Is Jesus Prophesied In The Old Testament?
Recently in Facebook an atheists wrote a post indicating that there were no writings about Jesus in the Old Testament. Well, I decided to do a little research to find out if what I already knew about Jesus being in the Old Testament was correct.
However, it seems that many atheist and others (sadly, including some Christians) have said Jesus is not in the Old Testament because the Jews didn’t believe He was the Messiah, but the Old Testament reveals many verse that prove them wrong.
But first, a little background of both Bible books.
The Old Testament was written over many centuries, with its composition spanning from around 1500 BC to 400 BC (now written as BCE – Before Christ Era). It was primarily written in Hebrew, with some portions in Aramaic. The authors include figures like Moses (credited with the Torah), prophets such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, and various other contributors.
IMPORTANT: The Old Testament was written to document the history, laws, poetry, and prophecies of the Jewish people, serving as a guide for their faith and relationship with God.
The New Testament, on the other hand, was written much later, between 50 AD and 100 AD (now written as CE – Christ Era), primarily in Greek. Its authors include apostles and early Christian leaders like Paul (who wrote many epistles), Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and others.
IMPORTANT: The New Testament was written to share the teachings of Christ Jesus, document the growth of the early Christian church, and provide guidance for Christian and righteous living.
So, to answer this articles question of “Was Jesus Prophesied in The Old Testament?” Absolutely! The Old Testament is rich with prophecies and references that point to Christ Jesus and His future coming. Here are some key verses and passages to help guide you to a better understanding and to strengthen your faith further:
Key Significant Prophecies and Verses
Genesis 3:15 – This verse speaks of the “seed of the woman” who will crush the serpent’s head, often interpreted as a prophecy of Jesus’ victory over sin and Satan.
Isaiah 7:14 – This verse prophesies the virgin birth of Jesus: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 – Here, the Messiah is described as a wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, emphasizing His divine nature and authority.
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 – This passage is often referred to as the “Suffering Servant” prophecy, detailing the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus for humanity’s sins.
Micah 5:2 – This verse predicts that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem, specifically stating, “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.”
Psalm 22:16-18 – This psalm vividly describes the suffering of the Messiah, including details that Christians see as foreshadowing the crucifixion.
Zechariah 9:9 – This verse foretells the coming of a king who is righteous and brings salvation, riding on a donkey, which is seen as a reference to Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Genesis 12:3 – God promises Abraham that through his offspring, that all nations will be blessed, which Christians interpret as a reference to Jesus.
Isaiah 53 – Often referred to as the Suffering Servant chapter, it details the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, including His rejection and the bearing of our sins.
Isaiah 61:1-2 – This passage speaks of the anointed one who will bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives, reflecting Jesus’ ministry.
Numbers 24:17 – Balaam prophesies, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near,” indicating a future ruler from Israel.
Hosea 11:1 – “Out of Egypt I called my son,” which is interpreted as a reference to Jesus’ return from Egypt after His birth.
Exodus 12:21-23 – This passage describes the Passover lamb, which is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
2 Samuel 7:12-13 – God promises David that his descendant will establish a kingdom that will last forever, which Christians interpret as a reference to Jesus’ eternal reign.
Jeremiah 23:5-6 – This prophecy speaks of a righteous Branch from David’s line who will reign wisely and do what is just and right, often associated with Jesus as the Messiah.
Ezekiel 34:23-24 – God promises to set up one shepherd over His people, which Christians see as a reference to Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
Daniel 7:13-14 – Daniel has a vision of one like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven, given authority and glory, which is interpreted as a reference to Jesus’ divine authority.
Hosea 6:2 – This verse speaks of the resurrection: “After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up,” which Christians see as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ resurrection.
Zephaniah 3:17 – This verse describes God rejoicing over His people with gladness, which reflects the joy brought by Jesus’ coming.
Malachi 3:1 – This prophecy speaks of a messenger who will prepare the way before the Lord, which is often associated with John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus.
Fulfillment of Prophecies: Many Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies from the Old Testament, emphasizing His role as the promised Messiah.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.
Romans 15:5
Key Fulfilled Prophecies
Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son.” Fulfillment: Matthew 1:22-23 – This passage explicitly states that Mary, a virgin, gave birth to Jesus, fulfilling this prophecy.
Prophecy: Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.” Fulfillment: Matthew 2:1 – Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling this significant prophecy regarding the birthplace of the Messiah.
Prophecy: Zechariah 11:12-13 – “I told them, ‘If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.’ So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.” Fulfillment: Matthew 26:14-15 – Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, directly fulfilling this prophecy.
Prophecy: Isaiah 53:12 – “He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Fulfillment: Mark 15:27-28 – Jesus was crucified between two criminals, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant.
Prophecy: 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 – Peter references this prophecy, affirming that Jesus was raised from the dead and did not experience decay.
Prophecy: Psalm 68:18 – “When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people.” Fulfillment: Acts 1:9 – After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, fulfilling this prophecy.
Prophecy: Joel 2:28-29 – “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” Fulfillment: Acts 2:1-4 – On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, fulfilling this promise.
Prophecy: Genesis 3:15 – The First Prophecy of Redemption “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Fulfillment: This is often seen as the first hint of the coming Messiah who would defeat sin and Satan.
Prophecy: Numbers 24:17 – The Star Out of Jacob. “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.” Fulfillment: This is interpreted as a reference to Jesus’ royal lineage and His kingship.
Prophecy: Isaiah 9:6-7 – The Birth of the Messiah. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Fulfillment: This is celebrated during Christmas as a prophecy of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:11).
Prophecy: Isaiah 53:5 – The Suffering Servant. “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: This is directly linked to Jesus’ crucifixion and the atonement for sin (1 Peter 2:24).
Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:15 – The Mourning for the Innocents. “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Fulfillment: This prophecy is fulfilled in the massacre of the infants by King Herod (Matthew 2:16-18).
Prophecy: Micah 5:2 – The Ruler from 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.” Fulfillment: Jesus’ birthplace, as noted in Matthew 2:1-6.
Prophecy: Zechariah 12:10 – The Piercing of the Messiah. “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced.” Fulfillment: This is seen in the crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:37).
Prophecy: Zechariah 9:9 – Riding a Donkey. “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.”
Fulfillment: Matthew 21:4-5
Prophecy: Psalm 22 – The Suffering Messiah. Describes the suffering of the Messiah, including details about crucifixion. Fulfillment: Matthew 27:35
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.”
Mark 16:6
Summary
Divine Plan: These fulfillments illustrate a divine plan that spans centuries, showing how Jesus’ life was intricately woven into the fabric of Old Testament prophecy.
Validation of Jesus’ Identity: Each fulfillment serves as a validation of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, reinforcing the belief in His divine mission and authority.
Hope and Redemption: These verses collectively contribute to the overarching narrative of hope, redemption, and the coming of a Savior. And not only point to Jesus’ birth and death but also to His role as the Messiah who brings hope, healing, and salvation.
While these prophecies (there are many more) collectively paint a picture of the Messiah as a suffering servant, a king, and a redeemer, they also highlight the divine plan that unfolds throughout the Scriptures, culminating in the life and mission of Christ Jesus.
FYI: Keep in mind that there are many atheists and non-Christians who would try to convince you that your faith and belief are unfounded. This is the reason to read your Bible and pray to the Lord daily for guidance, and to help keep you on a righteous path.
NOTE: In case you are wondering why we use Christ Jesus instead of Jesus Christ, it is because Christ is not His last name, nor does He have a last name, it is a title that means “The Anointed One.” So, we use “The Anointed One Jesus”. We hope that clears it up and let us know your thoughts on this also.
If you have any questions, comments, corrections, rebuttals or just want to say “Hi” we would love to hear from you. Send us an email or use the comment box below.
H John & Jean
Our Divided World Ministry
john@ourdividedworld.com
jean@ourdividedworld.com
https://ourdividedworld.com
- Revealed: The Book Of James Part 1
- Exposed: The Atheist vs Christians FB Group
- Is Jesus Prophesied In The Old Testament?
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- Why Doesn’t God
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.”
Mark 16:6
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