How the Prophecies Affirm that Jesus is the Messiah
December 4, 2023
Could someone have fulfilled multiple prophecies over which they had no control or orchestrated the details of their birth, life or death? The odds would be impossible! Yet Jesus’ birth alone fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah written 700 years prior, including where he’d be born and his lineage. The prophetic evidence continues through his ministry, death on the cross, and resurrection! Clearly, these Bible prophecies which came true in Jesus alone prove that He is the Savior God promised to send.
Examples of Jesus fulfilling the Prophecies
What are some of the many prophecies that Jesus fulfilled? Here are some:
- Isaiah 53 vividly describes Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross hundreds of years in advance: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities…and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5).
- Psalm 22:16-18 also perfectly depicts the crucifixion: “They pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display… They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” The odds of one man randomly fulfilling these precise details are astronomical.
- The prophets told Bethlehem would be the Messiah’s birthplace (Micah 5:2), and a messenger would preceded His arrival (Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1).
- Unbeknownst to him, Jesus’ earthly father Joseph fulfilled the prophecy of the Messiah being called out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1 & Matthew 2:15).
- Additionally, Jesus fulfilled teaching in parables (Psalm 78:2), entering Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9), being betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13), and being pierced without breaking any bones (Exodus 12:46) all to the detail.
Beyond the life of Christ, the prophets in the Old Testament spoke extensively about the Lord’s ministry through a “New Covenant” where all nations would receive salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit, radically transforming hearts. Ezekiel 36:26-27 foretells “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…I will put my Spirit in you.” Isaiah describes this outpouring too: “I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground… I will pour out my Spirit.” (Isaiah 44:3). In additional, on Pentecost, we see the fulfillment as Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to fill his followers across races and nations.
Conclusion
Through hundreds of prophecies fulfilled, the evidence is undeniable – Jesus Christ is the Savior God promised from the beginning to redeem mankind. If you are still wondering if biblical prophecies are true, take time to study the countless other prophecies about the messiah fulfilled by Jesus Christ. The proof is overwhelming that He is the Messiah foretold over centuries!
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