PROPHECIES OF THE MESSIAH FULFILLED
MESSIANIC
JESUS CHRIST IS THE SOURCE and main subect of Bible prophecy. The
most dramatic prophecies in all the Bible point to the Messiah -
the Savior who would both suffer and reign. Many of these ancient
prophecies have been precisely fulfilled and point to only one
person - Jesus of Nazareth.
After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples that "all things
must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in
the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me" Luke 24:44 (KJV).
Christ Himself then taught the disciples which Old Testament
scriptures predicted His life and ministry. Luke 24:45 says,
"Then opened he their understanding, chat they might understand
the scriptures."
The Lord Himself instructed the New Testament writers regarding
biblical prophecies and their fulfillment. The threefold
designation - law, prophets, and psalms - refers to the three
major divisions of the Hebrew Bible. The entire Old Testament
predicted Christ's Life, ministry, death, and resurrection.
Therefore, the preaching of the early Christian disciples was
filled with references to Old Testament prophecies and their
fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Matthew's Gospel alone
makes 65 references to the Old Testament, emphasizing its
fulfillment in Christ.
The Hebrew word for messiah comes from the word "meshiach,"
meaning to "anoint" for consecration and service. In Psalm 2, the
Messiah (the anointed one) is pictured as both the King of Israel
and God's Son. This passage confirms the association of Jesus in
the New Testament with the Messiah in the Old Testament. The
Greek New Testament equivalent of the Hebrew "meshiach" is
"christos" ("anointed"), transliterated "Christ." Jesus Christ is
the Messiah.
THE MESSIAH IN PROPHECY
The Old Testament writers ascribe godlike characteristics to the
coming Messiah, compelling the reader to see one who is more than
a mere man. The Old Testament refers to Him as the Son of David
and as the Son of God. Dr.Robert B. Girdlestone has pointed out
that the Old Testament makes no definite statement that one
person will fulfill all these references, but such is the natural
conclusion. Nonetheless, the Old Testament came to a close
without one man fulfilling these messianic hopes.
The New Testament based its entire apologetic on the fact that
Jesus was the Messiah of the Old Testament and that He
conclusively fulfilled many clear predictions. Jesus Himself was
always aware that prophecy "must be fulfilled" in Him. He
subjected Himself completely to God's direction, and He knew the
details of His life and death had to take place because they were
predicted in the Word of God. He saw Himself as the culmination
of prophecy.
The purpose of messianic prophecy was to make the Messiah known
after He had fulfilled the events foretold. It served as a
preparatory device to signal His arrival. Bible readers do not
all interpret prophecy or its fulfillment the same way. Although
a double sense of fulfillment is not impossible, we should not
look for a supernatural fulfillment when a common, natural
fulfillment is available.
Nor should we look for a fulfillment where none is intended or
needed. The New Testament provides the best guideline to
determine whether or not a certain event is fulfilled. It tells
us where the prophets spoke of Christ and indicates that the Old
Testament messianic references refer totally to one personJesus
of Nazareth.
PREDICTIVE NATURE OF MESSIANIC PROPHECY
Messianic prophecy generally assumes some type of prediction.
This discussion uses the word predict in the ordinary sense of
"foretell. "The Greek prefix "pro" indicates both "for" and
"before." The prophet tells "for" God, and he tells "before"
events will happen. This usage is certified by the New
Testament's parallel use of the words "foretell" and "foresee."
Peter, in Acts 2:30, speaks of David as a "prophet" because of
his "foreseeing" (proidon) the resurrection of Christ. It would
not make sense to insist that this be translated "forthseeing."
We can see, then, that the prophets were not always restricted to
a "local" or immediate fulfillment.
Predictive prophecy must predict the future as only God could
know it and bring it to pass, and it must contain a degree of
obscurity. This quality of obscurity necessitates a direct
fulfillment. Only when prophecy becomes history do we realize
that it has been fulfilled. We see its intent dimly at first, but
it becomes clear with its fulfillment. The New Testament
recognized the value of predictive prophecy and its fulfillment
as apologetic evidence to prove the supernatural nature and
credibility of Christianity.
THE CENTRAL MESSAGE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
The messianic prophecies are not merely a "scarlet thread" that
runs indiscernibly throughout the Old Testament. They constitute
the main theme and underlie the history, the poetry, the
prophetic preaching, the national worship, and all the sayings of
wisdom. The entire Old Testament is the record of God's promises,
and the New Testament is the record of their fulfillment.
After healing the lame man, the apostle Peter addressed the
people who had witnessed the miracle and told them he had done
this in the name and power of Jesus Christ, "which God before had
showed by the mouth of all his prophets" (Acts 3:18). Then, Peter
called upon them to "repent ... and be converted, that your sins
may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19).
According to Peter, the prophets spoke of the sufferings of
Christ. Peter reasons that since these prophecies have been
fulfilled, men should repent of their sins. Only in Israel had
God intervened in human history to bring these prophecies to
fulfillment.
When the early Christians began to preach, they declared that
Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah of the Old Testament
prophecies. The New Testament record reports that they never
failed to make these remarkable claims without proving they were
true. They insisted that Jesus was the Christ on the basis of
three essential arguments:
1. His resurrection
2. their eyewitness account
3. fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy
Within weeks of the resurrection, the early Christians proclaimed
that the events in Jesus' life fulfilled specific prophecies. In
the first Christian sermon, Peter announced, "This is that which
was spoken by the prophet Joel.... David speaketh concerning
him... [that] he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he
seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ" (Acts
2:16-31).
This is the New Testament proof of the truthfulness of
Christianity. The apostles repeatedly used this approach in much
the same way that God's prophets had for centuries. They pointed
to fulfilled prophecy as the ultimate proof of the truthfulness
of God's Word. In so doing, the New Testament writers urged their
listeners to believe the whole message of the gospel of Jesus
Christ.
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES FULFILLED IN CHRIST
The Old Testament is filled with prophecies about the human race,
the nation of Israel, and future events in general. But the most
important prophecies are those that point to the coming of
Christ. These are not merely isolated "proof texts." The whole of
the Old Testament points the way to a coming future Messiah.
The laws of the Old Testament established the divine principle of
righteousness. The history of Israel shows how God was preparing
His people for the coming of the Messiah and how desperately they
needed a Savior. The institutions of Old Testament religion (the
Temple, priests, and sacrifices) pointed to someone who would
fulfill the reality of these symbols. The psalms were not only
expressions of worship and praise but also prophecies of the
coming Messiah and the messianic age. The Jews recognized many of
these predictions were messianic long before Jesus was born.
Here is a list of such prophecies:
MESSIANIC PROPHECIES
OLD TESTAMENT TESATAMENT TEXT
Genesis 3:15
Enmity between Eve's seed and the serpent
Luke 22:53
Genesis 3:15
Eve's seed bruises the serpent
Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8
Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4
All nations blessed through Abraham
Acts 3:25-26; Galatians 3:8
Genesis 13:15
Abraham's seed inherits his promise
Galatians 3:15-16,19
Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110:4
Priesthood like Melchizedek's
Hebrews 5:6; 7:1-28
Genesis 49:10
Ruler from Judah
Luke 1:32-33
Exodus 12:1-13
Passover Lamb
1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19
Exodus 16:4
Bread from heaven
John 6:31-33
Exodus 24:8
Blood of the covenant
Hebrews 9:11-28
Leviticus 16:15-17
Atoning sacrifice of blood
Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:11-28; 1 John 2:2
Numbers 21:8-9
Those who look at the one who is lifted up will live
John 3:14-15
Numbers 24:17
Ruler from Jacob
Luke 1:32-33
Numbers 24:17
Star from Jacob
Revelation 22:16
Deuteronomy 18:18
Prophet from God
John 6:14; Acts 3:22-23
Deuteronomy 21:23
Curse for hanging on a tree
Galatians 3:13
Deuteronomy 30:11-14
God's command is near
Romans 10:6-8
2 Samuel 7:14;1 Chronicles 17:13;Psalm 2:7
God's Son
Matthew 3:17; 17:5;
Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35;
Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5
2 Samuel 7:16
David's Son
Luke 1:32-33
Psalm 2:9
Rod of iron
Revelation 2:27
Psalm 8:2
Children's praise
Matthew 21:16
Psalm 8:4-5
Lower than the angels
Hebrews 2:5-9
Psalm 8:6
All things under His feet
1 Corinthians 15:27-28; Ephesians 1:22
Psalm 16:8-11
Not abandoned to death
Acts 2:25-32; 13:35-37
Psalm 22:1
Forsaken by God
Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34
Psalm 22:7-8
Mocked by a crowd
Matthew 27:29,41-44;
Mark 15:18,29-32; Luke 23:35-39
Psalm 22:18
Casting lots for clothing
Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24;
Luke 23:34; John 19:24
Psalm 22:22
Brothers
Hebrews 2:12
Psalm 31:5
"Into Your hand I commit my spirit."
Luke 23:46
Psalm 34:20; Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12
No broken bones
John 19:31-36
Psalm 35:19; 69:4
Hatred without a cause
John 15:25
Psalm 40:6-8
Came to do God's will
John 6:38; Hebrews 10:5-9
Psalm 41:9
Betrayal by a friend
John 13:18
Psalm 45:6-7
Characteristics of the king
Hebrews 1:8-9
Psalm 68:18
Ascended and gave gifts
Ephesians 4:7-11
Psalm 69:9
Zeal for God's house
John 2:17
Psalm 69:21
Vinegar for thirst
John 19:29
Psalm 69:25; 109:8
Betrayer's desolation and replacement
Acts 1:20
Psalm 78:2
Parables
Matthew 13:34-35
Psalm 102:25-27
Eternal king
Hebrews 1:10-12
Psalm 110:1
"Sit at My right hand ... your enemies a footstool..."
Acts 2:34-35; 1 Corinthians 15:25;
Ephesians 1:20-22; Hebrews 1:13; 10:12-13
Psalm 110:1
Lord of David
Matthew 22:41-45; Mark 12:35-37;
Luke 20:41-44
Psalm 118:22-23
Rejected cornerstone
Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17;
Acts 4:10-11; 1 Peter 2:7-8
Psalm 118:26
Comes in the name of the Lord
Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9; Luke 19:38;
John 12:13
Isaiah 6:9-10
Hearing without perceiving
Matthew 13:14-15; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10;
John 12:37-41
Isaiah 7:14
Virgin birth
Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:26-35
Isaiah 8:14; 28:16
A cornerstone and a rock to stumble over
Romans 9:32-33; 1 Peter 2:6-8
Isaiah 9:1-2
People in Galilee see a great light
Matthew 4:13-16
Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15; Ezekiel 37:24-25
David's Son
Luke 1:32-33
Isaiah 9:6
Mighty God
John 1:1,18
Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:5
Prince of Peace
Ephesians 2:14-17
Isaiah 11:1-2
The Spirit of the Lord
Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:21-22
Isaiah 11:10
Root of Jesse rules the Gentiles
Romans 15:12
Isaiah 22:22
Jesus to receive the key of David
Revelation 3:7
Isaiah 35:5-6
Blindness and deafness healed
Matthew 11:4-6; Luke 7:22
Isaiah 40:3-5
Voice in the wilderness
Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3;
Luke 3:4-6; John 1:23
Isaiah 42:1-4
Servant of the Lord
Matthew 12:15-21
Isaiah 45:23
Every knee will bow
Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10
Isaiah 49:6
Light to the Gentiles
Acts 13:46-47
Isaiah 5o:6
Beating and spitting
Matthew 27:26-30; Mark 14:65; 15:15,19;
Luke 22:63; John 19:1,3
Isaiah 53:1
"Who has believed our report?"
John 12:38; Romans 10:16
Isaiah 53:3
Rejected
John 1:11
Isaiah 534-5
Healing ministry of God's servant
Matthew 8:16-I7; Mark 1:32-34;
Luke 4:40-41; I Peter 2:24
Isaiah 53:7-8
Suffering Lamb of God
John 1:29,36; Acts 8:30-35;
1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:6,12
Isaiah 53:9
Sinless servant of God
Hebrews 4:15; 1Peter 2:22
Isaiah 53:9
Buried in a rich man's grave
Matthew 27:57-60
Isaiah 53:12
Numbered with transgressors
Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27-28;
Luke 22:37; 23:33; John 19:18
Isaiah 55:3; Ezekiel 37:26
Everlasting covenant
Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25
Isaiah 55:3
Blessings of David
Acts 13:34
Isaiah 59:20-21
Deliverer from Zion
Romans 11:26-27
Isaiah 6o:1-3
Gentiles worship the Messiah
Matthew 2:11; Romans 15:8-12
Isaiah 61:1-2
Spirit of the Lord
Luke 4:18-21
Isaiah 65:1
Gentiles find the Lord
Romans 10:20
Isaiah 65:2
Israel rejects the Lord
Romans 10:21
Jeremiah 23:6; 33:16
David's Son saves His people
Matthew 1:21
Jeremiah 31:15
Rachel weeping for slain children
Matthew 2:16-18
Jeremiah 31:31-34;32:40
New Covenant
Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25;
Hebrews 8:8-12; 10:15-18
Ezekiel 37:24-25; Micah 5:4
Good shepherd
John 10:11,14; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4
Daniel 7:13-14
Son of Man comes
Matthew 24:30; 26:64; Mark 13:26; 14:62;
Luke 21:27; Revelation 1:13; 14:14
Daniel 7:27
Everlasting kingdom
Revelation 11:15
Daniel 9:24-26
Timetable for the Messiah
Galatians 4:4
Hosea 11:1
Jesus to return from Egypt
Matthew 2:14-15
Amos 9:11-12
Gentiles believe
Acts 15:13-18
Jonah 1:17
Three days and nights
Matthew 12:39-40
Micah 5:2
Ruler born in Bethlehem
Matthew 2:1-6
Micah 5:2
Eternal ruler
Luke 1:32-33
Zechariah 9:9
King on a donkey
Matthew 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-10;
Luke 19:28-38; John 12:12-16
Zechariah 11:12-13
Thirty pieces of silver
Matthew 27:1-10
Zechariah 12:10
Looking on the pierced one
John 19:37; Revelation1:7
Zechariah 13:7
Striking the shepherd; the sheep flee
Mat.26:31,55-56; Mark 14:27,48-50
Malachi 3:1
The messenger
Mat.11:7-10; Mark 1:2-4; Luke 7:24-27
Malachi 4:5-6
Elijah to come
Mat.11:14; 17:11-13; Mark 9:11-13;
Luke 1:16-17
......
The Old Testament included more than 100 distinct prophecies of
Christ. They are like pieces of a puzzle. Each presents a
distinct element of the Savior's life and ministry, but the whole
picture they portray becomes clear only after their fulfillment.
They remained obscure until Jesus came and put them all in clear
relation to one another. The chance of all these prophecies being
fulfilled in the life of one man is one in 84 followed by 131
zeros.
These fulfilled prophecies of Christ are overwhelming evidence of
the divine origin of Scripture, the messiahship of Jesus, and the
truth of Christianity. The impact of these prophecies and their
fulfillment in the Gospels cannot be easily dismissed. The
fulfillment of any one prophecy by itself might be explained
away, but taken collectively, the evidence they comprise is
overwhelming.
Biblical prophecies and their literal fulfillment may fascinate
our curiosity and challenge our minds, but ultimately they are
designed to bring us to a personal point of faith and decision.
If the Bible predicted these things would happen and they
actually did happen, then we must take Jesus' claims seriously.
If He alone fulfilled these prophecies, then He alone is the
Savior, the Son of God.
Ed Hindson
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Beecher, Willis. "The Prophets and the Promise." Grand Rapids:
Baker Backs, 1978
Freeman, Hobart. "An Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets."
Chicago: Moody Press, 1968.
Hindson, Ed, and Ed Dobson, eds. "Knowing Jesus Study Bible."
Grand Rapids. Zondervan, 1999.
Payne, J. Barton. "Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy." Grand
Rapids: Baker Books, 1980.
Walvoord, John. "The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook." Wheaton, IL:
Victor Books, 1990
Wood, Leon. "The Prophets of Israel." Grand Rapids. Baker Books,
1989.
Young, Edward. "My Servants the Prophets." Grand Rapids. Eerdmans
Publishing Company, 1952.
...........................
Entered on this Website April 2009
NOTE:
The prophecies concerning the first coming of Christ were
fulfilled to the letter in a literal way. The prophecies
concerning His second coming in glory to establish the Kingdom of
God on earth, will then be fulfilled to the letter in a literal
way. There are no prophecies regarding Christ's return in glory
and power that establish a "two phased" return - one "invisible"
and one "visible" as the pre or mid "rapture tribulation"
teachers claim. Such an idea as Jesus coming (again) TWICE to
earth is nowhere taught by the Old Testament prophets. And I may
add such a teaching is nowhere taught by any writers of the New
Testament. I have written and expounded on this topic of the
glorious return of the Messiah in various other in-depth studies
on this Website - Keith Hunt
