The Prophets Spoke of Him
“This is what the Lord says: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim salvation . . .
Listen, listen to ….
Give ear and come to Me; Hear Me that your soul may live.”
In many such words as these, sent by God through the lips of the prophet Isaiah, it was promised long ago that mankind would receive GOOD NEWS. This good news would be for the whole world, not limited to a clan or religious group. We have learned that this good news was to begin with the birth of a child. We have noted that the prophets foretold many details concerning the birth, the character, and the work of the One who would bring light out of darkness.
These prophecies were being fulfilled one night in Bethlehem of Judea, when the virgin, Mary, gave birth to a son. Heavenly light filled the sky and an angel announced the birth, saying, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. A Savior has been horn to you; He is the Messiah.” God revealed to Mary that the child was that Immanuel (God Among Us) of whom the prophets spoke, and that His earthly name was to be called Jesus, which means “The Lord’s Salvation.”
Just as we have allowed the experiences and words of the prophets to speak for themselves, let’s now open our minds and hearts to this consideration of Jesus, the Messiah. The first truth we note in such a study is that almost every detail of His life has had some mention in prophecy. No other person was ever the subject of such accurate prophecies concerning His birth, life, characteristics, and ministry.
Examples of Specific Prophecies Concerning Jesus, the Messiah.
His lineage.
Beginning with God’s own words to Eve, the lineage of Jesus, the Messiah, was predicted, broadly at first, through Noah, and as we have seen, through Abraham, and David.
His birth.
He was to be born in Bethlehem, of a virgin. The event of His birth was to be accompanied by supernatural signs.
His life on earth.
He was to be preceded by a messenger, as the voice of one calling in the desert. He was to be received as a king and a prophet. He was to perform miracles. He was to live without sin. He was to be empowered by the Spirit of God.
His characteristics.
He was to be the seed of woman. God was to be revealed in Him. He was to be a suffering servant, completely given to His mission of love and redemption. He was to be the Redeemer, the Perfect Love Sacrifice who was to fulfill the symbol of animal sacrifices.
His submission and restored glory.
He was to submit in love to humiliation and be restored to triumph and heavenly glory. He was to be wounded and to suffer in silence. He was to be the Lamb of God, offered up as the Perfect Sacrifice to redeem people from the penalty of sin. As the sacrifice provided by God was to ransom Abraham’s son, so was this Perfect Sacrifice, the Messiah, to be provided as a ransom for all humanity. He was to be mercy from God, revealed to mankind. He was to suffer with the wicked, even though the accusation against Him was false, and He was without guilt. He was to be betrayed by a friend. 6 He was to be victorious over all and resume His eternal place in Heaven.
Prophecies concerning Jesus, the Messiah, were spoken not only through the great prophets whose words we have heard, but also through other servants of God.
For example, the angel said to Joseph, “She will bring forth a son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
The angel said to the virgin Mary, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son, and will call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest.”
Mary said, “He has helped His servant Jacob (Israel) in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and His seed forever.”
Simeon held the baby Jesus in his arms, when the child was brought to the temple. He spoke as the Lord revealed truth to his heart, saying, “My eyes have seen the salvation which God has prepared before the face of all people.”
How marvelous is the plan of God! He called Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and promised through this seed to bless the nations. Surely they were of the elect, for if we follow the teachings of the revelations, we come to see that it is through the seed of Abraham; Isaac, and Jacob that the Messiah comes to redeem mankind from the destruction of sin. In looking at the names of the family line in which Jesus, the Messiah, was born, it is important to note that Joseph is not called the father of Jesus. We see that Jesus the Messiah was born miraculously of the virgin Mary. This mysterious birth is not of man; it is a miracle of God.
We Have Heard the Truth From the Prophets
There is sufficient evidence so that scholars, as well as common men who seek truth, are impressed at the fulfillment of prophecy. Actually, the entire prophetic word has as its central focus the person and ministry of Jesus the Messiah. Without Him there would be little meaning in much that the prophets have said. It is obvious that great prophets, such as Abraham, Moses, David, and Isaiah would speak of things which they knew were most important for us to hear. When a prophet of God says he has good news for us, surely we must not hesitate to receive it!
For You To Do
Write down each TRUE statement.
- God Himself foretold of a coming Redeemer.
- God inspired David to write psalms which contain references to the person and work of Jesus, the Messiah.
- God inspired Isaiah to foretell many details concerning the Suffering Servant who would come to fulfill the plan for redemption.
- God revealed to the virgin Mary, Joseph, and Simeon truths concerning Jesus, the Messiah.