Topical Encyclopedia
The prophecies concerning the Messiah in the Hebrew Scriptures often highlight His character traits, including His meekness and lack of ostentation. These attributes are not only foretold but are also vividly fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament.
Prophetic Foundations1.
Isaiah 42:1-3: The prophet Isaiah speaks of the Servant of the Lord, who will not cry out or raise His voice in the streets. "He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not extinguish a smoldering wick; He will faithfully bring forth justice." This passage emphasizes the gentle and unobtrusive nature of the Messiah's mission.
2.
Zechariah 9:9: Zechariah prophesies the coming of a humble king: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This prophecy underscores the Messiah's humility and rejection of worldly pomp.
Fulfillment in the Life of Christ1.
Matthew 12:18-21: The Gospel of Matthew explicitly connects Jesus to the prophecy in
Isaiah 42, stating, "Here is My Servant, whom I have chosen, My beloved, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory. In His name the nations will put their hope." This passage highlights Jesus' gentle approach to His ministry and His focus on justice and hope.
2.
Matthew 21:4-5: The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey is a direct fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy. "This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 'Say to the daughter of Zion, "See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."'" Jesus' choice of a donkey, rather than a warhorse, symbolizes His peaceful mission and His identification with the humble and lowly.
3.
Philippians 2:6-8: The Apostle Paul reflects on the humility of Christ, stating, "Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." This passage encapsulates the essence of Christ's meekness and His willingness to forgo divine privilege for the sake of humanity.
Christ's Ministry and CharacterThroughout His ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated meekness and a lack of ostentation. He often withdrew from crowds to pray in solitude (
Mark 1:35), instructed those He healed to tell no one (
Mark 7:36), and washed the feet of His disciples as an act of servitude (
John 13:4-5). His teachings, such as the Beatitudes, further emphasize the blessedness of the meek (
Matthew 5:5).
In summary, the prophecies concerning the Messiah's meekness and lack of ostentation find their fulfillment in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. His gentle approach, humble demeanor, and selfless service stand in stark contrast to the expectations of a conquering king, revealing the true nature of His kingdom and mission.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 12:15,16,19But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from there: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
Were Jacob's prophecies about his sons fulfilled? | GotQuestions.orgWhen were Obadiah's prophecies against Edom fulfilled (Obadiah 1:18-20)? | GotQuestions.orgWhere do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgProphecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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