Connect Jesus' acknowledgment in Luke 23:3 with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Setting the Scene in Luke 23:3 Luke 23:3: “So Pilate asked Him, ‘Are You the King of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You have said so.’” Why Jesus’ Answer Matters - Before Rome’s governor, Jesus openly affirms His royal identity. - This acknowledgment ties directly to promises God had spoken long before about a coming King from Israel. Old Testament Promises of a Coming King - Genesis 49:10 – “The scepter will not depart from Judah… until Shiloh comes, and the allegiance of the nations is his.” - 2 Samuel 7:12-13 – God promises David a descendant whose throne will be established forever. - Psalm 2:6-8 – The LORD installs His King on Zion and grants Him the nations as an inheritance. - Psalm 110:1-2 – The Messiah sits at God’s right hand while ruling from Zion. - Isaiah 9:6-7 – “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end… on the throne of David.” - Isaiah 11:1-5 – A Branch from Jesse rules with righteousness. - Jeremiah 23:5-6 – “I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely.” - Micah 5:2 – From Bethlehem comes One “whose origins are from the days of eternity.” - Zechariah 9:9 – Israel’s King comes “righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey.” - Daniel 7:13-14 – The “Son of Man” receives everlasting dominion from the Ancient of Days. How Jesus Fulfills These Prophecies - Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:4-7). - From the tribe of Judah and the line of David (Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 7; Matthew 1:1-17). - Publicly acclaimed as King during the triumphal entry on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4-9). - Exercised divine authority over sickness, sin, nature, and death, displaying the rule described in Psalm 2 and Isaiah 11. - Identified Himself repeatedly as the “Son of Man” from Daniel 7 (e.g., Matthew 26:64). - Though crucified, He rose and ascended, now seated at God’s right hand as foretold in Psalm 110; Acts 2:32-36 highlights this fulfillment. Luke’s Connection: Prophecy Meets Pilate - Pilate’s courtroom becomes the stage where all the prophetic threads converge. - Jewish leaders accuse Jesus using messianic language (“King of the Jews”), unintentionally affirming Scripture. - Jesus’ calm “You have said so” echoes His earlier confirmations (Matthew 26:64) and stands as the final public acknowledgment of His messianic kingship before the cross. Takeaways for Today - God’s promises are trustworthy; centuries-old prophecies converge perfectly in Jesus. - Christ’s kingship is not just political but cosmic and eternal (Daniel 7:14). - Because He reigns, believers can live under His righteous, peace-bringing rule now and look forward to its full manifestation when He returns. |
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