God is amazing. No one else could put the shadow of future things into the past. Types and antitypes are examples of God prefiguring the future. Types are the shadow in the Old Testament of things that were to come (antitypes) in the New Testament.
The manna given by God to Israel in the Old Testament is often interpreted as a type of Christ, and there are many noteworthy similarities.
| Manna | Jesus the Christ |
| Type | Antitype |
| Was bread given by the grace of God to Israel (Exodus 16:11–30; John 6:31). | Was given by the grace of God for everyone (Hebrews 2:9). |
| Came from heaven (Psalm 78:24). | Is the bread of God that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33). |
| Sustained life (Nehemiah 9:15). | Is the bread of life (John 6:35). |
| There was daily dependence, and the people had to go out each day and gather it (Exodus 16:4). | We have daily dependence on the grace provided by Jesus (Luke 9:23; Romans 7:24–25). |
| Was a test of obedience and trust (Exodus 16:4). | Commands us to trust Him and keep His commands (John 14:15). |
| Rotted and spoiled when kept until the next day, except on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:20). | Will never spoil (John 6:27). |
| Those who did not follow the command of God and saved the manna found that it went bad (Exodus 16:19–20). | Those who do not follow the command of God and reject Christ will suffer a more severe punishment (Hebrews 10:24–31). |
| Ceased when Israel reached Canaan (Exodus 16:35; Joshua 5:12). | Will give eternal life to those who partake of Him (John 6:54; Matthew 25:46). |
