The Prophets foretold the coming of the messiah in the Old Testament and the Jews eagerly anticipated the arrival of Christ who would do many miracles and rule their nation forever. They expected the Messiah to come from Bethlehem and be a political leader that would defeat the Romans.

According to Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics 2016, the religious affiliation of the Israeli population as of 2016 was 74.7% Jewish, 17.7% Muslim, 2.0% Christian, and 1.6% Druze, with the remaining 4.1% including faiths such as Samaritanism and Baha’iism, and irreligious people with no faith.

The Hebrew word “Messiah” is translated to “Anointed One” which is also called to as “Christ.”

Today‘s message will explain the scriptures that substantiated the truth about Jesus Christ.

Prophecy and the Fulfillment of Jesus as the Messiah 

1. Jesus was born of a Virgin

The prophecy recorded in the book of Isaiah chapter 7 verses 14 was fulfilled and recorded in the book of Matthew chapter 1 verse 20 to 23:

“…behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

2. Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Prophecy written in the book of Micah chapter 5 verses 2 says: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. After His birth, King Herod asked the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah would be born. They responded by citing the Old Testament prophecy revealing that Christ would be born in Bethlehem.

“So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.” (Matthew 2:5-6)

3. Jesus performed Miracles.

Isaiah chapter 35 verse 5 and 6 says: “…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.”

Jesus also fulfilled this prophecy as the messiah, because it was confirmed by the Jews who refused to accept Him as the Christ.

John chapter 11 verse 47 says: “Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, ‘what shall we do? For this Man works many signs.’”

4. Jesus was rejected by His people.

Psalmist prophesied that: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:22-23)

“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.”(Matthew 21:42-43)

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, but I am not comfortable with verse 43 above. Could that mean the Jews had lost the ‘nation’ they are still waiting for? Is that the cause of the Jews not believing Jesus as the messiah…? 

5. Jesus numbered with transgressors and suffered for the sinners

One of the prophecies related to the messiah was written in the book of Isaiah chapter 53 verses 12: “Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong,

Because, He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”   

No one fulfilled this prophecy except Jesus, because He was crucified along with two thieves and His crucifixion was for the redemption of sinners according to God’s spiritual plan.

Luke chapter 23 verses 32 and 33: “There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.”

Did GOD confirm Jesus as the Messiah?

Yes of course! Jesus was simultaneously baptized with water, and anointed with the Holy Spirit. The LORD confirmed Him publicly.

“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)

Did Jesus Admit to be the Messiah?

Jesus was bold to confirm Himself. “The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things. ”Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” (John 4:25-26)

The careful studies of the Old and New Testaments emphasize that Jesus is the Messiah and the Savior of everyone and every nation. I have seen the manifestation of Jesus, and I am also a living witness that Jesus is the Christ.