We’ve been working through the Old Testament looking for the New Testament Jesus 100’s even 1,000’s of years before He was born. They’re all great stories on their own, but they absolutely paint a picture of who Jesus will be and what he’ll do for those who believe. Jesus claimed that the entire Old Testament pointed to Him (Luke 24:27; John 5:46). Since the Book of Daniel is a part of the OT, let’s take a look to see how it points to Jesus.

Daniel was a prophet of God who experienced things that would be considered some of the worst possible. Most of his family and friends were murdered. He was taken captive to a strange land, having to give up all that he knew. They took away his manhood and made him a slave to the conquering king. Daniel could have despaired in every way. But, instead of giving in or giving up he held fast to his faith in God. Daniel knew that, despite his circumstances, God was in control and simply working out His plan.

Daniel had dreams that dramatically outlined God’s future plans. Some of them happened in his lifetime, others came true in history, but there’s one that is still to come. His dreams give a preview of God’s redemptive story and absolutely point to Jesus as Savior.

Daniel 7:13-14 says, “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like the son of man (Messiah…Matt 26:64; Lk 21:27; Jn 1:51), coming with the clouds of heaven (God’s majesty…Ex 16:10; Ex 19:9; Rev 1:7). He approached the Ancient of Days (God) and was led into his presence. He (Jesus) was given authority, glory and sovereign power: all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

Jesus claims to be this very Messiah 550 years later in Mark 14:61-62, “But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” Jesus said. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 says 600 years after Daniel, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel (Michael…same one who came to Daniel) and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

May we each hold onto faith that God is in control.

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