The Messiah Foretold

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that foretell the coming of the Messiah, a Figure Who would bring salvation and deliverance to the people of Israel and, ultimately, to all humanity. These prophecies are woven throughout the text, written by different authors over many centuries, and advance a rich and varied picture of the anticipated Saviour. The nature of these prophecies ranges from specific details about the Messiah’s life to broader themes of His mission and purpose. They are not only proof of the anticipation of the Messiah but also serve as a foundation for understanding Jesus Christ’s role in fulfilling these ancient predictions.

Old Testament Prophecies of the Messiah

The Old Testament, composed over a period of approximately one thousand years, contains nearly three hundred references to the coming Messiah. These prophecies span various books and genres, from the poetic writings of the Psalms to the prophetic declarations of Isaiah and Micah. The prophecies are characterized by their detail and specificity, pinpointing particular aspects of the Messiah’s life and mission.

For instance, Isaiah 53 describes the suffering servant, a figure who would bear the sins of many and be “despised and rejected by men.” In Micah 5:2, the birthplace of the Messiah is foretold to be Bethlehem, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” Zechariah 9:9 prophesies that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey, symbolizing peace and humility. Finally, Psalm 22 vividly describes the suffering and death of the Messiah, including specific details like His hands and feet being pierced. These examples illustrate the diverse and detailed nature of Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament.

The Fulfilment of Prophecies in Jesus Christ

The fulfilment of these prophecies in the life of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christian belief. The New Testament frequently references Old Testament prophecies, showing how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection correspond to the predictions made centuries before His birth. This connection between prophecy and fulfilment works to affirm the divine nature of Jesus’ mission and identity.

Critics have argued that Jesus could have manipulated His life to fit some of these prophecies, but many of the most significant prophecies were entirely beyond a mere mortal’s control. These include:

1. Place of His Birth: Micah 5:2 predicted that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, a small town in Judah. Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was not something a mere mortal could have arranged, and it fulfilled this ancient prophecy precisely.
2. Time of His Birth: The timing of the Messiah’s birth is foretold in Daniel 9:25 and Genesis 49:10. These prophecies indicated a specific period during which the Messiah would arrive, which corresponded with the era of Jesus’ birth.
3. Manner of His Birth: Isaiah 7:14 prophesied that the Messiah would be born of a virgin. The miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth to the Virgin Mary brings into line with this prophecy, making it impossible for a mere mortal to have orchestrated.
4. Betrayal: The prophecy of the Messiah’s betrayal is found in Zechariah 11:12-13, which foretells that He would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. This prophecy was fulfilled when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for the exact amount.
5. Manner of His Death: Psalm 22:16 foretells that the Messiah would suffer death by crucifixion, with His hands and feet being pierced. This type of death was not practiced during the time of David, making the prophecy even more remarkable.
6. People’s Reactions: The reactions of people during the Messiah’s crucifixion, including mocking, spitting, and staring, are detailed in Psalm 22:7-8 and Isaiah 50:6. These events occurred exactly as prophesied during Jesus’ crucifixion.
7. Piercing: Zechariah 12:10 foretells that the Messiah would be pierced, a prophecy fulfilled when Jesus’ side was pierced by a Roman soldier during the crucifixion.
8. Burial: Isaiah 53:9 prophesied that the Messiah would be buried in a rich man’s tomb. After Jesus’ death, He was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin.

Conclusion

The fulfilment of these prophecies in Jesus Christ provides a compelling argument for His identity as the promised Messiah. The fact that many of these prophecies were beyond human control further accentuates their divine origin and the authenticity of Jesus’ messianic role. As Christians reflect on the life of Jesus, they see the fulfilment of God’s promises, as recorded in the Old Testament, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This fulfilment not only validates the prophetic scriptures but also serves as the foundation of the Christian faith.