Prophecies About Jesus: A Bible Study Lesson and Sermon

Prophecies About Jesus: A Bible Study Lesson and Sermon

Introduction

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies about the coming of the Messiah, which Christians believe were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. These prophecies provide evidence of Jesus' divine nature and mission. This lesson will explore some of the key prophecies and their fulfillments in the New Testament.

The exact number of prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament can vary depending on how one defines and counts them, but scholars commonly cite over 300 prophecies that Jesus fulfilled. These prophecies cover various aspects of His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Here are a few significant categories and examples:

Categories of Prophecies

His Birth and Lineage

Virgin Birth: Isaiah 7:14 (Fulfilled in Matthew 1:22-23)Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 (Fulfilled in Matthew 2:1-6)Descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: Genesis 12:3, 17:19, Numbers 24:17 (Fulfilled in Matthew 1:1-2)From the tribe of Judah: Genesis 49:10 (Fulfilled in Hebrews 7:14)

His Ministry

Preceded by a messenger (John the Baptist): Isaiah 40:3 (Fulfilled in Matthew 3:1-3)A prophet like Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15 (Fulfilled in Acts 3:20-22)Performing miracles: Isaiah 35:5-6 (Fulfilled in Matthew 11:4-5)

His Betrayal and Suffering

Betrayed by a friend for 30 pieces of silver: Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12-13 (Fulfilled in Matthew 26:14-16, 27:9-10)Silent before His accusers: Isaiah 53:7 (Fulfilled in Matthew 27:12-14)Crucified with criminals: Isaiah 53:12 (Fulfilled in Mark 15:27-28)Pierced hands and feet: Psalm 22:16 (Fulfilled in John 20:25-27)Lots cast for His clothing: Psalm 22:18 (Fulfilled in John 19:23-24)

His Death and Resurrection

No bones broken: Psalm 34:20 (Fulfilled in John 19:33-36)Buried with the rich: Isaiah 53:9 (Fulfilled in Matthew 27:57-60)Resurrection: Psalm 16:10 (Fulfilled in Acts 2:31)

Notable Prophecies and Their Fulfillments

Isaiah 7:14 - The Virgin Birth

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."Fulfilled: Matthew 1:22-23 - "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')."

Micah 5:2 - Birth in Bethlehem

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."Fulfilled: Matthew 2:1-6 - "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.' When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written.'"

Zechariah 9:9 - The Triumphal Entry

"Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."Fulfilled: John 12:13-15 - "They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!' Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 'Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.'"

Conclusion

There are over 300 prophecies about Jesus found in the Old Testament, and these cover various aspects of His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. The fulfillment of these prophecies in the New Testament provides strong evidence for Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the divine inspiration of the Scriptures. Studying these prophecies can deepen one's faith and provide a powerful tool for witnessing to others about the truth of the gospel.

Lesson Outline

Prophecy of the Virgin Birth

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 7:14

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."Fulfillment: Matthew 1:22-23

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')."Context and Application:

Isaiah's prophecy was given during a time of political turmoil for Israel. The sign of the virgin birth symbolized God's direct intervention in human history. In our lives, this reminds us that God is with us (Immanuel) through all circumstances.

Prophecy of the Birthplace of the Messiah

Scripture Reference: Micah 5:2

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."Fulfillment: Matthew 2:1-6

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.' When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written.'"Context and Application:

Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town, was chosen as the birthplace of the Messiah, highlighting God's ability to use the humble and lowly for His purposes. This teaches us that no matter our background or circumstances, God can use us for His glory.

Prophecy of the Suffering Servant

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 53:3-5

"He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."Fulfillment: 1 Peter 2:24

"He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."Context and Application:

Isaiah's prophecy poignantly describes the suffering and atoning death of Jesus. His sacrifice brings healing and redemption. This is a call to reflect on the depth of Christ's love and to live in a manner that honors His sacrifice.

Prophecy of the Resurrection

Scripture Reference: Psalm 16:10

"because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay."Fulfillment: Acts 2:31

"Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay."Context and Application:

David’s Psalm speaks of deliverance from death, which Peter applies to Jesus' resurrection. The resurrection is central to Christian faith, assuring us of victory over death and eternal life with God.

Church History Insight

The early church fathers frequently referenced these prophecies to defend the faith and to explain the divine nature of Jesus. For instance, Justin Martyr, in his Dialogue with Trypho, argued that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies, emphasizing their importance in understanding Jesus' messianic role.

Real-World Application

Understanding these prophecies can deepen our faith and equip us to share the gospel confidently. When facing doubts or challenges, remembering the specific and detailed fulfillment of these ancient prophecies in Jesus can reaffirm our belief in God's sovereign plan.

Conclusion

The prophecies about Jesus found in the Old Testament and their fulfillments in the New Testament provide compelling evidence of Jesus' divine identity and mission. They remind us of God's faithfulness and the profound truth of the gospel. As we reflect on these prophecies, let us strengthen our faith and share this good news with others.

Knowing and understanding the prophecies about Jesus is profitable for several reasons. These prophecies serve to deepen our faith, provide a foundation for witnessing, affirm the divine inspiration of the Scriptures, and offer profound spiritual and personal insights.

1. Strengthening Faith

Understanding the fulfillment of prophecies strengthens our faith in God's sovereignty and the truth of the Bible. When we see how intricately the life of Jesus aligns with prophecies written centuries before His birth, we gain confidence in the reliability and divine inspiration of the Scriptures.

Example:

Isaiah 53:3-5 (Prophecy)

"He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."1 Peter 2:24 (Fulfillment)

"He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."

This fulfillment shows the precision of God’s plan and strengthens our belief in Jesus as the Messiah.

2. Validating the Messiahship of Jesus

Prophecies provide evidence that Jesus is the promised Messiah. This validation is crucial for understanding Christian doctrine and for apologetics, enabling believers to defend their faith with scriptural backing.

Example:

Micah 5:2 (Prophecy)

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."Matthew 2:1-6 (Fulfillment)

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.' When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written.'"

Knowing such details equips believers to articulate why they believe Jesus is the Christ.

3. Demonstrating the Unity of Scripture

The fulfillment of prophecies highlights the unity and coherence of the Bible. Despite being written over centuries by different authors, the Bible presents a consistent and unified message about God’s redemptive plan through Jesus.

Example:

Psalm 22:16 (Prophecy)

"Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet."John 20:25-27 (Fulfillment)

"So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.' A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.'"

This unity reassures us that the Bible is divinely inspired and trustworthy.

4. Enhancing Worship and Devotion

Reflecting on the fulfillment of prophecies enhances our worship and devotion. It deepens our appreciation for God's plan and the sacrificial love of Jesus.

Example:

Zechariah 9:9 (Prophecy)

"Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."John 12:13-15 (Fulfillment)

"They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!' Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 'Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.'"

Knowing the background of such events can make our worship more meaningful and informed.

5. Providing a Foundation for Evangelism

Understanding prophecies equips believers to share the gospel effectively. It allows for a reasoned and compelling presentation of why Jesus is the Savior promised in the Old Testament.

Example:

Genesis 22:18 (Prophecy)

"And through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."Galatians 3:16 (Fulfillment)

"The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say 'and to seeds,' meaning many people, but 'and to your seed,' meaning one person, who is Christ."

Using such prophecies, Christians can explain how Jesus fulfills God’s promise to bless all nations.

Conclusion

Understanding the prophecies about Jesus is immensely profitable. It strengthens our faith, validates Jesus’ messiahship, demonstrates the unity of Scripture, enhances worship, and provides a robust foundation for evangelism. These prophecies reveal the meticulous and loving plan of God for redemption, encouraging believers to trust in His word and share the gospel with confidence.