WHO IS THIS CHRIST? - Why is JESUS the Prophesied "Messiah" and SON of GOD?

*This article is intended to report on the historical and biblical evidence for JESUS CHRIST as being the "Messiah" and SON of GOD from a truly Christian perspective!

Most of what we will be portraying in this article shows a listing of various scriptures from both the Old Testament (the "Hebrew" Bible) and the New Testament (the "Gospels"). Where you find an Old Testament verse, this will generally be a prophetic writing which heralds events surrounding the coming of the "Messiah" and specifics in the life of Jesus. Where there is a gospel account listed here, these will indicate and describe the fulfillment of a specific prophecy reference according to Christian sources.

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The Unbelief of the World

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In the time of Jesus, the lands of Judaea were an occupied territory controlled by the Roman Empire. Judaea had lost its independence to the Romans earlier in the 1st century BCE, by becoming first a tributary kingdom, then a province.

The Romans had allied themselves to the Maccabees and by the end of the Third Mithridatic War, Pompeius Magnus (“Pompey the Great”) stayed behind to make the area secure for Rome. Queen Alexandra Salome had recently died and after a brief civil war, Pompeius restored her son Hyrcanus to political rule briefly. Political favor from Rome however, instead placed the Herodian family (King Herod the Great) in its charge, first as procurators and later as client kings. In 6 CE, Judea came under direct Roman rule as the province of Iudaea.

Sometime after the death of Jesus, the Jews and Jewish Christians rose up against their Roman oppressors in 66 CE, in a revolt that was only successful in provoking the wrath of Rome. As a result much of the population was either killed or enslaved by 70 CE, with the city of Jerusalem being decimated and the Holy Temple itself being leveled to its foundation, just as Jesus himself had prophesied (Matthew 24:1-2; Mark 13:1-2; Luke 21:5-6).

“And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.’” (Mark 13:2 NKJ)

Back while Jesus was still alive and conducting His ministry, the majority of the Jewish leadership and priesthood could not decide how to handle Him. The "Messiah" they expected would come as a warrior King to deliver them from their oppressors. Since the message and ministry of Jesus was one of peace, He therefore could not be that person according to them (or they just did not want to admit it).

Therefore, as His popularity and following grew, the priesthood felt threatened by Jesus and He was labeled a heretic instead (Matthew 23; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8; John 18:12-14).

“…Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, ‘Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ Jesus said, ‘I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.’ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?’ And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.” (Mark 14:60-64; Luke 22:66-71 NKJ)

Most of the Roman officials who occupied Judaea at the time of Jesus, could not figure out who He really was or what to do with Him either. Jesus was delivered back and forth between the Jewish and Roman leadership who argued amongst themselves on how to handle the matter (Matthew 27:1-2,11-26; Mark 15:1-3; Luke 23:6-11). He was not a rebel instigator as He only professed peace and brotherly love. They therefore had to plot against Him by manipulating the outcome of the events that would eventually lead to His arrest, sentencing and then death by crucifixion (Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15).

“Pilate said to them, ‘What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?‘ They all said to him, ‘Let Him be crucified!‘” (Matthew 27:22)

However, this was the way that it needed to be. To fulfill the Lord’s plan, His mystery needed to be performed and revealed in exactly this manner. It is what the Holy Scripture and prophetic writings had already foretold. This was just not evident to those who had become blinded by the world and could not see what the Word of God actually said (Isaiah 53:3; Psalm 118:22 – John 1:11; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:6-8).

“…no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21 NKJ)

Yet, this lack of discernment by the wise and unbelief of the learned was also prophetic in itself (Isaiah 53:1). The followers of Jesus however, who knew the real truth, would persevere against all odds and proclaim that the “Messiah” had in fact come and spiritually delivered us.

“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.” (John 15:26-27 NKJ)

That He was bringing in a new age – the “Age of the Church”, the time for a “New Covenant”, an everlasting agreement that the Lord had promised to His people. For every previous covenant had been broken in one way or another by the children of God. This new and final covenant would stand and last forever, as it cannot be broken by man! (1 Peter 1:3-5) And, that He (Jesus Christ the Messiah) had fulfilled His purpose, been sacrificed for our sins (Romans 3:21-26), and was resurrected to glory with our Father who art in Heaven…

“Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.” (Acts 2:33 NKJ)

…So that He could again return one day and complete the rest of His plan for us.

“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:30-31 NKJ)

Yet, in spite of all these things; the works of His phenomenal ministry, the documented miracles that He performed (that were also witnessed by many of those who denied Him), and all the other evidence that points to these facts, why is there still any question that Jesus of Nazareth was NOT the prophesied “Messiah” or the Son of God?

“But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: ‘Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?’” (John 12:37-38 NKJ)

This is what we will answer here for the rest of the world to witness, according to what is understood through the blessings of the Christian faith. Most Christians commonly believe that many of the scripture verses from the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) are the prophetic evidence in regard to predicting the coming birth and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. It is also understood by the Christian faith that Jesus is in fact the incarnation of the “Messiah” who is likewise prophesied.

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The “Messiah” (Hebrew: Māšîăh or Mashiah; Arabic language: Masih; and all meaning “anointed”) is defined as the redeemer figure expected or foretold, in one form or another, by the Holy Scriptures.

A slightly more wider definition for “messiah”, is any redeemer figure anticipated by a religion, but we will be adhering to how this is specifically associated to our Judaeo-Christian beliefs. Most Messianic beliefs and theories also generally relate to this as an eschatological (branch of theology dealing with death, judgment, Heaven and hell) improvement in the state of humanity or for the world as a whole.

Christian doctrine believes that the prophetic verses in the Word of God (the Holy Bible) relating to the “Messiah”, were fulfilled in the birth and life of Jesus. It is also understood through many other scripture verses of Messianic prophecy (Old and New Testament) that the coming of the “Messiah” would be fulfilled again at a later date as well. These refer to what would become known by Christians as the “Second Coming” of the Christ.

There are actually three religions, or faiths and systems of belief, that share a common background with this concept and acknowledge a similar heritage with the Old Testament patriarch of Abram (Abraham) and that particular bloodline of decent (also known as the “Abrahamic” religions). The “Messiah” was likewise prophesied to come from this lineage:

“I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3 NKJ) as relating to ABRAHAM.

These would be the monotheistic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, but that is where their main theological commonality ends.

*See Also: Who is GOD? – The Lord GOD of Abraham – Is Our FATHER Who Art in Heaven

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The Hebrew people also trace their lineage back to the patriarch Abraham, but acknowledge his other son Isaac (his wife Sarah being the mother) as the bloodline they fall under. This is because Abraham’s faith was tested by being asked by the Lord God to sacrifice his son Isaac on an altar in the wilderness. Abraham followed the Lord’s will but was halted at the last minute. As a result of this act of obedience, the Lord blessed Abraham, his son Isaac, and then his grandson Jacob, as the lineage and bloodline for all of God’s people.

“…I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.” (Genesis 17:19 NKJ - Luke 3:34) as relating to ISAAC.

When Jacob (Abraham’s grandson) became an adult, he would later become consecrated by the Lord God and renamed to “Israel” (Genesis 32:28). He fathered twelve sons that would then became known as the “Twelve Tribes of Israel”, which all of the Hebrew descendants hail from.

“…A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel…” (Numbers 24:17 NKJ - Matthew 1:2) as relating to JACOB (ISRAEL).

Then, Israel’s son Judah is the ancestor for the bloodline of Jesse (David’s father).

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh [the "Kingdom"] comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.” (Genesis 49:10 NKJ - Luke 3:33)

David later becomes the first truly righteous king of Israel who reunites all the people of the land. He also decrees that he will build a glorious temple on behalf of the Lord in Jerusalem. The Lord then ordains that it will be David’s son, Solomon that accomplishes this task and he blesses the “House of David” for all future generations (2 Samuel 7:1-17).

“He shall build an house for my name [Solomon the son of David], and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. And thine house [King David] and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: [the "Messiah"] thy throne shall be established for ever.” (2 Samuel 7:13-16 KJV)

Christians hold the belief that Jesus Christ is therefore the prophesied “Messiah” based on the Davidic line as established (Matthew 1:1-17). Both of his parents can show a lineage back to the “House of David”. There are also many other prophetic verses which Christians believe confirm this as well. But these have all been the point of debate between the two faiths.

However, with the Hebrew people (members of the Jewish faith), they do not consider this enough validation for the Christian belief that Jesus is the prophesied “Messiah”. This is the major difference with the Jews, being that most of them believe there was not enough significant Messianic prophecy from their scripture (in the Hebrew Bible or the “TaNaKh”; i.e. the “Old Testament”) that was fulfilled by Jesus. Most of the Jewish leadership, Rabinnic priesthood and scholars of that time refused to accept that Jesus was the “Messiah” based on the following arguments:

(1) – Traditional and Orthodox Jews believe that the early prophets of the Hebrew Bible did predict that their Messiah would come, but they believe that it was NOT Jesus (they are still waiting).

(2) – Judaism’s view of Jesus and Jewish messianism differ in concept and the role of the “Messiah”. It is also important to note that Jews and Christians do not agree on what Biblical statements actually constitute the “messianic prophecies”. Christians point to many statements that they assert are messianic prophecies that Jews do not hold as referring to the messiah at all.

The primary factor otherwise in this debate, is that the Jewish people were expecting their “Messiah” to be a “Prince” or “King”, who would arrive to deliver them, defeat their enemies, and usher in a new “Messianic Age” of rulership for Israel (what Christ’s “Second Coming” will more be like). Since this did not occur with the life and ministry of Jesus, they therefore have rejected Him as the prophesied “Messiah”.

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With Islam, the Muslims acknowledge Abraham as a prophet, the “messenger of God” who stands in the bloodline from Noah to Muhammad, to whom “Allah” (their name for god) gave revelations (Qur’an 4:163), and who “raised the foundations of (the “Kaaba”) the House” (Qur’an 2:127) with his first son, Isma’il (or Ishmael - in the Judaeo-Christian Holy Scripture), the symbol of which is every mosque.

To Muslims, Ibrahim (Abraham) is the first in the genealogy of Muhammad, descended from Abraham’s first son Ishmael (born of Sarah’s handmaiden Hagar). Islam considers Abraham to be the “first Muslim” (Surah 3) – the first monotheist to come into a world where monotheism had been lost, and the originator for the community of those faithful to God. Thus he is referred to as “Our Father Abraham” in their faith.

Even with these apparent similarities to Judaism and Christianity, that is where the common background ends with Islam. For example, Jesus (“Isa”) is considered by Muslims to only be a prophet and although some may share a common belief that his mother Mary, was a virgin who immaculately conceived her child, the Islamic faith does not consider Jesus to be of divine origin nor the “Son of God” (Qur’an 5:30). The primary prophet of Islam, Muhammad (570-632 C.E.), is the person they believe was the first “anointed one”, that was directly sent by their god “Allah” (centuries after the life of Jesus) to establish the true faith of Islam that all Muslims now recognize.

Jesus of course prophesied that this would occur more than 500 years before hand as well:

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ [the "anointed one"] and will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:4-5 NKJ)

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…” (2 Peter 2:1 NKJ)

Islam may claim that it serves the “God of Abraham”, Isaac, and Jacob, but in doing so, it is also stating that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were Muslims. Furthermore, Islam denies that God is a “Trinity” and that their god “Allah” is NOT the same as the Judaeo-Christian version of the God of Abraham (Quran 5:73). Both the Jews and Christians will likewise agree with them on this matter and are probably glad that the ONE true “God of Abraham” in NOT “Allah” as well.

People of the Muslim faith await the arrival of their “Masih” (the “MAHDI” or “12th Imām”) the Islamic “Messiah”, to come at some point in the near future as a deliverer for their people. This similar belief is held by the Jews in the anticipation of their Messiah, as well as the Christians in the “Second Coming” of Christ, with one major difference from the Islamic version. The Muslims believe that when their “Mahdi” returns it will result in a final “jihad bis saif” (Jihad by the Sword) at the “day of judgment”, a “greater jihad” which is armed fighting in the way of God, or a “holy war”, against the disbelievers, hypocrites, heretics, liars, and evilfolk, for the purpose of restoration and extending the ideals of Islam over the entire world. Muslims believe that they will likewise be equal participants in this “holy war” alongside of their “Mahdi”; whereas Jews and Christians believe that when their “Messiah” returns, He will be waging this war on their behalf (without their direct participation) along with His army of angels from Heaven instead.

Since its definition in the Qur’an is less specific, the term “jihad” has accrued both violent and non-violent meanings. “Jihad” has a wide scope of meanings and application, which can simply mean striving to live a moral and virtuous life (internal spiritual warfare), as well as fighting injustice and oppression (warfare against the devil’s works), or spreading and defending Islam, among other things. Whether the Qur’an sanctions defensive warfare only (professed by many Muslims) or it commands an all out war against non-Muslims depends on the various interpretations of the relevant passages. This is because it does not explicitly state the aims of the war Muslims are obliged to wage, as the passages concerning “jihad” are more so written to promote fighters for the Islamic cause, instead of military reasoning or ethics of need, and thus have been left to the direction of their modern prophets and leaders.

The prophesied “Mahdi” is supposed to be the ultimate savior of humankind and the final Imām of the twelve (descendant from the line of Muhammad). The Shī‘a Muslims (second largest denomination of Islam, after the Sunni) believe that al-Mahdī was already born in 869 and did not die but rather was hidden by God (this is referred to as the “Occultation”), and he will later emerge with the prophet Isa (Jesus Christ) in order to fulfill their mission as described in prophecy. Muslims believe that Jesus will come after the reappearance of Imām Mahdi, rather to follow him in accordance with Allah’s command, and together they will destroy tyranny and falsehood, while bringing justice and peace to all nations by establishing Islam throughout the world. Again, a major difference in the prophetic beliefs of Islam versus these other religions.

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Christians however, believe and understand what Jesus himself displayed about His true nature and purpose as in preparation for the coming Kingdom of Heaven. He created a new church and “New Covenant” with all of God’s people (both Jews and Gentiles alike) by being the sacrificial “Lamb of God” that forever established that covenant. He was then resurrected from the dead so that He could ascend to God the Father in Heaven, to prepare for His “Second Coming” at the end of the current “Church Age” (some 2000 years later – anytime now!), thus finally completing the prophecy that the Jews have been waiting for all along in the first place.

“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications…” (Zechariah 12:10 KJV)

Since the time of Jesus, there has also however come another division of the Jewish faith, that is now referred to as “Messianic Judaism”. They hold the traditional values and customs of the Hebrew people and their faith, while likewise also accepting and understanding the Christian belief in Jesus (Yeshua) as actually being the prophesied “Messiah”. He will of course come again in the near future to establish His Kingdom on Earth where all true believers will join Him.

Hebrew scholars concur with certain messianic writings as found in the Old Testament and what they have documented in their Rabbinical texts such as the Torah, the TaNuKh, and so forth. They do not however acknowledge many of the other verses that Christian scholars have agreed and indicated as prophetic. These other correlations are a result of the dedicated work performed by biblical theologians over the centuries who have drawn parallels between various scriptures. These verses have identifying elements that can likewise be considered as prophetic, which pertain to specific accounts in the life of Jesus as listed in the gospels of the New Testament.

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Now that we have better clarified the Christian understanding of “God the Son” as referred to in the Old Testament, let us therefore go back and review the other documentation in the Holy Scriptures pertaining to the “Messiah”, and more specifically how it relates to Jesus of Nazareth.

First of all, Christians refer to Jesus as “the Christ” (or “Christ Jesus”, meaning “The Messiah Jesus”), which comes from the original Greek translations of the New Testament (Greek: Khristós for the Hebrew: Māšîăh) and then the Latin (“Christos”), all meaning “the anointed one” (also referring to the original definitions of the term for “Messiah” in the Hebrew and Arabic languages above).

As we have shown, the Davidic line was prophesied to bear the future “Messiah” of the Hebrew people (the “Children of Israel”). The future family of Jesus were from this lineage or bloodline.

“And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious.” (Isaiah 11:10 NKJ; Romans 15:12)

Both Joseph of Nazareth (Jesus’ stepfather) and Mary (Jesus’ mother) came out of this bloodline; Joseph being a direct descendant, and Mary from the lineage of Aaron and so from the tribe of Levi, like her sister Elizabeth, on the maternal side was from the “House of David” and therefore from the tribe of Judah as well.

See also the: Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:1-24)

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“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:7 KJV)

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Jeremiah 23:5-6 KJV)

“And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd [the "Messiah" and Lord God]: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.” (Ezekiel 37:24 KJV)

Another one of the more significant prophecies about the coming “Messiah” came from Daniel. In his “Seventy Weeks” prophecy (seventy sevens), one week represents a period of time that equates to seven years. This is also probably one of the most debated prophecies between mainline Judaism, theological experts and Christian prophetic scholars.

“Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy. Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times. And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.” (Daniel 9:24-26 KJV)

In the time of the prophet Daniel, the Hebrew people had seen their enslavers of Babylon (King Nebuchadnezzar II) conquered by the Medeo-Persian Empire (Daniel 2) then ruled by Cyrus the Great. Daniel later made the above prophecy and they were finally released by Kingdom of Persia (King Xerxes, Darius, and then Artaxerxes). The Hebrews were allowed to return to Judah from their exile in Babylon.

The decree came from Artaxerxes, who allowed the Jews to rebuild the destroyed city of Jerusalem in 444-445 BC, having been previously conquered and decimated by the Babylonian invaders in their was against Egypt. The Hebrews then reoccupied Jerusalem and began to rebuild the city and their Holy Temple (the second Temple and Tabernacle). It is believed that it took 49 years for the ruins to be restored and rebuilt, thus fulfilling the first part of the prophecy (seven “weeks” = 7 x 7). Following this, there would be approximately 434 years (62 weeks), up to the time of Jesus’ ministry and when He was crucified (“cut off”), ending at the 69th week.

*(Christians believe the 70th Week in this Prophecy refers to the “Second Coming” of Christ).

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The prophetic writings in the Old Testament have a large amount of other information that refer to the arrival of the “Messiah”. Here are a few of the more notable passages:

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel [God with us].” (Isaiah 7:14 KJV)

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)

It is then recorded in the New Testament gospels, that the Angel Gabriel visited Mary, the wife of Joseph of Nazareth, and announced her virgin pregnancy.

“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:26-28 KJV)

“And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.’” (Luke 1:35 KJV)

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:23-25 KJV)

Maybe what they meant by “God with US”, was not necessarily that God was just with Him (Jesus) and then “with us” by proxy of course, but was also actually WITH US, through Him (Christ) as God in the flesh. God would then really be living amongst us, as another human being, just for a short while and to serve the destined purpose of His plan for our salvation.

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The family was obligated by their Jewish faith to attend the Holy Sabbath and “Feast of Tabernacles” (See Article) where they would make an offering to the Temple in Jerusalem. Roman law had also required them to participate in the census that was being taken in the land. As a result, when they arrived outside of Jerusalem the city was packed with travelers. Their alternative choice was to stay in the small town of Bethlehem nearby.

“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 KJV)

Bethlehem is also the traditional birthplace of David, the second king of Israel. It was also here that he was anointed by the prophet Samuel, as King of Judah successor to Saul, and would later become king over all the lands of Israel.

Thus it was prophesied that out of the lineage of King David, the “Messiah” would come.

“And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne [the "Messiah"] shall be established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16 KJV)

Also as prophesied, both simple shepherds and wise kings would gather together and honor the miracle of Jesus’ birth (Psalm 72:8-11; Matthew 2:1-2,11-12; Luke 2:8-15).

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV)

Around the time that Jesus was born, King Herod had also been told by visiting wise men that the “Messiah” may have been born in the land. To Herod, this meant that he would one day lose his throne. So he decided to intervene but did not know how to identify the Christ child (Matthew 2:1-12). He then ordered the death of all the male infants who were in Bethlehem and its surrounding districts in an attempt to eliminate the possibility of the child ever maturing to adulthood and thus becoming the “King of the Jews”. This tragic offense committed by King Herod would of course fulfill yet another prophecy (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:16-17).

Fortunately Joseph had also received a vision (in a dream) where an angel told him to take his family and flee into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-14), which he successfully did ahead of the slaughter ordered by King Herod.

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.” (Hosea 11:1 KJV)

When Herod had finally died, Joseph was again visited by an angel who informed him that they could safely return home to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-22). Likewise this fulfilled more prophecies about the “Messiah” (Matthew 2:23).

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There is not a lot of information about the early adulthood of Jesus. It is speculated that he often traveled in his step-father’s line of work while studying and preparing himself for what lay ahead in the will of His Father God. When Jesus had reached 30 years of age, He then began his Galilean ministry. This had also been foretold, whereas the “Son of God” would establish His government (Isaiah 9:1-7 NKJ).

“…By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:1-2 NKJ)

His cousin John (the “baptist”) had also already established himself as a great evangelist that ministered from the wilderness near the River Jordan at Galilee. He heralded the approaching time of the “Messiah” that would soon come (Luke 7:24,27). The prophetic scriptures also portray John as “the messenger” who would pave the way for Christ.

“Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me…” (Malachi 3:1)

One of the more notable accounts from the gospels, is of course the arrival of Jesus at the Jordan River where John was baptizing convert believers. It is here that John receives his vision of the Holy Spirit anointing Jesus and then proceeds to baptize Christ in the water at His request.

“And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22 KJV)

The ministry and works that Jesus performed from that time forward continued to fulfill more of the prophetic scriptures in reference to the “Messiah”. Many of these verses are argued however, by those that would contest the validity of Jesus Christ and claim that these prophecies were “self-fulfilling”. Whether they were self-fulfilled, or not, it not what is relevant. What is important is that these prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus and that none other has come since then that even fits their description.

This is yet another area however, where we as Christians will encounter more opposition to our faith and beliefs. In providing an accurate testimony that supports and confirms the validity of Jesus as the prophesied “Messiah” from the Old Testament and “Christ” (the “anointed one”) as portrayed in the gospels. We need to always be prepared to correctly convey these insights and the wisdom that we have gained through our biblical and spiritual education as Christians.

Jesus went on to continue the evangelistic work that John had laid the foundation for. He quickly began to attract droves of followers and from them, He called and personally selected His team of Apostles that would be instrumental in establishing the discipleship and administration for the new church.

“The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken… I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” (Deuteronomy 18:15,18 KJV)

“And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isaiah 11:12 KJV)

Jesus continued His ministry throughout Judaea for the next three years where He bore witness to God’s plan by His teachings. Many of the things He conveyed to the multitudes of people by way of stories or parables, so that the “mysteries of God” and “things hidden since the foundation of the world” could be revealed to them (Psalm 78:2-4 – Matthew 13:34-35).

Jesus was the perfect example of God’s love and performed numerous miraculous feats as a testimony to the one true God who had sent Him. Many wondrous events are attributed to the ministry of Jesus, most of which are well recorded in the text of the New Testament.

As Jesus traveled throughout the land of Judaea, people increasingly flocked to Him, in the hopes that they too may witness or be blessed by such events (Isaiah 29:18 – Matthew 11:3-5; Luke 7:22).

“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert.” (Isaiah 35:5-6 NKJ)

Jesus was a prophet like none other before Him. He was a gifted minister endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit, who proclaimed justice not only to the Jews, but for all the nations of the world (Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 49:1 – Matthew 12:18-21; Luke 2:32; Acts 3:20-22).

Even if there were no prophecy accounted for anywhere in the history of mankind, that may have given indicators to the coming of Jesus or the anointing that He carried; the examples given by His life and ministry alone, should have been sufficient evidence to give testimony to whom He really was. If only the world would simply just accept and believe in Him.

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All of the things that Jesus did while He was here on this Earth were for the purpose of preparing for the Lord’s Kingdom. Once His ministry had established the new church, the time would come for His ultimate sacrifice to seal the “New Covenant” that was prepared for His believers.

His last days in the world culminated in the Holy City of Jerusalem, where He was received as a triumphant king by all who had come to know Him (Zechariah 9:9 – Mark 11:7-11). Jesus was dismayed however by the state of the Holy Temple and house of the Lord when He arrived (Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11; Malachi 3:1 – Matthew 21:12-13). These events not only stirred the emotions of the people but also raised the awareness of the leaders for the realm.

The time was also approaching the sabbath days for the Jewish spring feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread and Firstfruits. Unbeknownst to the Hebrew people, these ancient observances were actually profoundly prophetic towards what was soon to occur.

SEE: “The Spring Festivals of the Lord“ for complete details.

Jesus would end up spending His final hours with His closest disciples (the Twelve Apostles) at their “Last Supper” and Passover meal together. This would fulfill His destiny forever and complete the prophetic covenant as He would soon become the sacrificial “Lamb of God” for that particular Passover feast. As it was foretold, Jesus was betrayed by one of His own Apostles (Psalm 41:9; Psalm 55:12-13; Zechariah 13:6 – Matthew 26:49-50; Luke 22:47-48), Judas, for 30 pieces of silver, who likewise fulfilled prophecy with the purchase of land that would become his demise (Zechariah 11:12-13 – Matthew 27:6-7,14-15).

After the arrest and mock trial of Jesus (Psalm 35:11 – Mark 14:57-58), He suffered an inhuman amount of punishment, torture and public humiliation, in order to fulfill His purpose in taking away the sins for all of mankind, past, present and future (Psalm 109:25; Isaiah 50:6; Isaiah 53:5 – Matthew 26:67; Matthew 27:26-31,36-44). Then He was marched to the hill where the execution would take place.

Even this final act and the events that transpired would follow the prophecies exactly as they were written. Unlike a traditional crucifixion (the victim being tied to the cross), Jesus was nailed to the wood instead (Zechariah 12:10; Psalm 22:16 – John 20:25-27), while the few that knew Him who even came to witness this event (Psalm 38:11 – Luke 23:49), watched from a safe distance as the crowd continued to mock Him (Psalm 22:7-8 – Luke 23:35). The Roman soldiers even removed His remaining personal effects and then gambled for them at His feet (Psalm 22:17-18 – Matthew 27:35-36) as darkness began to fall over the whole of the land in the final hours of His life (Amos 8:9 – Matthew 27:45). But Christ still prayed for the forgiveness of them all (Psalm 109:4; Isaiah 53:12), up until His very last breath when His soul was commended to God the Father in Heaven (Psalm 31:5 – Luke 23:46).

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23:34 KJV)

When it had been finished, unlike the customary practice of breaking the legs of a crucified prisoner to determine if they were in fact dead, the Roman guards decided to pierce the body of Jesus with a spear instead, fulfilling more prophecy again (Psalm 34:20; Zechariah 12:10 – John 19:32-36).

Jesus was then taken down from His place of execution and brought by His family and few mourners to be prepared for the grave. A man of good fortune who had befriended them and was also one of Christ’s disciples, even donated his own burial plot to be used for the body of Jesus, thus fulfilling yet another prophecy (Isaiah 53:9 – Matthew 27:57-60).

Their custom was to clean and anoint the body with fragrant oils and herbs, then wrap it with a simple burial shroud. This was also typically to help compensate for decay in the hot and arid climate in which they lived, not realizing that Jesus would not suffer these things and instead would soon be resurrected (Psalm 16:10; Psalm 30:3; Psalm 49:15 – Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:6-7; Luke 24:1-10).

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The written testimony of Christ’s closest friends and disciples are recorded in the New Testament of the Holy Bible, under what are referred to as the “gospels”, translated as the “good news” about Jesus the Christ. These accounts from the ministry of Jesus, displaying His divine works, should likewise have been enough to offer valid proof of the nature and authority under which Jesus was sent into the world as the Son of God. It easily swayed the belief for the many who bore witness to these miraculous events and should have precluded any judgment against Jesus. It is amazing that in spite of all these things, the world at large still mostly denies Jesus nor acknowledges that the “Word of God” in the Holy Scriptures is even valid at all.

The Prophecy of Elijah

It was also foretold that the great prophet Elijah would herald the arrival of the “Messiah” and the coming “Day of the Lord”. The disciples of Jesus however were blessed to receive further revelation on this verse (Malachi 4:5-6 – Matthew 11:13-14, 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-12; Luke 9:28-34).

“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.” (Matthew 17:1-3 NIV)

“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!‘” (Matthew 17:5 NIV)

“As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, ‘Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ The disciples asked him, ‘Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus replied, ‘To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.” (Matthew 17:9-13 NIV)

The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ

After His crucifixion, when Jesus rose from the dead early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of His disciples while they were walking in the country. These returned to the city and reported it to the remaining Apostles; but they did not believe them either. Later Jesus appeared to the eleven as they were eating; He rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after He had risen (Psalm 118:17).

“He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’” (Luke 24:46-49 NIV)

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:4 NIV)

Jesus was explaining to them that He would send the comforter, the Holy Spirit, who would empower the church to spread His testimony through all generations to come. The disciples would need to patiently wait until the time of the Feast of Weeks, fifty days later, which would then be named Pentecost for future generations in the “Age of the Church”.

*(See: “The Spring Festivals of the Lord (Part 2) – Shavuot – PENTECOST – The Feast of Weeks”) – for complete details on the prophetic implications of the "Feast of Weeks" and Pentecost.

Jesus later took His Apostles outside the city and met with them for the last time in this world. There He delivered His “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; John 20:21-23) and then bid them farewell to join our Father God in Heaven (Psalm 68:18; Psalm 110:1).

“After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” (Mark 16:19 NIV)

“They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:10-11 NIV)

Then they returned to Jerusalem and worshiped Him with great joy, staying continually at the temple praising God until the time would come for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle John also stated that:

“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31 NIV)

“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:24-25 NIV)

Jesus had been specifically sent with the intent of establishing the “New Covenant” for the eternal salvation of all mankind (Isaiah 55:3-4; Jeremiah 31:31; Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6-10). His sentencing, abuse, and then sacrificial death as the “Lamb of God”, was not only to fulfill the prophecies but to serve God’s divine purpose as well. His subsequent resurrection and then the sending of His Holy Spirit into the new church (the “Body of Christ”), would permanently set up and establish the administration of God here on Earth and lay down the foundation for His glorious new kingdom to come in the future.

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“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17 NKJ)

The other key point that Christians believe is of course the imminent return of Jesus Christ which the faith professes as His “Second Coming”. This would be the return of the Son of God at the end of the “Church Age”, whereas He will arrive in full force to reclaim this world and establish His Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth (Revelation 14:14-20; 19:11-16; 20:4-6).

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war… And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:11,16 NKJ)

“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’ Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth… Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.” (Revelation 5:5-6 NIV)

“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars. He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke..” (Revelation 10:1-3 NIV)

To members of the traditional Jewish faith this is the arrival of the “Messiah” that they have been looking for all along in the first place. The “Lion of Judah” and warrior King, who will conquer the world and restore all things. We Christians simply know him to be one in the same person (since Jesus Christ was already here once) and fortunately for many of the Hebrew people (being the “chosen” children of God) when they realize this fact, they will also be permitted the opportunity to reclaim their faith once again (Revelation 14:1-5).

“And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed…” (Revelation 7:4 NKJ)

I do not know that this will also be likely for those of the Muslim faith however, since their version of the “god of Abraham” and the “Masih” have deviated significantly from what the Word of God (the Holy Scriptures) actually teaches us. They now completely rely on the Qur’an for the understanding of their spiritual beliefs and that will unfortunately be their undoing. This of course was prophetically foretold by Jesus, more than 500 years before the Muslim prophet Muhammad was born.

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” (Mark 13:22-23 NKJ)

However these things play out in the Lord God’s infinite wisdom is subject to Him alone, but we can be assured in the fact that He is coming again. The Son of God, Jesus Christ the Messiah is returning to restore His creation to the state it was originally. It will be like unto the paradise that existed in the garden east of Eden at the beginning of all things.

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.” (Isaiah 11:6-7 NKJ)

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4 NKJ)

And that glorious day is close at hand as we draw nearer the conclusion of the “Age of the Church”. Such it was established by the Messiah Jesus Christ with His “New Covenant”. We should therefore be rejoicing in the opportunity to help prepare for His Kingdom and welcome this new era that is in store for the future of mankind.

“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 4:17 NKJ)

“Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:20-22 NKJ)

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Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed;

blessed are those WHO HAVE NOT SEEN and yet have believed.”

(John 20:29 NIV)

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