the house of God after the Jews. Interesting commentary from another website, http://torahmatters.blogspot.com/2015/05/ephraim-and-manasseh-story-beneath-story.html.
More to come…..