Showing posts with label "Teaching Notes". Show all posts
Showing posts with label "Teaching Notes". Show all posts

Saturday, October 5, 2019

Teaching Notes GALATIANS 5 and 6

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Teaching Notes GALATIANS 5 and 6

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GALATIANS

Chapters 5, 6. Freedom in Christ

Paul could not understand how any human being
would deliberately choose to risk his
salvation on works rather than on the gracious mercy of
Christ.

Christ saves us.  It is paid for and without cost to us.
One need only accept the free offer of salvation.

We do not save ourselves. It is the difference between freedom
and slavery: But freedom in Christ  does not mean license  to 
continue  in  sin.

Paul never fails to lay special stress on that. Those who follow
fleshly lusts cannot be saved, Chapter 5:19-21. One of the “spiritual laws
of the natural world” is that a man shall “reap what he sows",
Chapter 6:7, inevitable in its working, whether the seed be wheat or tares.
“Large letters”, 6:11, evidence of the genuineness of his own hand
see note on his “thorn in the flesh” under II Cor 12. writing,
“Branded with the marks of Jesus”, Chapter 6:17. His enemies
claimed that Paul was not a genuine Apostle of Christ.
His battered, bruised, and scarred body was
 his testimony that he was genuine. See II Cor 4,6,11.

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Galatians 5 New International Version (NIV)

Freedom in Christ

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Life by the Spirit

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.




22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Footnotes:
Galatians 5:13 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 16, 17, 19 and 24; and in 6:8.
Galatians 5:14 Lev. 19:18
Galatians 5:17 Or you do not do what

Galatians 6 New International Version (NIV)

Doing Good to All

6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to[b] the Israel of God.

17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

Footnotes:
Galatians 6:14 Or whom
Galatians 6:16 Or rule and to

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New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Some content adapted from Halley, Henry H., Bible Handbook, Grayson Publishing, Minneapolis, MN.  © 1927 - 1959, 1964

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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia


END

Friday, October 4, 2019

Teaching Notes GALATIANS 1, 2, 3 and 4

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Teaching Notes GALATIANS 1, 2, 3 and 4


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GALATIANS

Chapter 1. Paul's Gospel Direct from God

They said to Paul, “We knew Jesus.  We are real apostles.  You
Never met him.  You are an imposter”.
To discredit in the eyes of the Galatians the Judaizers, it
Seems they were saying that Paul was not an original Apostle, and that
be derived his teaching from the Twelve Apostles – not Jesus.
This may supply the reason Paul was so stunned by the light from
Heaven near Damascus, and the instant realization that his
whole life had been wrong. 

It may be that Paul went to Arabia for three (3) years
To get his head together before going out spread the Word.
It was in Arabia that some of his revelations came to him.

Chapter 2. Paul's Relation to the Other Apostles

The Visit to Jerusalem, Chapter 1-10. Paul waited three years after his
conversion before he returned to Jerusalem, where he had laid
waste the Church. Was there only 15 days, talking things over
with Peter, 18. Compare the account in Acts 9:26-30. Then after 14
years he went again to Jerusalem. This must have been the visit
recorded in Acts 11:27-30, which was in 44 AD.  For the context,
along with the implication of “again” in Chapter 1, appears to mean his
second visit to Jerusalem after his conversion.















Paul took Titus, one of his Gentile converts, along as a test case,
in the moot question of Gentile circumcision.
He stood his ground, and won the complete endorsement
of the other Apostles, 9.

Peter’s False Pretenses at Antioch, 11-21. It is not stated when this
visit took place. Probably it was soon after Paul’s return to
Antioch from the visit referred to in 1, and before Paul set out
on his First Missionary Journey.

The chronology would be something like this:

Peter received the first Gentile convert without

circumcision, Cornelius, Acts 10, probably about 40 AD, which
action was approved by the other Apostles, Acts 11. Then, about
42 AD the Gentile church at Antioch came into being, with the
approval of Barnabas as emissary from Jerusalem. Acts 11:22-24.
Then, 44 AD, this trip of Paul, With Titus, to Jerusalem, at which
Peter joined in the endorsement of Paul’s reception of Gentiles
without circumcision. Then, soon thereafter, about 44 or 45 AD,
this trip of Peter’s to Antioch, at which he separated himself from
the uncircumcised Gentiles, and drew the scathing rebuke from
Paul, 11. But five “or six years later, at the Jerusalem Council, 50
AD, Peter was the first to speak out in favor of Paul’s work,
Acts 15:7-11.

What does the inability to decide between different opinions on
the part of Peter. and this disagreement over so fundamental
a teaching between the two leading Apostles, mean?

In this particular incident either Peter or
Paul was wrong. How can we know which it Was? If either of
them was mistaken in one thing, how do we know but what they
may have been mistaken in other things? Does not the doctrine
that the Apostles were Inspired of God break down under this
incident? Not at all; for the simple fact that God did not reveal
the full complete truth about his Kingdom to the Apostles all at
once, Jesus had told them that he still had many things to teach
them that they could not then bear, John 16:12. Jesus dealt very pa-
tiently with human prejudice, allowing them to hold to their old
notions of the Messianic Kingdom, till, as need arose, he led them.
step by step, into the newer phases of the Kingdom.

He did not bother them with the Gentile problem till the problem arose.
Then, after the Gospel had been fully proclaimed among the Jews
over their homeland, God, by direct and special
revelation, undertook to instruct Peter on the Gentile matter,
Acts 10, which was probably about ten years after the








Pentecost of the Church. It took a few years for the
Apostles to get readjusted to the new teaching. Paul came out of
the old notion more readily than Peter did. The Galatian inci-
dent happened after Paul had come all the way out, and while
Peter was on the way out. But Peter came all the way out before
any of the New Testament books were written, and there is not an iota of
difference between the teachings of Paul and Peter in the New Testament.

Chapters 3 and 4. Human Bondage Under the Law

These Gentile Galatians had swallowed the Judaizers’ message
so completely that they had instituted Jewish Festival Days and
Ceremonies for the Gentiles, Chapter 4:8-11.  They were trying
to combine the Gospel with Mosaic Law.
But Paul tells them that the two systems do not
combine. Did the Judaizers work any miracles among them, as
he had done? Chapter 3:5. Did not that mean anything to them?
Abraham figures largely in these two chapters,
because the Jewish message which they had accepted
was based largely on the promise to
Abraham. They were misinterpreting the promise,
as was shown plainly in the Abraham narrative itself,
Chapter 4:21-31. Their early love for Paul was in

sad contrast with their present coolness, Chapter 4:12-20. 

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Galatians 1 New International Version (NIV)

1 Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers and sisters[a] with me,

To the churches in Galatia:

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

No Other Gospel
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!

10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Paul Called by God
11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas[b] and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me.

Footnotes:
Galatians 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 11; and in 3:15; 4:12, 28, 31; 5:11, 13; 6:1, 18.
Galatians 1:18 That is, Peter

Galatians 2 New International Version (NIV)
Paul Accepted by the Apostles
2 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. 4 This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. 5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

6 As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. 7 On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised,[a] just as Peter had been to the circumcised.[b] 8 For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9 James, Cephas[c] and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.

Paul Opposes Cephas
11 When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.

14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?

15 “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[d] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

17 “But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.

19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”[e]

Footnotes:
Galatians 2:7 That is, Gentiles
Galatians 2:7 That is, Jews; also in verses 8 and 9
Galatians 2:9 That is, Peter; also in verses 11 and 14
Galatians 2:16 Or but through the faithfulness of … justified on the basis of the faithfulness of
Galatians 2:21 Some interpreters end the quotation after verse 14.

Galatians 3 New International Version (NIV)
Faith or Works of the Law
3 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?[a] 4 Have you experienced[b] so much in vain—if it really was in vain? 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[c]

7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”[d] 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”[e] 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”[f] 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”[g] 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[h] 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

The Law and the Promise
15 Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 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,”[i] meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. 20 A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one.

21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Children of God
23 Before the coming of this faith,[j] we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Footnotes:
Galatians 3:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
Galatians 3:4 Or suffered
Galatians 3:6 Gen. 15:6
Galatians 3:8 Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 22:18
Galatians 3:10 Deut. 27:26
Galatians 3:11 Hab. 2:4
Galatians 3:12 Lev. 18:5
Galatians 3:13 Deut. 21:23
Galatians 3:16 Gen. 12:7; 13:15; 24:7
Galatians 3:23 Or through the faithfulness of Jesus … 23 Before faith came

Galatians 4 New International Version (NIV)
4 What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces[a] of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[d]? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.

12 I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. 13 As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, 14 and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15 Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. 19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Hagar and Sarah
21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.

24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written:

“Be glad, barren woman,
    you who never bore a child;
shout for joy and cry aloud,
    you who were never in labor;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
    than of her who has a husband.”[e]

28 Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. 30 But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”[f] 31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

Footnotes:
Galatians 4:3 Or under the basic principles
Galatians 4:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.
Galatians 4:6 Aramaic for Father
Galatians 4:9 Or principles
Galatians 4:27 Isaiah 54:1
Galatians 4:30 Gen. 21:10


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The Order of Paul's Letters

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New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Some content adapted from Halley, Henry H., Bible Handbook, Grayson Publishing, Minneapolis, MN.  © 1927 - 1959, 1964

& & &


Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia


END

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Teaching Notes - Prophecies Fulfilled by יֵשׁוּעַ "Yeshua" - JESUS

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Teaching Notes - Prophecies Fulfilled by יֵשׁוּעַ "Yeshua" - JESUS

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Teaching Notes - Prophecies Fulfilled by יֵשׁוּעַ "Yeshua" - JESUS

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BIBLICAL PROPHECIES FULFILLED BY JESUS  [1]

Prophecy

CBN. com

Introduction

The passion of Jesus Christ stands alone as the most important event creation has ever known. The Bible tells us that long before the world began, God had planned that the crucifixion of Jesus would be the method and payment for sin – the only payment that would reconcile sinners to a holy and loving God.

1 Peter 1:19-20 – “He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose Him for this purpose long before the world began, but now in these final days, He was sent to the earth for all to see. And He did this for you.”
Down through history, God provided us a roadmap. He foretold various signs and conditions through His prophets. These prophets spoke of things that mankind should watch for so that the Messiah would be recognized and believed. These signs or prophecies were given to us in the Old Testament. The Old Testament is the part of the Bible written before Jesus was born. Its writings were completed in 450 B.C. The Old Testament, written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, contains over 300 prophecies that Jesus fulfilled through His life, death and resurrection.
Mathematically speaking, the odds of anyone fulfilling this amount of prophecy are staggering. Mathematicians put it this way:

1 person fulfilling 8 prophecies: 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000 1 person fulfilling 48 prophecies: 1 chance in 10 to the 157th power 1 person fulfilling 300+ prophecies: Only Jesus!

It is the magnificent detail of these prophecies that mark the Bible as the inspired Word of God. Only God could foreknow and accomplish all that was written about the Christ. This historical accuracy and reliability sets the Bible apart from any other book or record.

The New Testament was written after the death of Jesus Christ. Archeologists have found thousands of manuscripts of the New Testament. Some of these pieces of manuscript are dated less than 100 years after the original letters were written. In terms of historical reliability, the Bible is superior to any other ancient writings.

This is the miraculous and reliable record of the Word of God. God gave us these prophecies to build our faith and point the way to His Son. As 1 John 1:1-3 states:

“The One who existed from the beginning is the One we have heard and seen. We saw Him with our own eyes and touched Him with our own hands. He is Jesus Christ, the Word of Life. This One who is life from God was shown to us, and we have seen Him. And now we testify and announce to you that He is the One who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then He was shown to us. We are telling you about what we ourselves have actually seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.”

In this booklet, we will take a look at just a few of the prophecies concerning the life and passion of Jesus Christ. Our prayer is that your faith will be increased and your witness strengthened as you understand and are able to communicate more clearly that Jesus Christ is indeed the Lamb of God, slain before the foundation of the world. (See Revelation 13:8.) Our hope is that you will know beyond doubt that His death and resurrection are the sacrifice for our sins; and in His death, “He takes away not only our sins but the sins of all the world” (1 John 2:2).

A Word About God's Prophets

The prophets of God were often sent on dangerous missions. The prophets were to warn the people about God’s coming judgment against sin. They were sent to call the people back to God in repentance and to assure them of God’s continuing love and purpose for them.

PROPHECIES FULFILLED BY JESUS

 The Messiah Will Be Born In Bethlehem

Micah 5:2 – “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF Micah

Micah was an eighth century B.C. prophet. He lived at the same time as the prophets Amos, Hosea and Isaiah.

The Book of Micah tells how the judgment of God will fall on Samaria and Jerusalem due to sin, and afterwards, God will give restoration.

Micah describes a wonderful future where the city of Bethlehem will give birth to a ruler greater than David. He also prophesies of a time when Jerusalem will become the religious center of the world.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 2:1-6 – “Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen His star as it arose, and we have come to worship Him.’ Herod was deeply disturbed by their question, as was all of Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law. ‘Where did the prophets say the Messiah would be born?’ he asked them. ‘In Bethlehem,’ they said, ‘for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘O Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

Luke 2:4-5, 7, 15 – “And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was obviously pregnant by this time. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped Him snugly in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn. When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Come on, let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”

John 7:42 – “For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born.”

The Messiah Will Be Born Of A Virgin

Isaiah 7:14 – “All right then, the Lord Himself will choose the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel – ‘God is with us.’”
Isaiah 9:6-7 – “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on His shoulders. These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF Isaiah

The prophet Isaiah lived in Jerusalem in the eighth century B.C. The book of Isaiah is one of the four major prophetic books in the Old Testament, along with Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel.
Chapter 7 of Isaiah was written about 735 B.C. King Ahaz was on the throne and Isaiah was sent with the message that God was sending Judah a sign – this sign would be a child called “God is with us.”

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 1:20-23 – “As he considered this, he fell asleep, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’ All of this happened to fulfill the Lord’s message through His prophet: ‘Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and He will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us).’”

The Messiah Will Be A Prophet Like Moses

Deuteronomy 18:15 – “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites, and you must listen to that prophet.”

About the Prophecy in Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 1:1a states: “This book records the words that Moses spoke to all the people of Israel while they were in the wilderness east of the Jordan River.” These words were written about 1260 B.C. Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, Moses talks to the people of Israel as they are about to enter the Promised Land. He reminds them of their covenant with God and their glorious future, if they obey Him.

THE FULLFILLMENT

John 7:40-42 – “When the crowds heard Him say this, some of them declared, ‘This man surely is the Prophet.’ Others said, ‘He is the Messiah.’ Still others said, ‘But He can’t be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born.’”

Acts 3:20-23 – “Then wonderful times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and He will send Jesus your Messiah to you again. For He must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through His prophets. Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up a Prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything He tells you.’ Then Moses said, ‘Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be cut off from God’s people and utterly destroyed.’”

The Messiah Will Be Tempted By Satan

Psalm 91:10-12 – “No evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF The Psalms

The Psalms are a collection of the hymns of ancient Israel. Scholars divide them into five groups:
Hymns in praise of God’s glory
Community lamentations
Royal hymns for special occasions
Individual prayers
Individual praise and thanksgiving
It is difficult to date the individual psalms. King David is credited with writing many of them, and the collection of these hymns continued after the days of Israel’s exile. It is believed the collection was finalized before the second century B.C.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 4:5-7 – “Then the Devil took Him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, ‘If You are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, “He orders His angels to protect you. And they will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.”’ Jesus responded, ‘The Scriptures also say, “Do not test the Lord your God.”’”
The Messiah Will Enter Jerusalem Triumphantly

Zechariah 9:9 – “Rejoice greatly, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey – even on a donkey’s colt.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF Zechariah

Zechariah the prophet came from a priestly family. He was a visionary, who with the prophet Haggai worked on the rebuilding of the Temple. The New Testament Gospels quote Zechariah more than any other prophet.

Part one of the book of Zechariah was written in 520 B.C. Zechariah spoke about the judgment and salvation of God and about the coming Messiah who would be a priest, governor, humble king and afflicted shepherd.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 21:8-11 – “Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road ahead of Jesus, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. He was in the center of the procession, and the crowds all around Him were shouting, ‘Praise God for the Son of David! Bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!’ The entire city of Jerusalem was stirred as He entered. ‘Who is this?’ they asked. And the crowds replied, ‘It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’”

Luke 19:35-37 – “So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for Him to ride on. Then the crowds spread out their coats on the road ahead of Jesus. As they reached the place where the road started down from the Mount of Olives, all of His followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.”

John 12:12-15 – “The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A huge crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet Him. They shouted, ‘Praise God! Bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel! Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said: ‘Don’t be afraid, people of Israel. Look, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.’”

The Messiah Will Be Rejected By His Own People

Isaiah 53:1, 3 – “Who has believed our message? To whom will the Lord reveal His saving power? He was despised and rejected – a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way when He went by. He was despised, and we did not care.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF Isaiah

Chapters 40–55 in the book of Isaiah address the people in exile in Babylon – directly before the time of their return – about 538 B.C.

Chapter 53 is known as the great prophecy of the Suffering Servant.

THE FULLFILLMENT

John 1:10-11 – “But although the world was made through Him, the world didn’t recognize Him when He came. Even in His own land and among His own people, He was not accepted.”
John 12:37-38 – “But despite all the miraculous signs He had done, most of the people did not believe in Him. This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted: ‘Lord, who has believed our message? To whom will the Lord reveal His saving power?’”

Matthew 26:3-4 – “At that same time the leading priests and other leaders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, to discuss how to capture Jesus secretly and put Him to death.”
The Messiah Will Be Betrayed By One Of His Followers

Psalm 41:9 – “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” (NIV)

Psalm 55:12-13 – “It is not an enemy who taunts me – I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me – I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you – my equal, my companion and close friend.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF The Psalms

Psalm 41 is a psalm of David. He speaks of his own isolation and his trust in God. He describes how the sharing of food unites people in loyalty and friendship.

Psalm 55 is a psalm of David as well. In this psalm, he outlines the betrayal of a trusted friend, who was seemingly a follower of God.

Both of these psalms prophesy the betrayal of Jesus by a close and trusted friend.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 26:47, 49-50a – “And even as He said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a mob that was armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent out by the leading priests and other leaders of the people. So Judas came straight to Jesus. ‘Greetings, Teacher!’ he exclaimed and gave Him the kiss. Jesus said, ‘My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.’”

Luke 22:21-22, 47b – “ ‘But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray Me. For I, the Son of Man, must die since it is part of God’s plan. But how terrible it will be for My betrayer’! A mob approached, led by Judas, one of His twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus and greeted Him with a kiss.”

John 13:18, 21, 26 – “ ‘I am not saying these things to all of you; I know so well each one of you I chose. The Scriptures declare, “The one who shares My food has turned against Me,” and this will soon come true’. Now Jesus was in great anguish of spirit, and He exclaimed, ‘The truth is, one of you will betray Me!’ Jesus said, ‘It is the one to whom I give the bread dipped in the sauce.’ And when He had dipped it, He gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot.”

The Messiah Will Be Betrayed For 30 Pieces Of Silver

Zechariah 11:12-13 – “And I said unto them, ‘If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord.” (KJV)

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF Zechariah

In chapter 11 of the book of Zechariah, the prophet refers to 30 shekels of silver as a “goodly price.” This amount also refers to the amount paid for the life of a slave. Zechariah’s prophecy speaks about the amount paid for the Lord and His life.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 26:14-16 – “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, ‘How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?’ And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for the right time and place to betray Jesus.”
Matthew 27:3-4a – “When Judas, who had betrayed Him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and other leaders. ‘I have sinned,’ he declared, ‘for I have betrayed an innocent man.’”
The Messiah Will Be Tried And Condemned

Isaiah 53:8 – “From prison and trial they led Him away to His death. But who among the people realized that He was dying for their sins – that He was suffering their punishment?”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF Isaiah

Written in 538 B.C., chapter 53 of the book of Isaiah is known as the Great Prophecy of the Suffering Servant.

THE FULLFILLMENT
Matthew 27:1-2 – “Very early in the morning, the leading priests and other leaders met again to discuss how to persuade the Roman government to sentence Jesus to death. Then they bound Him and took Him to Pilate, the Roman governor.”

Luke 23:1, 23 – “The entire council took Jesus over to Pilate, the Roman governor. But the crowd shouted louder and louder for Jesus’ death, and their voices prevailed.”

Acts 4:26-28 – “‘The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against His Messiah.’ That is what has happened here in this city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, Your holy Servant, whom You anointed. In fact, everything they did occurred according to Your eternal will and plan.”

The Messiah Will Be Silent Before His Accusers

Psalm 35:11 – “Malicious witnesses testify against me. They accuse me of things I don’t even know about.”

Isaiah 53:7-8a – “He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet He never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, He did not open His mouth. From prison and trial they led Him away to His death.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF The Psalms and Isaiah

Psalm 27 is a psalm of David. In this hymn, he reassures those who are right with God that they have nothing to fear. He calls on God to pay back his enemies who have unjustly come against him. The prophecy in this psalm shows the confidence of the Messiah to entrust His life to God, who will answer and judge His accusers.

Again, the 53rd chapter of Isaiah was written in 538 B.C. It is known as the Great Prophecy of the Suffering Servant.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 27:12-14 – “But when the leading priests and other leaders made their accusations against Him, Jesus remained silent. ‘Don’t you hear their many charges against You?’ Pilate demanded. But Jesus said nothing, much to the governor’s great surprise.”

Mark 15:3-5 – “Then the leading priests accused Him of many crimes, and Pilate asked Him, ‘Aren’t You going to say something? What about all these charges against You?’ But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate’s surprise.”

1 Peter 2:22-23 – “He never sinned, and He never deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted. When He suffered, He did not threaten to get even. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.”

The Messiah Will Be Smitten And Spat Upon

Micah 5:1 – “Mobilize! Marshal your troops! The enemy is laying siege to Jerusalem. With a rod they will strike the leader of Israel in the face.”

Isaiah 50:6 – “I give My back to those who beat Me and My cheeks to those who pull out My beard. I do not hide from shame, for they mock Me and spit in My face.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF Micah and Isaiah

The book of Micah, by the prophet Micah, was written in the eighth century B.C. He describes how the restoration of God follows His judgment of sin. Micah describes the future of Jerusalem as the center of religious activity for the whole world.

Chapter 50 in the book of Isaiah was written in 538 B.C. In the Servant Song of Isaiah, chapter 50, we see the first glimpse of the Messiah’s suffering and rejection.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 26:67-68 – “Then they spit in Jesus’ face and hit Him with their fists. And some slapped Him, saying, ‘Prophesy to us, You Messiah! Who hit You that time?’”

Matthew 27:30 – “And they spit on Him and grabbed the stick and beat Him on the head with it.”
Mark 14:65a – “Then some of them began to spit at Him, and they blindfolded Him and hit His face with their fists.”

Mark 15:19 – “And they beat Him on the head with a stick, spit on Him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship.”

John 19:1-3 – “Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. The soldiers made a crown of long, sharp thorns and put it on His head, and they put a royal purple robe on Him. ‘Hail! King of the Jews!’ they mocked, and they hit Him with their fists.”

The Messiah Will Be Mocked And Taunted

Psalm 22:7-8 – “Everyone who sees Me, mocks Me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, ‘Is this the One who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save Him! If the Lord loves Him so much, then let the Lord rescue Him!’”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF The Psalms

Psalm 22 is a psalm of David, and in it he describes an execution. The early portion of the psalm speaks of the Messiah’s suffering; the later portion describes the universal deliverance the Messiah makes possible.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 27:39-40 – “And the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. ‘So! You can destroy the Temple and build it again in three days, can You? Well then, if You are the Son of God, save Yourself and come down from the cross!’”

Luke 23:11, 35 – “Now Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Then they put a royal robe on Him and sent Him back to Pilate. The crowd watched, and the leaders laughed and scoffed. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘let Him save Himself if He is really God’s Chosen One, the Messiah.’”

The Messiah To Die By Crucifixion, With Pierced Hands And Feet

Psalm 22:14-16 – “My life is poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within Me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of My mouth. You have laid Me in the dust and left Me for dead. My enemies surround Me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on Me. They have pierced My hands and feet.”

Zechariah 12:10a – “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on all the people of Jerusalem. They will look on Me whom they have pierced and mourn for Him as for an only son.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF The Psalms and Zechariah

Again, Psalm 22 is a Psalm of David. In this psalm he is describing an execution. The early portion of this psalm describes the Messiah’s suffering; the later portion describes the universal deliverance the Messiah makes possible.

In Chapter 12 of the book of Zechariah, the prophet speaks of God’s own representative who is killed at the hands of His people. At a future point, the people of God will realize whom they have pierced and will mourn for “the son” who died.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 27:31 – “When they were finally tired of mocking Him, they took off the robe and put His own clothes on Him again. Then they led Him away to be crucified.”

Mark 15:20 – “When they were finally tired of mocking Him, they took off the purple robe and put His own clothes on Him again. Then they led Him away to be crucified.”

John 19:15-16 – “‘Away with Him,’ they yelled. ‘Away with Him – crucify Him!’ ‘What? Crucify your king?’ Pilate asked. ‘We have no king but Caesar,’ the leading priests shouted back. Then Pilate gave Jesus to them to be crucified.”

The Messiah Will Suffer With Sinners

Isaiah 53:12a – “I will give Him the honors of One who is mighty and great, because He exposed Himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF Isaiah

The prophet Isaiah lived in Jerusalem in the eighth century B.C. The book of Isaiah is one of the four major prophetic books in the Bible, along with Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel. Chapter 53 is known as the Great Prophecy of the Suffering Servant.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 27:38 – “Two criminals were crucified with Him, their crosses on either side of His.”
Mark 15:27 – “Two criminals were crucified with Him, their crosses on either side of His.”
Luke 23:32-33 – “Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. Finally, they came to a place called The Skull. All three were crucified there – Jesus on the center cross, and the two criminals on either side.”

The Messiah’s Garments Will Be Divided By Casting Lots

Psalm 22:18 – “They divide My clothes among themselves and throw dice for My garments.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF The Psalms

Again, Psalm 22 is a psalm of King David. In this hymn he describes an execution. The early portion of the psalm speaks of the Messiah’s suffering and the later portion describes the universal deliverance He made possible.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 27:35 – “After they had nailed Him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice.”

Mark 15:24 – “Then they nailed Him to the cross. They gambled for His clothes, throwing dice to decide who would get them.”

John 19:23-24a – “When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His clothes among the four of them. They also took His robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said, ‘Let’s not tear it but throw dice to see who gets it.’ This fulfilled the Scripture that says, ‘They divided My clothes among themselves and threw dice for My robe.’”

The Messiah’s Bones Will Not Be Broken

Numbers 9:12 – “They must not leave any of the lamb until the next morning, and they must not break any of its bones. They must follow all the normal regulations concerning the Passover.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF Numbers

Numbers is the fourth of the five books written by Moses. It is the travel history of Israel’s journey in the desert.

It begins two years after leaving Egypt and ends just before entry into Canaan. It is a 38-year record of the murmurings of the nation of Israel and the constant companionship of God. It is a record of God’s ongoing work to produce repentance in His people.

Chapter 9 discusses the proper observance and preparation of Passover and prophetically describes Jesus, the Passover Lamb.

THE FULLFILLMENT

John 19:31-37 – “The Jewish leaders didn’t want the victims hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath at that, because it was the Passover), so they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that He was dead already, so they didn’t break His legs. One of the soldiers, however, pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out. This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account; it is presented so that you also can believe. These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, ‘Not one of His bones will be broken,’ and ‘They will look on Him whom they pierced.’”

1 Corinthians 5:7b – “Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.”

The Messiah Will Die As A Sin Offering

Isaiah 53:5-6, 8, 12 – “But He was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Him the guilt and sins of us all. From prison and trial they led Him away to His death. But who among the people realized that He was dying for their sins – that He was suffering their punishment? I will give Him the honors of One who is mighty and great, because He exposed Himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF Isaiah

Isaiah the prophet lived in Jerusalem in the eighth century B.C. Chapter 53 of Isaiah is known as the Great Prophecy of the Suffering Servant.

THE FULLFILLMENT

John 1:29 – “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

Acts 10:43 – “He is the One all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in Him will have their sins forgiven through His name.”

Acts 13:38-39 – “Brothers, listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in Him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God – something the Jewish law could never do.”

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – “I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me – that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and He was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said.”

Ephesians 1:7 – “He is so rich in kindness that He purchased our freedom through the blood of His Son, and our sins are forgiven.”

1 Peter 2:24 – “He personally carried away our sins in His own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by His wounds.”

Revelation 1:5b – “All praise to Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding His blood for us.”

The Messiah Will See His Seed

Isaiah 53:10-11 – “But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush Him and fill Him with grief. Yet when His life is made an offering for sin, He will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s plan will prosper in His hands. When He sees all that is accomplished by His anguish, He will be satisfied. And because of what He has experienced, My Righteous Servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for He will bear all their sins.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF Isaiah

The Great Prophecy of the Suffering Servant reveals the incredible purpose of God in sending the Messiah to suffer for our sins. Isaiah wrote this chapter in the eighth century B.C. He foretold that the Messiah would see His heirs, those who would find salvation through His sacrifice.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Ephesians 1:4-5, 21-23 – “Long ago, even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure. Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and He gave Him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is His body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His presence.”

Hebrews 12:2 – “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy He knew would be His afterward. Now He is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven.”
The Messiah Will Be Buried In A Rich Man’s Tomb

Isaiah 53:9 – “He had done no wrong, and He never deceived anyone. But He was buried like a criminal; He was put in a rich man’s grave.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF Isaiah

Once again, the Great Prophecy of the Suffering Servant reveals the incredible purpose of God in sending the Messiah to suffer for our sins. Isaiah wrote this chapter in the eighth century B.C. He foretold that the Messiah would die and be buried in a rich man’s grave.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 27:57-60 – “As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who was one of Jesus’ followers, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance as he left.”
The Messiah Will Be Raised From The Dead

Psalm 16:10*
For you will not leave my soul among the dead*  or allow your holy one* to rot in the grave.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead*  or allow your holy one* to rot in the grave.
 – “For You will not leave my soul among the dead or allow Your Godly One to rot in the grave.”
Psalm 30:3 – “You brought me up from the grave, O Lord. You kept me from falling into the pit of death.”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF The Psalms

The Psalms are a collection of the hymns of ancient Israel. The collection of Psalms was finalized before the second century B.C.

Psalm 16 is a psalm of David. In this hymn he reminds us that as we set our hearts on God and trust our lives to His care, we will find joy and security. David prophesies that the Messiah will not be abandoned in the grave, and His body will not decay.

Psalm 30 is a psalm written by David, for the dedication of the Temple. In it he prophesies that the Messiah will be raised from the grave.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Matthew 28:5-7 – “Then the angel spoke to the women. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has been raised from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell His disciples He has been raised from the dead, and He is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there. Remember, I have told you.’”

Mark 16:6-7 – “The angel said, ‘Do not be so surprised. You are looking for Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has been raised from the dead! Look, this is where they laid His body. Now go and give this message to His disciples, including Peter: Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there, just as He told you before He died.’”

Acts 2:27-31 – “‘For You will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. You have shown me the way of life, and You will give me wonderful joy in Your presence.’ Dear brothers, think about this! David wasn’t referring to himself when he spoke these words I have quoted, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David’s own descendants would sit on David’s throne as the Messiah. David was looking into the future and predicting the Messiah’s resurrection. He was saying that the Messiah would not be left among the dead and that His body would not rot in the grave.’”

1 Corinthians 15:17, 20 – “And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still under condemnation for your sins. But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead. He has become the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again.’”

The Messiah Will Sit At God’s Right Hand

Psalm 110:1 – “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit in honor at My right hand until I humble Your enemies, making them a footstool under Your feet.’”

ABOUT THE PROPHECY OF The Psalms

Psalm 110 is a psalm of David. It is a prophetic psalm that seems to speak of a coming coronation. This royal psalm clearly speaks of the coming Messiah.

THE FULLFILLMENT

Mark 16:19 – “When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”

Acts 2:32-36 – “This prophecy was speaking of Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, and we all are witnesses of this. Now He sits on the throne of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as He had promised, gave Him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit in honor at My right hand until I humble Your enemies, making them a footstool under Your feet.”’ So let it be clearly known by everyone in Israel that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah!”

Hebrews 10:12-13 – “But our High Priest offered Himself to God as one sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then He sat down at the place of highest honor at God’s right hand. There He waits until His enemies are humbled as a footstool under His feet.”

JESUS AND YOU


As you have just read, it was God’s plan from before the world began that Jesus would come to earth and be crucified as a holy and final offering for sin. Because of God’s deep love for each one of us, He provided the way of salvation – the only way that we are able to enter a relationship with Him.

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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

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