Thursday: Jesus and Job
Bible students through the ages have sought to find parallels between the story of Job and the story of Jesus. And though Job is not exactly a “type” of Jesus (as were the animals in the sacrificial system), some parallels do exist. In these parallels we can find another lesson from Job: that of what our salvation cost the Lord.
Compare Job 1:1 with 1 John 2:1, James 5:6, and Acts 3:14. What parallels are there?
Read Matthew 4:1–11. What parallels exist here between Jesus and Job?
Read Matthew 26:61; Luke 11:15-16; and John 18:30. How do these texts parallel the experience of Job?
Compare Job 1:22 with Hebrews 4:15. What parallel exists?
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These texts do reveal interesting parallels between the experiences of Job and Jesus. Job, of course, was not sinless, as was Jesus; nevertheless, he was a faithful and righteous man whose life brought glory to the Father. Job was sorely tested by the devil, as was Jesus. All through the book of Job, Job was falsely accused; Jesus, too, faced false accusations.
Finally, and perhaps most important, despite all that happened, Job stayed faithful to the Lord. Much more consequently for us all, Jesus stayed faithful, as well. Despite everything that happened to Him, Jesus lived a sinless life, one that perfectly embodied the character of God. Jesus was the “express image of His [God’s] person” (Heb. 1:3, NKJV), and thus alone had the righteousness needed for salvation, “even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference” (Rom. 3:22).
As great as it all was, Job, his suffering, and his faithfulness amid the suffering was a small and imperfect reflection of what Jesus, his Redeemer, would face in Job’s behalf and in ours, when He will indeed come and “stand at the latter day upon the earth” (Job 19:25).
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It is the faithfulness and righteousness of Job that attracted Satan's wrath upon him. Such parallels are seen in many characters who were determined to pursue a life of holiness. We are told to expect the same in our lives. Matthew 5:11, 24:9,13. When we see these false accusations in our lives we are to celebrate for it is a sign that an image is formed in us bright enough to cause a sensation in the kingdom of darkness. It is the Christ in us who is under attack. Our response should be that of love, power and a sound mind always aware that we are a spectacle before heavenly beings who are watching every development. Let us remember that Satan himself having no physical body will use the bodies and voices of people in our lives. Matthew 16:23. And sometimes our own voices.
I am grateful to the Lord!through his salvation, whatever temptation the evil bring in targeting us,we'll overcome in Jesus name!!!!
Jesus, the Son of man, lived as one of us in this sinful world, and being in this present world will give anyone a similar experience as Job's IF they are serving God faithfully, and not heeding the temptations of Satan, who's studied purpose is to destroy faith in God in every soul, leading them to sin.
Yet, none of these similarities makes Job a “type” of Christ, rather, Job is a type for all who would live Godly in Christ Jesus, and his experience, like any who live Godly in this world, will be very similar to the experience of Jesus living as a man in this sinful world.
Yes, the verses cited in the quarterly show similarities in the experiences of both Job and the Son of man while on earth, as would anyone who is living “soberly, righteously and Godly in this present world”(Titus 2:12).
I have to agree with Robert Whiteman that Job is more a type of mankind as we journey thru this life. Thru all of Job's journey we see the sustaining Hand of GOD, and that alone gives me much hope!
The book of Job tells the story of Job, an upright and righteous man (Job 1:1,8; 2:3) who put his unwavering trust in God. He was a very great man (1:3). And yet quite suddenly he suffered intensely and deeply. The Cross shows an undeserved suffering by a righteous Man that makes possible for us sinners undeserved mercy and grace. As we walk with Job through Job's trials, we see Jesus persevering untold trials and tribulations that we might gain victory through Him. Not only did Job express insatiable desire to glorify God in his affliction, he also displayed an unshakable resolution to obey God, even in the midst of his incomprehensible pain. Jesus did the same and more in obedience to His Father's will (refer John 4:34; 14:31 etc. Job was called a righteous man by God; and Jesus is the fountain of righteousness from which the blessed drink. Job was called truthful; and Jesus is the way and the truth. The story of Job was written so that we may see that it is possible for people like us with all our human frailties, to lead a righteous,faithful like the Jesus led.
What ever you think the purpose of the book of Job is, I would expect a number of differing opinions to be expressed. Some are the result of influential persuasion, others possibly are undecided. We have to realize that two of the Principals are still alive, and still with us. Jesus and Satan, also possibly the others at the meting with God and Satan. To ignore or be unmindful of the war in heaven and the outcome of that war is of prime importance to each of us and the future that is anticipated. The reason for the book of Job as I see it, is still the battle between God and Satan. We are part of that battle whether like it or not. In what way do we think our part will matter? Revelation 7:9-12
As with the rest of "all scripture", the book of Job is "inspired by God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness", so that we might "understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God".
The servants of God will know their part in this controversy and be faithful to it, going forth "conquering and to conquer".