Bible Daily

How Old Testament Prophecies Foretell the Coming of Jesus

The Bible is not merely a historical document or a collection of moral teachings; it is a profound narrative interwoven with prophecy, particularly concerning the life and death of Jesus Christ. This article explores several Old Testament prophecies that have been fulfilled in Jesus, demonstrating the divine foresight and reliability of the Scriptures.

Understanding Biblical Prophecy

Before delving into specific prophecies, it's essential to understand why we can trust biblical prophecy. According to Deuteronomy 18:21-22, "If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken." This criterion allows us to verify the authenticity of biblical prophecies.

Prophecies of Jesus' Birth

  1. Genesis 3:15 - This verse speaks of enmity between the serpent and the woman's offspring, where the offspring would crush the serpent's head, symbolizing Jesus' ultimate victory over evil.

  2. Genesis 12:3 - God's promise to Abraham that through him all nations would be blessed is directly linked to Jesus, who would offer salvation to all.

  3. Isaiah 7:14 - The prophecy of a virgin birth, with the child named Immanuel ("God with us"), points to the miraculous birth of Jesus.

  4. Micah 5:2 - This prophecy identifies Bethlehem as the birthplace of a ruler from ancient times, fulfilled by Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.

  5. Hosea 11:1 - The calling of God's son out of Egypt, which Matthew interprets as Jesus' return from Egypt after Herod's death.

Prophecies of Jesus' Death

  • Psalm 22 - This psalm, attributed to David, contains several vivid descriptions of the crucifixion:

    • Verse 1 - Jesus' cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34).
    • Verses 7-8 - The mocking and insults Jesus endured (Matthew 27:39-43).
    • Verse 16 - The piercing of hands and feet, directly referencing crucifixion (John 20:25).
    • Verse 18 - The division of Jesus' garments and casting lots for them (John 19:23-24).

  • Isaiah 53 - Often called the "Suffering Servant" passage, it describes Jesus' sacrificial death:

    • Verse 5 - "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities."
    • Verse 7 - Jesus' silence during his trial, likened to a lamb before its shearers.
    • Verse 9 - His burial in a rich man's tomb, despite his innocence.

The Trustworthiness of Scripture

These fulfilled prophecies not only affirm the divine inspiration of the Bible but also its reliability. Jesus himself emphasized the permanence of God's word, saying, "Until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished" (Matthew 5:18).

The fulfillment of these prophecies underscores the trustworthiness of the Scriptures. When every prophecy has been fulfilled, God's word will still stand, proving its eternal nature and divine origin.

Conclusion

The Old Testament's prophecies about Jesus' birth, life, and death are not mere coincidences but are part of a divine plan, showcasing the Bible's prophetic accuracy and the reliability of God's promises. As we reflect on these prophecies, we can take comfort in the fact that God's word is true, and what has been foretold will indeed come to pass, affirming our faith in the Scriptures and in Jesus Christ.