1 Peter 1:10-12 (verse-by-verse)

Passage: 1 Peter 1:10-12

Title:Predicted by the Prophets

Summary: In verses 10-12, Peter is making the point, you want to know the certainty of your future, look to the past. When you see the fulfillment of the Lords First Coming, then you will be certain of His Second Coming. First, He came as the Suffering Messiah to die for the sins of the world, next He will come as the Victorious Messiah, coming to claim His people, and judge all who have rejected Him. He is coming for you, He is coming for me, because He says He will, for His Word is perfect.

1 Peter 1:3–9 (NKJV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, beingmuch more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of yoursouls.

1 Peter 1:10–12 (NKJV) 10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

Peter’s Credentials / Still Feeding

Written by the Apostle Peter, whose credentials have been challenged because of his lack of education and training; but Peter walked with the Lord, the second Apostle called, and all could see that his power and boldness came because he had been with the Lord. For 3 years he walked with Jesus step-by-step, and now it is 30 years since the resurrection and Peter is still faithfully doing what the Lord commissioned him to do, “feeding His sheep”.

The Dispersed

He is writing to the Believers that have been spread out, dispersed form their homeland, thrown into foreign countries. Many of them are struggling and suffering; but their greatest struggle is yet to come, for in just several months Roman Empire Nero is going to launch and all-out attack and persecution against Christians, and over the next 2 centuries over 6 million Christians will die for their faith.

Why Peter Writes / Remember

Peter tells us in the Second Epistle why he writes to them (and us), to stir us up, to remind us, that we hang on to the things we have been taught in the Old Testament, the Epistles of the Apostles, and the teachings in the Gospels. He says remember these things, hold on to them, no matter how hard life may get.

(2 Peter 3:1 NKJV) Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder),

(2 Peter 3:2 NKJV) that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,

Doctrine – Duty – Declaration

Peter pretty much breaks this letter into 3 areas. Doctrine, Duty, and Declaration; this book takes on the frame work of Ephesians, except Peter adds on the Declaration – The Lord is Returning – Remember that! Doctrine, what we believe and why. Duty, doctrine in action, living it out. Declaration, soon and very soon we are going to see the King, Hold-fast until then.

Doctrine: Remember Our Great Salvation (1:2 - 2:10)

The Certainty of Our Salvation (1:1 - 1:12)

The Calling with Our Salvation (1:13 - 2:3)

The Chosen of Salvation (2:4 - 10)

Duty: Remember Our Example Before Men (2:11 - 4:6)

Honorable Living Before Unbelievers (2:11 - 3:7)

Submission to the Government (2:11-17)

Submission to Masters (2:18 - 25)

Submission in the Family (3:1- 7)

Honorable Living Before Believers (3:8 - 12)

Submission to One Another (3:8 - 12)

Honorable Living in the Midst of Suffering (3:13 - 4:6)

The Principle of Suffering for Righteousness (3:13 - 17)

The Perfection of Suffering for Righteousness (3:18- 22)

The Purpose of Suffering for Righteousness (4:1 - 6)

Declaration: Remember Our Lord Will Return (4:7 - 5:14)

The Responsibility of Christian Living (4:7 - 11)

The Rewards of Christian Suffering (4:12 - 19)

The Requirements for Christian Leadership (5:1 - 4)

The Realization of Christian Victory (5:5 - 14)

Theme

He tells us to remember because of the theme of this book. The theme of this book is given to us in chapter 5:

(1 Peter 5:10 NKJV) But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

The word suffering is used 16 times, glory 12, and grace 8. Peter unties these 3 words to write a letter of encouragement to those who are struggling and suffering, that their suffering will one day be transformed into glory.

Perfect / Establish / Strengthen / Settled

He writes to us so that we may be:

· Perfect- (mature) which means to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair, to complete, to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust, to fit or frame for one’s self, prepare;

· Established– to set fast, confirm one’s mind;

· Strengthen – to make one strong;

· Settle – to lay a foundation.

The Certainty of Our Future

In verses 10-12, Peter is making the point, you want to know the certainty of your future, look to the past. When you see the fulfillment of the Lords First Coming, then you will be certain of His Second Coming. First He came as the Suffering Messiah to die for the sins of the world, next He will come as the Victorious Messiah, coming to claim His people, and judge all who have rejected Him. He is coming for you, He is coming for me, because He says He will, for His Word is perfect.

Who Do You Say I Am

Peter is known for many things, but one of the greatest, maybe the greatest, is his declaration…… after the question, but who do you say I Am? To which Peter answers, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God

Matthew 16:13–17 (NKJV)13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

In all investigative reporting, journalism, judicial and legal investigating, 5 questions are always asked, and all 5 must be examined to come to a sound conclusion, a solid conclusion, a settled conclusion. We know them as the 5-W’s (Who – What – When – Where – Why), and so today in our passage we will ask these 5 questions as we determine, settle, come to conclusion is Jesus the Christ.

Prayer

The Word of God is Living and Powerful, and is ready, and will do a mighty work in our lives.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In Every Study

· Who Is God? (How Great is He?)

· What Does He Think of Me? (How Wonderful Are His Thoughts Towards Me?)

· What Does He Want Me to Do?

· What Can I Boldly Request of Him?

· What Do I Need to Be on Guard of When I Leave Here Today?

Boldly come to the throne of grace, ask God to reveal Himself in a mighty way to you, and to do I might work in you, and through you.

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need

(1 Peter 1:10 NKJV) Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,

v.10 – inquired (the word means to investigate)

In all investigative reporting, journalism, judicial and legal investigating, 5 questions are always asked, and all 5 must be examined to come to a sound conclusion, a solid conclusion, a settled conclusion. We know them as the 5-W’s (Who – What – When – Where – Why), and so today in our passage we will ask these 5 questions as we determine, settle, come to conclusion is Jesus the Christ.

v.10 – searched carefully (WHERE)

The first “W” we look at is “Where”, and where they investigate, the Scriptures, and peter makes that bold and powerful statement in the next epistle:

2 Peter 1:16–21 (NKJV)16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Definition of Prophesied

Verse 10 - who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,- Prophesied – (propheteuo, prof-ate-yoo'-o;); to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office:--prophesy.

God Reveals Beforehand

God reveals before hand what He will perform:

(Amos 3:7 NKJV) Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.

(Isaiah 46:9 NKJV) Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,

(Isaiah 46:10 NKJV) Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'

(Isaiah 48:3 NKJV) "I have declared the former things from the beginning; They went forth from My mouth, and I caused them to hear it. Suddenly I did them, and they came to pass………………………

(Isaiah 48:5 NKJV) Even from the beginning I have declared it to you; Before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, Lest you should say, 'My idol has done them, And my carved image and my molded image Have commanded them.'

(Isaiah 44:6 NKJV) "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.

(Isaiah 44:7 NKJV) And who can proclaim as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, Since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, Let them show these to them.

Jesus Confirms

Jesus confirms this is so what has been spoken by the prophets. That all Scripture points to Him:

(Matthew 5:17 NKJV) "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

(Luke 24:27 NKJV) And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

(Luke 24:44 NKJV) Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me."

Only This Book is Bold Enough

Only this book has the boldness to prophesy. 300 prophecies of Jesus Christ fulfilled, and I am not talking about the several hundred other prophecies as they relate to Israel, empires, the Church, and other areas. Twenty-five percent of this book speaks of prophecies. And to date, not one has yet to fail. (See Notes at end of this study for a listing of all the OT prophecies fulfilled by Jesus.)

It All Began Back in the Garden / From Paradise to Prison – back to Paradise:

It all begins, back in the book of beginnings, the Book of Genesis. The prophecy is given of Satan wounding Jesus (which we know will be the cross), but Jesus have the victory as He would rise from the dead have victory and dominion over sin and death:

(Genesis 3:15 NKJV) And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."

(Genesis 3:15 noted) And I (God) will put enmity (hostility/hatred) Between you (satan) and the woman (mankind), And between your seed (demons) and her Seed (Jesus); He (Jesus) shall bruise your (satan) head, And you (satan) shall bruise His (Jesus) heel."

Just a note here, the Seed is in the man, not the woman, so already from the start there is the hint of the virgin birth.

Verse 10 - of the grace that would come to you

It is a gospel (Good News) of grace.

(1 Peter 1:11 NKJV) searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

Verse 11 - searching what, (Who)

The word what here means “WHO”, so another “W”, who are we talking about, Jesus! Because to start with only Jesus could and did fulfill these tow major prophecies we will see here in our study.

His Birth & Lineage

1.) The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2a / Matthew 2:1-2

(Micah 5:2 NKJV) "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting."

(Matthew 2:1 NKJV) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,

(Matthew 2:2 NKJV) saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

700 years Prior / Messiah Born in Bethlehem / 1 in 100,000

In approximately 700 B.C. the prophet Micah named the tiny village of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Israel's Messiah (Micah 5:2). The fulfillment of this prophecy in the birth of Christ is one of the most widely known and widely celebrated facts in history. Historical writings say the population of Bethlehem was around 7,000. they estimate the worlds population was 700 million. So the chance of being born in Bethlehem was 1 in 100,000.

2.) The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Isaiah 9:7 / Matthew 1:1

(Isaiah 9:6 NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

(Isaiah 9:7 NKJV) Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

(Psalms 89:3 NKJV) "I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David:

(Psalms 89:4 NKJV) 'Your seed I will establish forever, And build up your throne to all generations.' " Selah

(Matthew 1:1 NKJV) The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

Line of Judah – David / 1 in 12

There are many, many passages speaking of Jesus lineage. From Abraham, Issac, and Jacob; through the line of Judah (which King David is through), through King David. There were twelve tribes of Israel, so Jesus had a 1 in 12 chance in being through the line of David. Those are pretty good odds, but then compound that with having to be born in Bethlehem, and the odds are increasing greatly.

Baseline / No doubt He walked this earth / look at Historical writings

Let’s start with a baseline. There is no doubt a man named Jesus walked this earth, there are too many historical facts that support that He did. If you really want to prove something out, go to an unbiased source that has no gain or loss in the matter and see what they said; there are many secular (non-Christian) historical writings that write about this Jesus, the history books reference Him. History books tell of the brutal Roman persecution of the Christians (the followers of Jesus); even the Jewish historical writings reference Jesus, even though they didn’t believe He was the Messiah, just that he claimed to be the Messiah.

Newsweek / Divided Time / George Washington

Today in our secular media, almost all are anti-Christian, they concur that a man name Jesus walked on this earth 2000 years ago. Time, Newsweek, ABC News, they don’t question His existence; they agree that there is too much documentation in existence that Jesus could have been a myth or a hoax. The whole world lives on a calendar based on Him, BC and AD. Just as no one alive today has seen George Washington, we all believe in this room that he existed and was our first President, why because of all the historical writings about him.

Man or God / Teacher or Messiah / God or a lunatic

Jesus Christ, was he a man?, or the God-man?, for the facts are in, He walked on this earth. His walk on the earth was so radical that He divided time (BC and AD); a man so radical that He claimed to be God; He claimed that He is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). Now some claimed He was a good teacher, a good man, but He was not God. He could not be a good man if He claimed to be God, and was not God. A good man cannot be someone who leads people astray. It comes down to one of two things, either Jesus Christ was God, or He was a lunatic, for only a lunatic would make such claims if they were not true.

What Time May He Divide in Your Life / The Certainty of Our Future

In verses 10-12, Peter is making the point, you want to know the certainty of your future, look to the past. When you see the fulfillment of the Lords First Coming, then you will be certain of His Second Coming. First He came as the Suffering Messiah to die for the sins of the world, next He will come as the Victorious Messiah, coming to claim His people, and judge all who have rejected Him. He is coming for you, He is coming for me, because He says He will, for His Word is perfect.

Verse 11 - or what manner of time (WHEN)

Now we come to the “When” as we talk about time, of “The Christ”.

His Environment & the World Setting

3.) The Messiah would be announced to his people 483 years, to the exact day, after the decree to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. Daniel 9:25 / John 12:12-13

(Daniel 9:25 NKJV) "Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times.

(Daniel 9:26 NKJV) "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined.

(Daniel 9:27 NKJV) Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate."

(John 12:12 NKJV) The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

(John 12:13 NKJV) took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' The King of Israel!"

500 BC / Weeks = Years

Some time before 500 B.C. the prophet Daniel proclaimed that Israel's long-awaited Messiah would begin his public ministry 483 years after the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (Daniel 9:25-26). The Hebrew word for “weeks” used here is shabua meaning “a unit of measure.” We have the blessings of all the Scriptures and all the history books that we know this is talking about years

The Years Calculated

Here in verse 25 we see a total of 69 seven year periods (62 + 7 = 69) (69 x 7 = 483 years) (173,880 days) before the Messiah would come. The last 7-year period will be talked about in verse 27, that one deals with the antichrist. Now these years are based on the Babylonian calendar, which is 360 days in a year. Using our Julian calendar, 365.25/yr, that equals 476 years (also note that 1BC to 1 AD is one year, not 2).

Artaxexeres / March 14, 445 B.C

This decree was the forth of four decrees made by Persian rulers in reference to the Jews. The first was Cyrus’ decree in 538 B.C. (2 Chron 36:22—23, Ezra 1:1—4, 5:13). The second was the decree of Darius 1 (522—486) in 520 B.C. (Ezra 6:1,6—12). This decree actually was a confirmation of the first decree. The third was a decree of Artaxexeres Longimanus (464-424) in 458 B.C. (Ezra 7:11—26). The first two decrees pertain to the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem and the third relates to the finances for animal sacrifices at the temple. These say nothing about the rebuilding of the city itself. Since an unwallled city was no threat to a military power, a religious temple could be rebuilt without jeopardizing the military authority of those granting permission to rebuild it.”

“The fourth decree was also by Artaxexeres Longimanus, issued on March 14, 445 B.C. (Neh 2:1-8). On that occasion Artaxerxes granted the Jews permission to rebuild Jerusalem’s city walls. This decree is the one referred to in Daniel 9:25.”

“So Secular history tells us the order was given on 14 March 445 BC in our calendar we use today. So the countdown began, and 483 Babylonian years / 476 years using our current calendar, from that day the Messiah would come. To the very day Jesus rode into Jerusalem and for the first time in His ministry received and allowed public proclamation that He was the Messiah. That day was the 10th of Nissan in the Jewish calendar (the day the Sacrificial Lamb was to be brought into the home). That day in our calendar was April 6, 32AD:

(John 12:12 NKJV) The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

(John 12:13 NKJV) took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' The King of Israel!"

Cutoff / Didn’t Overthrow Roman Empire

As we know, just as Daniel prophesied, Jesus was cutoff from the people. The people were looking for a Messiah that was going to free them from the Roman Empire, but Jesus did come for that, he came to redeem man from his sin. The people couldn’t understand that, so when Jesus did not overthrow the Roman Empire, they turned on Him, crucified Him, exactly as Daniel said they would. The odds of this are incalculable, but for argument’s sake lets just say 1 in 100,000.

4.) The Messiah would be killed before the destruction of the temple. Daniel 9:26c / Matthew 27:50-51

(Daniel 9:25 NKJV) "Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times.

(Daniel 9:26 NKJV) "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined.

(Daniel 9:27 NKJV) Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate."

(Matthew 27:50 NKJV) And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.

(Matthew 27:51 NKJV) Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split,

33AD – 70AD / Titus / Still No Temple Today

Daniel further predicted that the Messiah would be "cut off," killed, and that this event would take place prior to the destruction of Jerusalem. Jesus was crucified around 33 AD, in 70AD the Roman General Titus and his legion of soldiers came into Jerusalem and totally destroyed the city and the temple. To this day, the temple has yet to be rebuilt. All the fighting going on today in Jerusalem is largely due to the fact that the Jews want to rebuild their temple, but can not because the Muslim holy site, the Dome of the Rock stands in the same area. 2000 years later, still no Temple. The Jewish people missed their Messiah, please don’t you. The odds of this are incalculable, but for argument sake lets just say 1 in 100,000.

5.) The Jew's authority to administer capital punishment would be gone when the Messiah arrived. Genesis 49:10c / John 18:31

(Genesis 49:10 NKJV) The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.

(John 18:31 NKJV) Then Pilate said to them, "You take Him and judge Him according to your law." Therefore the Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,"

Shiloh / Track the Lineage / Lost in 70AD

Shiloh is another name for the Messiah. The “scepter - tribal staff” means the identity of the 12 tribes of Israel. The Jewish people took great pains to track the lineage of where every person came from. They did so because they knew that the Messiah had to come through the lineage of David. This passage says the Messiah will come before they lose the ability to track the lineage of which tribe the person comes from. In 70AD after the Titus Roman destruction of Jerusalem, the people were dispersed for 2000 years, and ask a Jewish person today, and they can not tell you which tribe they are from. Jesus came in 1BC, before the Scepter departed. If someone came today and said they are the Messiah, the Jewish people would have no proof of his lineage.

Lawgiver / Capital Punishment / 30AD

But also it speaks of a lawgiver. This speaks of the ability for the Jewish people to perform Capital Punishment upon anybody who breaks the Law of Moses, the 10 commandments. The Jewish writings (the Talmud) says that it was 40 years before the Destruction of the temple that the Roman Empire ceased allowing them to carry out capital punishment upon a person. 70AD minus 40 equal 30AD. Jesus came in 1BC/AD. He came 30 years before they lost this right. The Jewish people missed their Messiah, all the signs were given them, yet they still missed Him. They didn’t study their own Scriptures which they were so diligent to preserve. The same can be true for us, thus Peter is writing us this epistle in way of a Reminder. The odds of this are incalculable, but for argument sake lets just say 1 in 100,000.

All this backed up by historical writings

Verse 11 - the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. (WHAT)

The “WHAT”, is to suffer, but then the glory thereafter as His sacrifice redeems us and washes our sin away.

Salvation – God’s Plan from Eternity / OT Prophets Didn’t Understand Suffering - Glory

The amazing thing is that this “salvation” we are awaiting—the return of Christ—was a part of God’s great plan for us from eternity. The Old Testament prophets wrote about this salvation and studied closely what God revealed to them. They saw the sufferings of the Messiah, and also the glory that would follow; but they could not fully understand the connection between the two. In fact, in some of the prophecies, the Messiah’s sufferings and glory are blended in one verse or paragraph.

When Jesus came to earth, the Jewish teachers were awaiting a conquering Messiah who would defeat Israel’s enemies and establish the glorious kingdom promised to David. Even His own disciples were not clear about the need for His death on the cross (Matt. 16:13-28). They were still inquiring about the Jewish kingdom even after His resurrection (Acts 1:1-8). If the disciples were not clear about God’s program, certainly the Old Testament prophets could be excused!

2 Peaks – Mount Moriah – Mount Olivet / Couldn’t See the Valley – Church Age

God told the prophets that they were ministering for a future generation. Between the suffering of Messiah and His return in glory comes what we call “the age of the church.” The truth about the church was a hidden “mystery” in the Old Testament period (Eph. 3:1-13). The Old Testament believers looked ahead by faith and saw, as it were, two mountain peaks: Mount Calvary, where Messiah suffered and died (Isa. 53), and Mount Olivet, where He will return in glory (Zech. 14:4). They could not see the “valley” in between, the present age of the church.

His Death

6.) The Messiah would be sacrificed on the same mountain where God tested Abraham. Genesis 22:14 / Luke 23:33

(Genesis 22:2 NKJV) Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."……………………….

(Genesis 22:14 NKJV) And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, "In the Mount of The LORD it shall be provided."

(Luke 23:33 NKJV) And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.

*** For a detailed explanation on this please see the study notes from our Genesis 22 study.

Provide Himself / Old KJV / Lamb Not a Ram / Prophetic

Genesis 22, Abraham is taking his son Isaac up to Mount Moriah to offer him to the Lord. But God had no intentions on having him go through with it, rather it was a picture of what God would do 2000 years later, in Jesus Christ being sacrificed as the Lamb of God, for the sins of the world, at that exact same spot:

(Genesis 22:7 NKJV) But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." Then he said, "Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"

(Genesis 22:8 NKJV) And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." So the two of them went together.

Not that God will provide for Himself, as you read in the New King James translation, (a poor translation) but God will provide Himself:

(Genesis 22:8 KJV) And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

Here is a very important point to catch, in verse 13 it will be a ram caught in the thicket, not a lamb. It is a huge difference to the story. They are two different words in the Hebrew. (The word for Lamb here is the same one used in Exodus 12:3-5 for the Passover Lamb, and the same word used for Lamb in Isaiah 53;7). This is a prophecy of Abraham concerning Jesus Christ, God the Son, who was provided as a lamb slain for our sins, the substitute for our sins:

The Temple Mount / 2 Chron 3

This is another marvelous prophecy by Abraham. The mount of the LORD is Mount Moriah and today is known as the Temple Mount. In II Chronicles we read:

(2 Chronicles 3:1 NKJV) Now Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to his father David, at the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

NT / Calvary

In the New Testament we read of “to that place”:

(Luke 23:33 NKJV) And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.

Exact same Place

In the same place where Abraham built his altar, God would sacrifice His Son and the prophecy of Abraham was fulfilled when he said, "God will provide Himself a sacrifice." In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen and it was, two thousand years later. The picture of Abraham sacrificing his son is a foreshadowing of that which God would do for love of the world in sacrificing His only begotten Son.

The odds of this are incalculable, but for argument sake lets just say 1 in 100,000.

7.) The Messiah's back would be whipped. Isaiah 53:5c Matthew 27:26

(Isaiah 53:5 NKJV) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

(Matthew 27:26 NKJV) Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

Beaten before the Kill

Not only is the exact spot of His death written 2000 years before his death, but even the details of His whipping and scourging. The odds of this are incalculable, but for argument sake lets just say 1 in 100,000.

8.) The Messiah's hands and feet would be pierced. Psalm 22:16c Matthew 27:38

(Psalms 22:16 NKJV) For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet;

(Matthew 27:38 NKJV) Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left.

400 Years Before Crucifixion Invented

Some 400 years before crucifixion was invented, both Israel's King David and the prophet Zechariah described the Messiah's death in words that perfectly depict that mode of execution. Further, they said that the body would be pierced and that none of the bones would be broken, contrary to customary procedure in cases of crucifixion (Psalm 22 and 34:20; Zechariah 12:10). Again, historians and New Testament writers confirm the fulfillment: Jesus of Nazareth died on a Roman cross, and his extraordinarily quick death eliminated the need for the usual breaking of bones. A spear was thrust into his side to verify that he was indeed, dead.

(1 Peter 1:12 NKJV) To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven; things which angels desire to look into.

Prophecy In Their Day – and Apostles Day

To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering: The prophets understood that they were ministering to people beyond them as well as to people in their own day. These things the prophets predicted were reported as fact by the apostles (the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel).

We know the Who (Jesus of Nazareth) and the when (Jesus’ day) of these Old Testament prophecies.

Just These 8

His Birth & Lineage

1.) The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2a / Matthew 2:1-2

2.) The Messiah would be a descendant of David. Isaiah 9:7 / Matthew 1:1

His Environment & the World Setting

3.) The Messiah would be announced to his people 483 years, to the exact day, after the decree to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. Daniel 9:25 / John 12:12-13

4.) The Messiah would be killed before the destruction of the temple. Daniel 9:26c / Matthew 27:50-51

5.) The Jew's authority to administer capital punishment would be gone when the Messiah arrived. Genesis 49:10c / John 18:31

His Death

6.) The Messiah would be sacrificed on the same mountain where God tested Abraham. Genesis 22:14 / Luke 23:33

7.) The Messiah's back would be whipped. Isaiah 53:5c Matthew 27:26

8.) The Messiah's hands and feet would be pierced. Psalm 22:16c Matthew 27:38

The Law of Compound Probability / The Quarter

The following probabilities (The Law of Compound Probability) are taken from Peter Stoner in Science Speaks (Moody Press, 1963) to show that coincidence is ruled out by the science of probability. Stoner says that by using the modern science of probability in reference to eight prophecies, 'we find that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled all eight prophecies is 1 in 10 to the17th." That would be 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000. In order to help us comprehend this staggering probability, Stoner illustrates it by supposing that "we take 10 to the 17th silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep.

"Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man."

Verse 12 - preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven; (WHY)

The “Why”, for the Good News, the Gospel.

God Reveals Beforehand

God reveals before hand what He will perform:

(Amos 3:7 NKJV) Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.

And the revelation of the gospel comes by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Man – Lamb - Worm

The Gospel. God became a man, the man became the Lamb, and then "catch this" the Lamb became the worm. Psalm 22 the great Messianic Prophecy concerning Jesus:

(Psalms 22:6 NKJV) But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people.

(Psalms 22:7 NKJV) All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

(Psalms 22:8 NKJV) "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!"…………………………………..

(Psalms 22:14 NKJV) I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me.

(Psalms 22:15 NKJV) My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.

(Psalms 22:16 NKJV) For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet;

(Psalms 22:17 NKJV) I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.

(Psalms 22:18 NKJV) They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.

Tolaf / Scarlet / Red Spot / Reproduction

I've become a worm, the word there is "tolaf". Back in the days of Jesus if you wanted to make a scarlet garment, you would get these worms and grind them up into a solution, and then dip the garment in the solution and it would become red/scarlet. These worms, these Tolafs, when they would reproduce, they would climb to the limb of a tree, then during reproduction it would die. As it dies it would leave a red spot on the tree limb. So it was during reproduction that it would die. Psalm 22, I am a worm, not a man, so that I might die for Ray and the church of Anne Arundel County, and Christians everywhere.

White as Snow

Then according to Zondervan Pictural Encyclopedia, after 3-5 days the red spot dries up and turns white and then flakes off and falls to the ground:

(Isaiah 1:18 NKJV) "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.

From King to Worm – For Me

God became a man, the man became the Lamb, the Lamb became the worm. From the King of the Universe, to the worm of the earth. He became like me, so He can take my sin, die in my place, pay my price for offended the Holy God. God provided Himself the Lamb.

If They Searched – Should not We

If the Old Testament prophets searched so diligently into the truths of salvation, and yet had so little to go on, how much more ought we to search into this subject, now that we have a complete Word from God! The same Holy Spirit who taught the prophets and, through them, wrote the Word of God, can teach us the truths in it (John 16:12-15).

Furthermore, we can learn these truths from the Old Testament as well as from the New Testament. You can find Christ in every part of the Old Testament Scriptures (Luke 24:25-27). What a delight it is to meet Christ in the Old Testament Law, the types, the Psalms, and the writings of the prophets. In times of trial, you can turn to the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, and find all that you need for encouragement and enlightenment.

Yes, for Christians, it is glory all the way! When we trusted Christ, we were born for glory. We are being kept for glory. As we obey Him and experience trials, we are being prepared for glory. When we love Him, trust Him, and rejoice in Him, we experience the glory here and now.

Angels Desire

Verse 12 - things which angels desire to look into: Same word used to look into the "empty tomb" that Easter Sunday. The angels are looking down, looking at us. They would give anything to understand the things we do, for you see they do not have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them, but we do, and the Spirit illuminates these things to us. Even the angels are interested in what God is doing in and through His church! Read 1 Corinthians 4:9 and Ephesians 3:10 for further information on how God is “educating” the angels through the church.

Peter said I seen Him, but I have something surer than what I saw, and that is His Word. The written word is surer than any spiritual experience. 300 times in the New Testament we are told Jesus is coming back. 500 passages in this whole Bible speak of His Second Coming. They struggled because many spoke of His suffering Christ, and many spoke of Victorious Christ. They struggled but we get to see the whole picture. We know the certainty of these things.

The Certainty of Our Future

In verses 10-12, Peter is making the point, you want to know the certainty of your future, look to the past. When you see the fulfillment of the Lords First Coming, then you will be certain of His Second Coming. First He came as the Suffering Messiah to die for the sins of the world, next He will come as the Victorious Messiah, coming to claim His people, and judge all who have rejected Him. He is coming for you, He is coming for me, because He says He will, for His Word is perfect.

Prayer

The Word of God is Living and Powerful, and is ready, and will do a mighty work in our lives.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In Every Study

· Who Is God? (How Great is He?)

· What Does He Think of Me? (How Wonderful Are His Thoughts Towards Me?)

· What Does He Want Me to Do?

· What Can I Boldly Request of Him?

· What Do I Need to Be on Guard of When I Leave Here Today?

Boldly come to the throne of grace, ask God to reveal Himself in a mighty way to you, and to do I might work in you, and through you.

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need