Topical Encyclopedia
The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that foretell the miraculous works of the Messiah, which Christians believe were fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. These prophecies highlight the divine nature and authority of the Messiah, serving as signs of His identity and mission.
Isaiah's PropheciesThe prophet Isaiah provides some of the most explicit references to the miraculous works of the coming Messiah. In
Isaiah 35:5-6, it is written: "Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the mute tongue will shout for joy." This passage is often interpreted as a direct prophecy of the miracles that Jesus would perform, as recorded in the Gospels. Jesus healed the blind (e.g.,
Mark 8:22-25), made the deaf hear (e.g.,
Mark 7:31-37), enabled the lame to walk (e.g.,
Matthew 9:2-7), and gave speech to the mute (e.g.,
Matthew 9:32-33).
The PsalmsThe Psalms also contain allusions to the miraculous works of the Messiah.
Psalm 146:8 states, "The LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD raises up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous." This verse is seen as a reflection of the Messiah's divine power to heal and restore, which Jesus demonstrated throughout His ministry.
The Role of Miracles in Messianic ExpectationThe expectation of miracles was integral to the Jewish understanding of the Messiah's role. Miracles were seen as a sign of divine approval and authority. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself refers to His miracles as evidence of His messianic identity. In
John 10:37-38, Jesus says, "If I am not doing the works of My Father, then do not believe Me. But if I am doing them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works themselves, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father."
Fulfillment in the New TestamentThe Gospels provide numerous accounts of Jesus performing miracles, which are seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. These miracles include healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, and controlling nature. Each miracle serves a specific purpose, revealing Jesus' compassion, authority, and divine nature.
For instance, in
Matthew 11:4-5, when John the Baptist sends his disciples to inquire if Jesus is the expected Messiah, Jesus responds, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor." This response directly correlates with the prophetic expectations outlined in Isaiah, affirming Jesus' identity as the Messiah.
ConclusionThe prophecies concerning the Messiah's miraculous works are a testament to the divine mission and authority of Jesus Christ. Through His miracles, Jesus fulfilled the expectations set forth in the Old Testament, providing a powerful witness to His identity as the promised Savior.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 35:5,6Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Miracles
... Thus we cannot say to Jesus respecting Antichrist, "You have led me into error."
For ... Does He speak of the evidence of the prophecies? ... "Art thou the Christ? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xiii the miracles.htm
The Deaf and Dumb.
... it is needless despair, and yet respecting it because ... of miracles after the time
of Christ and His ... Miracles, like prophecies, like tongues, like supernatural ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon v the deaf and.htm
The Prayer of Faith.
... of giving his disciples instructions respecting the nature ... There are many prophecies
yet unfulfilled, in the ... difficulty here about the prayers of Jesus Christ. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm
John ii. 23
... the miracles attracted, but the better reasoners His prophecies and doctrines ... he
ought, nor with proper sentiments respecting Him, for ... What then saith Christ? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxiv john ii 23.htm
The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth.
... infidelity are the subject of his prophecies""There shall ... Respecting arts and sciences,
mankind may never have ... There we shall see Christ's glory, though we ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon iv the declensions of.htm
Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... prove that the numerous legends and prophecies current in ... to be learnt from Holy
Scripture respecting the date ... asserting the absolute poverty of Christ and His ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm
Nicodemus
... Jesus, Nicodemus had anxiously studied the prophecies relating to ... to him as He did,
not respecting his position as ... as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 17 nicodemus.htm
Extracts No. vii.
... in my power, to alter one truth respecting eternity. ... presuming if these be admitted,
the prophecies will not ... how the matter affects our belief in Jesus Christ. ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm
The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch.
... that he could form no conjecture respecting the person to ... into his glory; and that
the prophecies were fulfilled ... But the wisdom of Jesus Christ had otherwise ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xi the conversion of.htm
The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... raise an argument at this point respecting the believer's ... accurate and literal
fulfilment of these prophecies we have ... Just as the Jews of Christ's day despised ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm
Resources
How can we trust that biblical prophecy can indeed predict the future? | GotQuestions.orgWas Nostradamus a true prophet of God? | GotQuestions.orgSurviving the end times - what do I need to know? | GotQuestions.orgProphecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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