In the previous posts, we looked at only some of the prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus Christ’s birth. Those were in themselves miraculous; but, only the beginning of over 350 prophecies fulfilled in His birth, life, death and resurrection. Statistically impossible that one person could fulfill all those prophecies, written over the span of thousands of years and by multiple writers. However, in the case of Jesus Christ, He fulfilled all the prophecies concerning His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection. There are more fulfillments of prophecy to come; but we can rest assured they too will all be accomplished with just as perfect a completion as those which already have been realized. Proof that God is Sovereign, and His word is true. Before the Lion of Judah returns to reign, He first came as the Sacrificial lamb to give His life for many-Jew and Gentile.
But the Scripture foretold of this long ago.
The holy scriptures …able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
Today, I want us to look at some of the Old Testament Prophecies fulfilled in Jesus life. Precisely I want to present to you the Lion of Judah who was the Sacrificial Lamb for all.
The Spirit Descends
Isaiah wrote: “There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge.” Isaiah 11:1-2.
Some point to this scripture as fulfilled by Jesus being from Nazareth, since the Hebrew word for branch here was Netzer. Others believe that His being from Nazareth is fulfillment of His being despised since Nazareth held the Roman Garrison, and the Jews despised and avoided the area. Therein fulfilling the prophecies laid out in Psalm 22:6, Isaiah 49:7, 53:3 and Micah 5:1. At any rate, when John the Baptist saw Jesus-He recognized Him as the Messiah. Then when he baptized Jesus, he recognized the fulfillment of Isaiah 11:2 as the dove descended to rest upon Jesus and God spoke. All three-the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- displayed in one.
Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water. And, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:16-17).
The Lion of Judah
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be (Genesis 14:8). From King David until the birth of Jesus Christ, Judah remained the leading tribe—even after the tribes split. Then as predicted in Numbers 24:17 “there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.” It was that Star that lead the wise men of Persia to recognize Jesus, the King’s arrival in Bethlehem as Micah foretold, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).
Up until the birth of Christ, genealogies were held and readily available within the Temple. However, in 70 A D with the destruction of the temple at that time, all the genealogical records were also destroyed. The Jews were scattered throughout the world and the scepter departed from Judah. Because no longer can a Jew with certainty say he is from the tribe of Judah. Jesus Christ is the true Lion of Judah and will return to reign when the church age is completed. But you see, as also promised throughout old testament scripture, the Gentile nations would also be presented with the gospel message of Salvation before His final reign.
The Sacrificial Lamb
When Abraham was told to sacrifice his son, Isaac; he went to do just that. However, as he ascended the hill Isaac asked where is the lamb? His reply, “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together” (Genesis 22:8). And so He did, for God Himself came to earth to be the sacrificial lamb for you and for me.
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29).
During the first Passover in Egypt, God foretold of the true lamb that would come. He told the people to place the blood of the lamb on their doorpost. He would Passover them as though they had no sin. As you read through the Exodus account, it was to “be a lamb without blemish (12:5). No bone shall be broken (12:8). The blood that is placed on the doorpost as their symbol of faith would cause God to Passover. His judgement of death for sin would not be placed upon them.
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die. Yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:6-9).
Concluding thoughts
Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted. Yet he opened not his mouth. He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53: 4-7)
Do you know the King of Judah who is the Sacrificial Lamb? All of Scripture points to Him. Everything foretold was fulfilled in Him! What statistically is Impossible all possible and truly fulfilled in Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Series: Finding Faith on the Road to Emmaus
How God Works All Things According to His Will
How Can I Be Certain Jesus is the Christ?
Was Jesus the Savior they Waited For?
How was Christ’s Suffering a Part of His Glory?
Why is it so Important to Know All the Truth?
How Faith is Found on the Road to Emmaus
Poetry:
Thy Greatest Glory Be Thy Love Poured Out On Calvary
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and Credits
Portrait used by permission: Original Piece Created by RoninRon’s Pencil Art:
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