Why is understanding prophecy important for our faith, as seen in John 12:14? Prophecy Shows God’s Sovereign Control • John 12:14: “Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written.” • This simple scene echoes Zechariah 9:9, penned five centuries earlier. • Only a God who rules history can declare events long before they occur (Isaiah 46:9-10). • Recognizing that control steadies our faith when the world looks chaotic. Prophecy Confirms Jesus’ Identity • The fulfilled donkey prophecy marks Jesus as Israel’s promised King (Zechariah 9:9). • Each fulfilled detail—birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1), crucifixion details (Psalm 22; John 19)—builds a cumulative case. • Our trust in Him rests on a foundation God Himself laid in advance (Acts 2:22-24). Prophecy Strengthens Confidence in Scripture • John’s “as it is written” signals that the written Word is reliable and literal. • Seeing prophecy come true drives us to read the rest with the same confidence (Psalm 119:160). • 2 Peter 1:19 calls prophecy “a light shining in a dark place,” guiding believers until Christ returns. Prophecy Motivates Obedience and Hope • Jesus deliberately fulfilled Zechariah 9:9, modeling obedience to Scripture. • When we grasp that remaining prophecies—His return, resurrection of the dead—are just as certain, holy living becomes urgent (2 Peter 3:11-14). • John 14:29: “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.” Knowledge breeds steadfast hope. Prophecy Unifies the Testimony of Scripture • Old and New Testaments converge in John 12:14, showing one seamless story. • The same Spirit who inspired Zechariah inspired John (2 Timothy 3:16). • This unity assures us that every part of the Bible speaks with one coherent voice about redemption in Christ. Prophecy Fuels Worship • The crowd shouted “Hosanna!” (John 12:13) because they recognized the prophecy unfolding before their eyes. • Fulfilled prophecy invites us to similar adoration; the God who keeps His word deserves our praise (Revelation 19:10). |
    |