How do we know Jesus is the same as He was in the Old Testament?

The Bible portrays Jesus as eternally consistent in His nature and purpose, affirming that He is indeed the same both in the Old and New Testaments. Hebrews 13:8 states, 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.' This truth is evident in the ways God interacted with His people throughout history. In Exodus 13:21-22, the presence of the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night serves as an important reminder of how the Lord led and protected His people in the wilderness, showcasing His faithfulness and guidance.

These symbols encapsulate the essence of Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God. The cloud represented shelter from the heat of the day, while the fire illuminated the darkness of night. In both forms, it demonstrated God's active involvement in the lives of His people – guiding them towards their ultimate destination. Just as the Israelites persevered under His protective presence, Christians today are reminded that Jesus Christ continues to lead, protect, and provide for His followers, fulfilling the promises made throughout Scripture.