Bible Daily

The Old Testament's Prophecies of Jesus' Life and Death

The Bible is not just a collection of stories but a tapestry of prophecy, with many predictions made in the Old Testament that have come to pass, particularly concerning the life and death of Jesus Christ. Here, we delve into some of these prophecies, showcasing how the Old Testament foretold events that would unfold centuries later.

Trusting Biblical Prophecy

Before examining specific prophecies, it's crucial to understand why we can trust biblical prophecy. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 provides a clear criterion: "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 principle allows us to test the accuracy of biblical prophecies.

Prophecies of Jesus' Birth

  1. Genesis 3:15 - The promise of enmity between the serpent and the woman's offspring, where the offspring would crush the serpent's head, is often interpreted as the first prophecy of Jesus' victory over Satan.

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

  3. Isaiah 7:14 - The prophecy of a virgin birth, with the child named Immanuel ("God with us"), directly correlates with the divine nature and human birth of Jesus.

  4. Micah 5:2 - The prophecy about Bethlehem as the birthplace of a ruler whose origins are from ancient times is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

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

Prophecies of Jesus' Death

  • Psalm 22 - This Psalm, written by David, contains several explicit references to the crucifixion of Jesus:

    • 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 hurled at Jesus (Matthew 27:39-43).
    • Verse 16 - The piercing of hands and feet, a direct reference to crucifixion (John 20:25).
    • Verse 18 - The division of Jesus' garments and casting lots for them (John 19:23-24).

  • Isaiah 53 - Known as the "Suffering Servant" chapter, it vividly describes the death and purpose of Jesus:

    • Verse 5 - "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities."
    • Verse 7 - The silence of Jesus during his trial, like a lamb before its shearers.
    • Verse 9 - His burial with the rich, despite being innocent of deceit or violence.

The Reliability of Scripture

These prophecies not only demonstrate the divine inspiration of the Bible but also its reliability. Jesus himself affirmed the permanence of God's word, stating, "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.