What Old Testament prophecies align with Jesus' identity as the Messiah? Who Do You Say I Am? “While Jesus was praying in private and His disciples were with Him, He questioned them, ‘Who do the crowds say I am?’” (Luke 9:18). That gentle question invites us to trace the ancient promises that shape the answer: Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah foretold throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. Foundational Promises in the Torah • Genesis 3:15 — “He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel.” – First glimpse of a Deliverer born of woman who conquers the serpent—fulfilled in Jesus’ victory over sin and Satan (Hebrews 2:14). • Deuteronomy 18:15 — “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him.” – Jesus is the new and greater Moses, speaking God’s very words (Acts 3:22-23). Royal Lineage & Everlasting Throne • 2 Samuel 7:12-13 — “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” – Gabriel echoes this covenant when announcing Jesus’ birth (Luke 1:32-33). • Psalm 2:7-8 — “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father… Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance.” – At Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration the Father affirms, “You are My beloved Son” (Luke 3:22; 9:35). • Jeremiah 23:5-6 — “I will raise up for David a righteous Branch… This is the name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.” – Jesus, a descendant of David, brings perfect righteousness (Romans 3:21-22). Birth, Identity & Mission • Isaiah 7:14 — “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.” – Fulfilled in the virgin birth; Matthew explicitly links the sign to Jesus (Matthew 1:22-23). • Micah 5:2 — “Out of you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… from ancient times.” – Jesus’ birthplace matches the prophecy (Matthew 2:1-6). • Isaiah 9:6-7 — “For unto us a child is born… Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Titles declaring the Messiah’s divine nature and eternal rule find their realization in Christ. The Anointed King-Priest • Psalm 110:1-4 — “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand’… You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” – Jesus unites kingship and priesthood, now seated at the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 7:17; 10:12-13). Spirit-Empowered Righteous Ruler • Isaiah 11:1-5 — “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him… with righteousness He will judge.” – At Nazareth Jesus reads a related passage (Isaiah 61) and declares it fulfilled (Luke 4:18-21); His ministry displays Spirit-filled wisdom and justice. The Suffering Servant • Isaiah 53:3-5 — “He was pierced for our transgressions… by His stripes we are healed.” – The cross fulfills the servant’s substitutionary suffering (1 Peter 2:24-25). • Psalm 22:16-18 — “They pierce my hands and my feet… They divide my garments among them.” – Details mirrored at Calvary (John 19:23-24, 37). Resurrection & Eternal Reign • Psalm 16:10 — “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” – Peter cites this to prove Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:25-32). • Daniel 7:13-14 — “One like a son of man… His dominion is an everlasting dominion.” – Jesus applies the “Son of Man” title to Himself, promising to return in glory (Luke 21:27). Pulling It All Together From the opening promise in Eden to Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man, every strand converges on the figure questioned in Luke 9:18. The Scriptures speak with one voice: Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah—prophet, priest, king, suffering servant, risen Lord, and eternal ruler. |
    |