Is Jesus the Messiah?
Daniel JusticeShare
The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies and themes that Christians interpret as pointing to Jesus as the Messiah.
Seed of the Woman (Genesis 3:15):
"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."
Fulfilled: This is often seen as the first promise of a Messiah who would defeat evil (Satan).
From the Tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10):
"The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples."
Fulfilled: Jesus was born in the line of Judah.
Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2):
"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."
Fulfilled: Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
A Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14):
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Fulfilled: Mary, a virgin, gave birth to Jesus.
A Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53):
This chapter describes a servant who suffers for the sins of others, is rejected, and dies among the wicked but with the rich in his death.
Fulfilled: Christians see this as a detailed prophecy of Jesus' crucifixion, suffering, and burial.
Eternal Kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Daniel 7:13-14):
God promises David an eternal throne through his descendant.
Fulfilled: Jesus is often referred to as the "Son of David," establishing an eternal kingdom.
The Anointed One (Psalm 2:2, 7):
"The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed... You are my Son; today I have begotten you."
Fulfilled: Messiah means "anointed one," and Jesus is identified as God's Son.
Betrayal by a Friend (Psalm 41:9):
"Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me."
Fulfilled: This is seen as a prophecy of Judas' betrayal.
Crucifixion Details (Psalm 22):
Describes someone whose hands and feet are pierced, who is mocked, and who experiences extreme thirst.
Fulfilled: Details match the crucifixion of Jesus.
Resurrection (Psalm 16:10):
"For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption."
Fulfilled: Jesus' resurrection.
Moses: A deliverer and lawgiver, Jesus is seen as the greater Moses, delivering from sin and giving a new covenant.
David: A king after God's heart, Jesus is the ultimate king in the Davidic line.
Jonah: His three days in the fish are likened to Jesus' three days in the tomb.