Hidden Treasures
Finding the Savior’s Atonement in the Old Testament
Look closely; learn deeply.
Some people might think that the Old Testament, which was written before the Savior was born and doesn’t mention Jesus Christ by name, doesn’t have much to say about Easter. But as the Book of Mormon clarifies, people in ancient times knew and had faith in the Savior, too (see Jacob 4:4).
The Israelites were taught that the purpose of the law of Moses was to point them toward Christ. For example, when they were healed from venomous snake bites by looking at the brass serpent the Lord had instructed Moses to make, Moses taught them that this was symbolic of the Savior, who would come and save them from their sins (see Numbers 21:7–9; Alma 33:18–20).
Unfortunately, a lot of that clarity is missing from the Bible as we have it today, due to changes—both intentional and accidental—over the centuries (see 1 Nephi 13:23–27).
But if you look, you can still find many references to the Savior and His Atonement in the Old Testament. Let’s talk about a few!
Palm Sunday, Gethsemane, and the Trial
“Thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (Zechariah 9:9).
This was fulfilled on what is now known as Palm Sunday, seven days before Easter, when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem (see Matthew 21:15).
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:4).
In Gethsemane, the Savior suffered for all of the sins—and felt the sorrows, pains, sicknesses, and afflictions—of every person who had ever lived or ever would live on earth. Because of this, He knows how to comfort us in our trials (see Alma 7:11–13; see also Matthew 8:17).
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).
Jesus remained silent when the high priest questioned Him (see Mark 14:60–61).
The Crucifixion
“The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16).
“They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture” (Psalm 22:18).
“They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink” (Psalm 69:21).
Crucifixion was a common method of execution at the time, but the Roman soldiers were particularly cruel in their mockery and torment of the Savior (see John 19:1–3; Matthew 27:34–35, 48).
The Resurrection
“He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it” (Isaiah 25:8).
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:25–26).
The Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected. He is alive now! Countless scriptures and testimonies confirm this. What’s more, our Heavenly Father knew from the beginning that we would need a Savior, and He has been preparing His children to receive the Savior since Old Testament times.