The prophecies concerning the Messiah in the Old Testament are rich with descriptions of His character, particularly highlighting His tenderness and compassion. These attributes are not only central to His mission but also serve as a source of comfort and hope for believers. The prophetic literature paints a picture of a Savior who is gentle and caring, fulfilling the deepest needs of humanity.

Isaiah's Prophecies

The prophet Isaiah provides some of the most vivid portrayals of the Messiah's compassionate nature. In Isaiah 42:3, it is written, "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; in faithfulness He will bring forth justice." This imagery conveys the Messiah's gentle approach to those who are weak and vulnerable. He is depicted as one who nurtures and restores rather than crushes or extinguishes.

Isaiah 53, often referred to as the "Suffering Servant" passage, further elaborates on the Messiah's compassion through His willingness to bear the iniquities of humanity. Isaiah 53:4-5 states, "Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." This prophecy underscores the depth of His compassion, as He willingly suffers on behalf of others to bring healing and peace.

The Psalms

The Psalms also contain prophetic insights into the Messiah's compassionate nature. Psalm 72, a royal psalm, speaks of a king who will deliver the needy and have pity on the weak. Psalm 72:12-14 declares, "For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight." This passage reflects the Messiah's role as a compassionate ruler who prioritizes justice and mercy for the marginalized.

Fulfillment in the New Testament

The New Testament writers affirm the fulfillment of these prophecies in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The Gospels are replete with accounts of Jesus' compassion. In Matthew 9:36, it is recorded, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." This compassion is not merely an emotional response but is consistently followed by action, as Jesus heals the sick, feeds the hungry, and teaches the lost.

In Luke 7:13, Jesus encounters a widow mourning the death of her only son. The text states, "When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, 'Do not weep.'" He then raises her son from the dead, demonstrating His power and deep empathy for human suffering.

Conclusion

The prophetic vision of the Messiah as tender and compassionate is vividly realized in Jesus Christ. His life and ministry exemplify the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies, offering a model of divine love and mercy that continues to inspire and transform lives.Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment to truth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... common denominator for this collection of prophecies.". ... several interesting critical
inquiries respecting the component ... him in insisting, that Christ could not ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

Christ
... the types, the symbols and the prophecies of the ... not one self-respecting, authoritative
lip has uttered a charge ... they will tell you that Jesus Christ laid hold ...
//christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christ.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... miracles performed by him, and the prophecies fulfilled in ... is pregnant with the deepest
meaning respecting the counsel ... How did Christ bear all these little and ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... that the numerous legends and prophecies current in ... All that we can discover respecting
the commencement ... sympathy with the spirit of Christ's life, especially ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
... of the greatest value, that its prophecies are to ... indirect influences of the Cross
of Christ have pervaded ... troubled waters; or what man, with his wild passions ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/exposition of the doctrines of.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... compassion from him, for the contrary is his commandment. Further, he that keepeth
God's commandment sheweth his brother what he must do to honour the Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... THAT is the way thou must go; it was cast up by the patriarchs, prophets, Christ,
and His Apostles; and it is as straight as a rule can make it. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

part ii
... I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." [740 ... may "make the evil be good
in His benevolence." [748 ... remember that Christ, the Founder of your faith, was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

part i
... world" [25] "and read them with love, thanking the Light-giving Christ, Who so richly
bestows His light upon those who are zealous for the glory of His name. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

How can we trust that biblical prophecy can indeed predict the future? | GotQuestions.org

Was Nostradamus a true prophet of God? | GotQuestions.org

Surviving the end times - what do I need to know? | GotQuestions.org

Prophecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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