James McBride: The person, words, character of Jesus, founder of the Christian faith, are increasingly under siege. Enemies of Jesus, atheists, agnostics - even theologians - have sought to undermine his work. In this lesson we examine the evidence for his life, death and for that strangest of claims made by the Scriptures - that Jesus of Nazareth was raised from the dead.
This last is important. For no matter how much evidence there may be for his existence, yet all his claims, all the claims of the Scriptures, all the claims of Christians for nearly two thousand years are simply rubbish - if Jesus was not raised from the dead. A good man? Not enough - though certainly a man whose teachings are an example for all men. But raised from the dead? The idea has been sneered at for its impossibility.
But - assume he was resurrected. What does that mean for you? If, as the Scriptures claim, he was "...openly designated as the Son of God with power when he was raised from the dead" (Romans 1:3), then clearly we all have to sit up and take note! If the resurrection of Jesus Christ undoubtedly took place, then it was unique in all mankind's history. The Bible reports several instances where the dead were restored to life - physical life. But the resurrection of Jesus Christ was different.
So different, in fact, that when his skeptical disciples saw the evidence they were transformed from whimpering stowaways behind locked doors into men and women who put their lives on the line for what they saw in that tomb. So different that the authorities had to concoct a pack of lies to explain.
In this Lesson we will examine the evidence both for the life of Jesus and for what can only be seen as undisputed - his resurrection from the dead.
No-one in all of history has been more exhaustively written about than the one we know as Jesus of Nazareth. A few have even sought to deny his very existence. The vast majority, however, accept that he was a historical figure. Indeed there's more evidence for Jesus than for Julius Caesar or Alexander the Great or a host of other ancient luminaries.
Yet to this day scholars seek to reject the image of Jesus recorded for us in history and in the Scriptures. The so-called Jesus seminar - mostly "Christians" - even deride the very words he spoke, reducing them to a bland philosophy, and denying the resurrection.
On the other hand, literally millions of Christians have a distorted view of Jesus - of who he was, what he taught, even how he looked. What emerges from an attentive study of the Bible records paints a vastly different picture to what most think!
- even in the mid first-century the apostle Paul had to strenuously warn his readers of belief in "another Jesus" (2 Corinthians 11:4)
- the aged apostle John, too, had to contend with strange notions about the very person of Jesus. (1 John 4:1-3)
- and Jesus himself prophesied such a deceit would happen. (Matthew 24:4-5)
- within fifty years, what has been described as "a century of darkness" settled over the church of God. After this, evidenced by literature and the monuments, a different Jesus emerged, with a different message - and even looking different
- instead of the virile man seasoned by hard work and extensive travel, Jesus was presented as a pale weakling with long hair and a sad, pained expression. Most Christians to this day hold this false image of him.
- more serious than his appearance, the message Jesus brought was twisted into what the apostle Paul dubs "another gospel" Galatians 1:6-9
- from its beginnings, the church of God was beset and deceived by false prophets and teachers. (Matthew 24:11, Acts 20:29-30)
- is this serious?. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11)
- if we refuse to accept the true Bible representation of Jesus and his message - "a love of the truth" - God warns that He will send "strong delusion" upon us. Surely a frightening thought! Matthew 13:10-16, Luke 8:18.
- Paul tells us that Jesus became a man, and was tempted to sin like every human. (Philippians 2:5-8, I Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 4:15)
- early heresy attempted to dehumanize Jesus, making him a "phantom" or something not fully human. . . I John 1:1, 4:1-6
- he was a "genius", acquiring knowledge and wisdom as he grew, yet displaying great spiritual perception and the favor of God even as a young lad of twelve when he is described as being subject, obedient, to his parents in Nazareth, where he was "brought up". (Luke 2:40-47,52 4:16, Isaiah 11:1-2)
- there he learned a trade, becoming - in his step-father's footsteps - a tekton: variously described as a carpenter, a builder, a stone-mason, a builder, (and undoubtedly the best in the trade). (Mark 7:37, Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55)
- [The Scriptures tell us nothing more about Jesus' life from the age of twelve until he became about thirty. However, there are many non-Biblical references to extensive travel even as far as the British Isles. Such is not unlikely and should not be lightly dismissed.]
- we ought not to read too much into the notion that Jesus was poverty stricken in his youth. He certainly was nomadic for much of the three and a half years of his ministry. But even here he was supported by his followers, at times retired to "the house", had the services of a "treasurer". (Luke 8:3, Mark 2:1, John 12:6) [a better translation of Mark 2:1 is at home - see RSV].
There's surprising ignorance about this even among those who read the Scriptures. Yet the truth is that God's purpose demanded that Jesus be born into a specific family line and in a specific place:
- God's design for the salvation of mankind was initiated in Eden (Genesis 3:15), the implementation of a plan "made in heaven" before man's creation (1 Peter 1:18-20). As the centuries rolled by, the choice narrowed to the family of Abraham, then of Isaac, then of his son Jacob. Finally the Savior (Messiah) was promised to a descendant of King David of the House (family) of Judah - a son of Jacob (Genesis 49:9-10, Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:2, Hebrews 7:14). This latter text sums it up!
- but Jesus was no ordinary Jew. He was, on his mother's side, directly descended in his flesh from the royal line of David (Luke 3:23-31). His step-father, Joseph, was also descended from David through the kings of Judah. (Matthew 1:1-16)
- was Jesus, then, the true king of the Jews? (John 1:45-49, 12:14-15, 18:36-37, 19:19)
Jesus was born into a legally intact family. His mother Mary was "betrothed" to Joseph - a legally-binding pre-marital agreement which would need divorce proceedings to dissolve. In one account Joseph is called Mary's husband, Mary his wife (Matthew 1:18-24).
- but Joseph was not the literal father of Jesus! For Jesus, in fulfillment of one of the three hundred or so prophecies he fulfilled, was Immanuel - God with us (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14).
- the true father of Jesus, in other words, is God As Matthew points out, Mary was a virgin when Jesus was born - also prophesied in Isaiah. The Gospel writer explains that Mary - before she had a sexual relationship with Joseph - was "found with child of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:18,20)
- note that God is the Father of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit the means by which the divine was transmuted into a human sperm to fertilize a human ovum. As the apostle John wrote "The Word was made flesh" (John 1:14).
The New Testament gives Jesus the title of Christ - the Greek form for the Hebrew Messiah which signifies anointed. The term was applied to those called by God to a specific office:
- the term was applied to Israel's kings - who were anointed with oil at their investiture. (Judges 9:8-15, 2 Samuel 5:3, I Kings 1:39)
- the gentile King Cyrus was so-called (Isaiah 45:1).
- also to priests (Exodus 29:7, Leviticus 4:3, 5, 16).
- by the first century the term came to he applied to the future ruler of the Jews, prophesied in the Scriptures (Matthew 2:4, Luke 2:26, John 4:25).
Prophecy is usually employed as an expression of vanity - "I know better than you." The trouble is you can't tell a prophecy is false until it doesn't happen!
However, on the matter of the life of Jesus Christ the evidence is at hand. Today's "prophets" can barely get tomorrow's weather right, never mind accurately forecast events hundreds, even thousands of years in the future. But God can, and did (Isaiah 41:21-23, 46: 9-11)
There are three hundred plus predictions about the Messiah in the Scriptures of the Old Testament. Many refer to his physical lineage, the circumstances of his birth, his character, his mission, the manner of his death, his rejection by his own people. Compare the following groups of text for a mere sample of these fulfillments.
Messiah to be human. (Genesis 3:15 * Galatians, 4:4, John 1: 14)
Descent from Abraham) Genesis 18:18 * Matthew 1:1, Acts 3:25)
Descent from Isaac (Genesis 17:19 * Matthew 1:2)
Descent from David (Psalm 132:11 * Matthew 1:1, 12:23)
Where he was born (Micah 5:2 * Matthew 2:1)
His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14 * Matthew 1:18)
His ministry in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1,2 * Matthew 4:12-16)
Foreseen as a prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15 * John 6:14)
Foreseen as a priest (Psalm 110:4 * Hebrews 6:20)
Rejected by his own (Isaiah 53:3 * John 1:11)
Executed with criminals (Isaiah 53:12 * Matthew 27:38)
To be resurrected (Psalm 16:10 * Mark 16:6)
...and on and on!
Probability Theory tells us that if there's one chance in five of an event happening, and one chance in ten of another independent event happening- then there's a one in fifty chance of both happening together. The improbability of over three hundred more-or-less independent events taking place focused on one individual's lifetime is a number beyond imagination.
- why Bethlehem for the birth of Messiah, when there were over two thousand other villages?
- how was crucifixion prophesied (Psalm 22) when it was an unknown in Israel at the time the Psalm was composed?
- and what are odds that it was foreseen that someone would die, rise from the dead - never to die again?
"Nor at the present day does any objective historian deny the historical fact of Christ. It is not historians who toy with the fantasy of a Christ-myth" [New Bible Commentary: art. Life of Jesus Christ]
Detractors claim that Jesus didn't die, but went into a coma on the cross reviving in the cool of the tomb. Others admit his death, but said his body was stolen by the disciples
- the barbaric torture inflicted on Jesus by means of scourging coupled with the torment of crucifixion ensured his death (Mark 15:39)
- scourging was carried out with whips in the tips of which were imbedded bone and metal. It laid the flesh bare to the bone and often killed
- Jesus was killed, finally, by a spear thrust into his side, puncturing his arteries and bladder (John 19:33-35) - for more about this, see How Did Jesus Die?
- the Roman Governor Pilate demanded assurances that Jesus was dead before releasing the body for burial (Mark 15:43-46)
- the one hundred pounds of highly aromatic spices wrapped around the body of Jesus would, in the confines of the tomb, smother him (if yet alive) rather than help him recover consciousness (Matthew 27:59, John 19:38-40). Aromatic spices, often of a gummy consistency were placed between the wrappings or folds. They served partially as a preservative and partially as a cement to glue the cloth wrappings into a solid covering " [Merrill Tenney: The Reality of The Resurrection]
Only if He was crucified on Wednesday and resurrected on Saturday!
Scholars scoff at the notion that someone could rise from the dead Even theologians scoff- and succeed in turning multitudes away from God. Yet the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most authenticated and momentous events in all history.
Indeed, if Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead then Christianity is a sham and built on a house of cards (1 Corinthians 15:13-20)
Jesus himself also foretold his own death - and resurrection (Matthew 16:21, Luke 9:22-27, John 2:18-22 etc.)
He even foretold the length of time he would be in the tomb (Matthew 12:38-40, Jonah 1:17). How long was this?
- Jesus made this time span the only sign that he was who he claimed to be, the vast majority of Christians today reject this. Do you?
- a proper understanding of the texts supports the fact that Jesus was crucified on a Wednesday afternoon, and raised at the end of the Sabbath (Saturday). There was no "Sunday resurrection"!
- there were two Sabbaths that week, the first (Thursday) was a "high day" or annual Sabbath during which work - except food preparation - was forbidden (John 19:14 & 31, Leviticus 23:6-7)
- Jesus was placed in the tomb before that first Sabbath began (Luke 23:54).
- after (the annual) Sabbath the women bought (not brought) spices, but rested on the (weekly) Sabbath after preparing them to place around the body of Jesus (Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56)
- the tomb was empty when Mary arrived before day-break on Sunday morning (John 20:1). She - and the others - knew the tomb would be sealed by the authorities until the third day (Matthew 27:64, Mark 15:44-47)
- that is, Jesus was, as he predicted, three days and three nights in the "heart of the earth" - in the rock-hewn sepulchre. No twisting of words can fit this into his crucifixion late on a Friday, and his resurrection before daybreak on Sunday!
- up to about a century ago this was commonly understood by many theologians! Noted evangelist R. A. Torrey is an example "everything in Scripture is harmonized by a Wednesday crucifixion", he wrote (1907). See also the Companion Bible, Appendix 156 for a fuller appraisal of the evidence.
The Psalmist was inspired to predict that the future "David" - the Messiah - would die and be placed in the grave (Heb. sheol, KJV hell). But he would not be there long enough to begin to decay. Peter points out that the reference was not to David himself, who did die.
What is the evidence for the resurrection?
Jesus, as we have seen, predicted his own death and resurrection. Within six weeks of those momentous events, the apostle Peter asserted it had taken place, and quoted one of the Old Testament predictions relating to it (Acts 1:3, 2:23-27, Psalm 16:8-10)
- "it was the common Jewish idea that corruption began on the fourth day" [Alfred Edersheim Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah] (John 11:39)
Was there any possibility that the disciples could steal the body of Jesus from the tomb? (Matthew 27:62-66)
Were the authorities able to explain the disappearance of the body of Jesus? (Matthew 28:11-15)
- the guards would be under penalty of death if their charges escaped. There had been a "great earthquake" and whatever the guards saw caused them to faint, and to become unconscious (Matthew 28.1-4). A watch usually consisted of four men each of whom watched in turn "The fear [by the Roman soldiers] of punishments produced faultless attention to duty" [Polybius]
- on recovery they went to the Jewish authorities who bribed them to say the disciples had stolen the body (Matthew 28:12-15). It was a fable repeated many years later (v.15) - and even in our day!
- contemporary authorities, then, could not explain the resurrection by natural means. They were as convinced as Peter and John (see, next section) that Jesus rose from the dead, and by the same indisputable evidence.
Note the attitude of the disciples following the crucifixion. Were they loyal, and confident that Jesus would return from the grave as he promised? (Mark 14:50, John 20:19)
Contrast this with their attitude about six weeks later (Acts chs. 2-3; 4:13, 20, 33; 5:27-32). Were they now willing to be imprisoned and even to die for their belief that Jesus was risen? (Acts 5:32, 7:54-60, 8: 1-3, 12:1-2) What caused such a transformation?
Clearly the evidence available to them that Jesus rose from the dead was so overwhelming their entire lives became permanently changed. Yet such had been their skepticism that they disbelieved first reports of his resurrection (Mark 16:9-14, Luke 24:10-11).
What convinced Peter and John that Jesus was alive three days and nights after his death? (John 20:1-10).
- John, who arrived at the sepulchre first, gave a cursory glance through the entrance into the eerie darkness at the gleam of the white grave-clothes. Bold Peter ventured inside to examine the situation more closely. John then followed - and what he saw on close examination caused him to believe.
- unbelievably, the body of Jesus had disappeared! From outside it had looked intact. Now he could see that the wrappings - still molded in the shape of Jesus' body - were empty. Recall that the spices served to 'glue' the strips of cloth together, and to the body, forming an almost solid "cocoon"
- more, the head-wrapping was also there, molded to the shape of his head, but lying apart from the other wrappings (John 20:7)
- in burials, the head was wrapped separately. Unlike the famed Turin Shroud, the graveclothes were not all in one piece!
- quite astonishingly, the body of Jesus had miraculously passed through the wrappings. His physical body had taken on a new form (Luke 24:36-43, John 20:19, 26).
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most incontrovertible facts of history. It is totally unique. No mere recovery from a deep coma or "permanent vegetative state" nor a miraculous restoration to physical life, but a glorious return from death by the power of Almighty God to a life that will never end.
Given the reality of the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah, each of us is challenged to examine what he taught. And if we want to live after death - to obey him!
A contemporary chronicler of Jesus wrote: "There are many other activities in which Jesus engaged, but if they were all described in detail I suppose the world itself would not have room for the written volumes" [the apostle John]
What is "truth"? Literally the Greek means "not hidden". God's Word is totally transparent and without deception. Jesus said "[the Father's] word is truth" ... John 17:17. The opposite to truth is fable - a matter generally meant to hide the truth and deceive...1 Timothy 1:4, 2 Timothy 4:4. Too many seekers after truth are turned aside to human traditions based on fables. The Bible expresses truth - the mind of God - in a manner that we can absorb and use in our daily walk.
In Bible terms a "prophets is one who forth-tells the Word of God. He or she doesn't just foretell the future.
Jesus Christ presents a different challenge to each of us. If we, like the "rich young ruler" (Luke 18:18-30), don't accept the challenge but turn aside from it we throw away the key to deeper understanding of God's design for our life.
"Jesus" (Ieesous) is the way the Greeks expressed the Hebrew Joshua (Acts 7:45) which means "Savior" (Matthew 1:21, 25). In the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible - in use by the Jews long before the birth of Jesus - Joshua is written as Iesous. The Aramaic contraction is Yesu. Contrary to some, Jesus is not derived from the heathen god Zeus!
Those two passages in Matthew 13 and Mark 6 sum up a principle for properly interpreting the Scriptures. They are describing the same incident, but one adds to what the other states. Another example is the inscription placed over the cross by Pilate.
As we will see in detail later, the Jews became a separate kingdom from Israel after Solomon died. Indeed Judah and Israel were mortal enemies on occasion...II Kings 14:12.
The term Jew denotes strictly a descendant of the Judah, but also any who embraced fully the religion of the Jews. Individuals and nations converted to Judaism...Esther 8:17. The Khazars - the Ashkenazi Jews in the 8th Century AD - are an example. Josephus refers to many Edomites who became Jews.
Luke 3:23: this verse signifies "Jesus...(being legally the son of Joseph). of Heli". This is the genealogy of Mary.
Christ (Greek) and Messiah(Hebrew) signify anointed one. The term is used in the Bible of kings - both of Israel and of Gentiles. It signifies someone appointed by God to an office. The monarchs of Great Britain are still anointed with oil (chrism) during the coronation ceremony.
As well as the Jews the semi-gentile Samaritans and the Magi from the east during the first century BC were expecting the arrival of the Messiah among the Jews,..Matthew 2:1, John 4:25
Greek aorist tense: used in John 19:34 - pierced, similar to pluperfect had pierced. "Denotes that an action happened before some other previous action referred to". Jesus was slain "like a lamb to the slaughter" by a spear wound so that the soldiers could be absolutely certain he was dead.
"There exists such overwhelming evidence. positive and negative, factual and circumstantial, that no intelligent jury in the world could fail to bring in a verdict that the resurrection is true" [Lord Darling, former Lord Chief Justice]
"References in the Didascalia, in Epiphanius, in Victorinus of Pettau, and in the Book of Adam and Eve support the Tuesday Passover dating and the subsequent arrest of Jesus in the morning hours of Wednesday." [James A. Walther, Journal of Biblical Literature: June 1958, p.118]
At that time in history each "day" began, and ended, at sunset
The notion of a resurrection of a god is widespread throughout pagan mythology. Osiris, Tammuz are examples. It stems from the universal understanding imparted to mankind by divine revelation, but degraded by human tradition and demonic manipulation.
"The fact of the empty tomb deals a mortal blow to all the hypotheses which are set up against the Christian testimony." [Ernest Kevan]
The disciples were eyewitnesses and proclaimed the resurrection boldly to those who could have refuted it - but never did - by producing the body of Jesus.
Recommended reading:
Who Moved the Stone? [Frank Morison]
Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? [John Blanchard]
Evidence that Demands a Verdict [Josh McDowell]
Name of Jesus in the Old Testament [Yacov Rambsell]
Reprinted with permission of Church of God, UK. Email comments to: the comment form below.
Editor: James McBride.
Request literature mentioned from Church of God Outreach Ministries at the comment form below.
Bible Basics is published by:
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| Chart Of New Testament Fulfillments Of Old Testament Predictions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Messiah's Birth From a Virgin | Isaiah 7:14 | Matthew 1:33 |
| Messiah's Birthplace | Micah 5:2 | Matthew 2:1, 6 |
| The Forerunner of Messiah | Isaiah 40:3-5 | Matthew 3:3 Mark 1:3 Luke 3:4-6 John 1:23 |
| Malachi 3:1 | Matthew 11:10 Mark 1:2 Luke 1:76; 7:27 | |
| Malachi 4:5 | Matthew 11:14; 17:10-12 Mark 9:11-13 Luke 1: 16-17 | |
| Messiah's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem | Zechariah 9:9-10 Psalm 118:25-26 | Matthew 21:9 Mark 11:9 Luke 19:38 John 12:13 |
| The Betrayal of Messiah | Judas: Psalm 69:25 Psalm 109:8 | Acts 1:20 |
| Thirty Pieces of Silver | Zechariah 11:12-13 | Matthew 26:15; 27:9-10 |
| The Suffering of Messiah | ||
| Mocked by his Enemies: | Psalm 22:7; 109:25 | Matthew 27:35 Mark 15:29 Luke 23:35 |
| Psalm 22:8 | Matthew 27:43 | |
| Messiah's Thirst: | Psalm 69:21 | Matthew 27:34,48 Mark 15:36 Luke 23:36 John 19:28 |
| Messiah's Words on the Cross: | Psalm 22:1 | Matthew 27:46 Mark 14:34 |
| Psalm 22:31 | John 19:30 | |
| Messiah's Side Is Pierced: | Zechariah 12:10 | John 19:37 |
| Messiah's Gethsemane: | Isaiah 50:4-9 | Mark 14:65 John 18:22; 19:3 |
| Messiah's Vicarious Suffering: | Isaiah 53:6,9 Isaiah 53:7-8 | 1 Peter 2:21-25 Acts 8:32-35 Revelation 5:6, 12; 13:8 |
| Isaiah 53:12 | Romans 4:25 Hebrews 9:28 | |
| The Resurrection of Messiah | Psalm 16: 10 | Acts 2:27; 13:35-37 |
| The Offices of Messiah | ||
| Prophet. | Deuteronomy 18:15-19 | Acts 3:22-23; 7:37 |
| Faithful Priest: | I Samuel 2:35 | Acts 3:24 |
| King: | Psalm 2:6 | Revelation 19:16 |
| Messiah's Second Coming | Daniel 7:13 | Mark 13:26 Luke 21:27 Matthew 24:44 |
| Zechariah 12: 10 | Matthew 24:30 Revelation 1:7 | |
| Chart of the Progress of Sixty-Five Direct Predictions of the Messiah in the Promise Doctrine | ||
|---|---|---|
| Six Direct Messianic Predictions in the Pentateuch | ||
| Two in Genesis 1-11: | Genesis 3:15 | "Seed" |
| Genesis 9:27 | "live in Shem" | |
| Two in the Patriarchal Era: | Genesis 12:1-3 | "all be blessed" |
| Genesis 49:8-12 | "Shiloh" | |
| Two in the Mosaic: | Numbers 24:15-19 | "star" |
| Deut 15:15-18 | "prophet" | |
| Four Messianic Texts in Job | Job 9:33; | "Arbitrator" |
| Job 16:19-21; | "Witness" | |
| Job 19:23-27; | "Redeemer" | |
| Job 33:23-28 | "Mediator" | |
| Five Messianic Texts Prior to and During the Davidic Era | 1 Sam 2:1-10; | "Anointed" |
| 1 Sam 2:35-36; | "faithful Priest" | |
| 2 Sam 7; | David's "house" | |
| Psalm 89; | David's "throne" | |
| Psalm 132 | David's "kingdom" | |
| Eleven Psalms Celebrating the Person and Work of the Messiah | Psalm 110 Psalm 2 | As Conqueror and Enthroned Ruler. |
| Psalm 118 | As a Rejected Stone | |
| Psalm 69 Psalm 109 | As Betrayed | |
| Psalm 22 Psalm 16 | As Dying and Resurrected | |
| Psalm 40 Psalm 45 | As Planner and Groom | |
| Psalm 68 Psalm 72 | As Triumphant King | |
| Thirty-nine Predictions of the Messiah in the Prophets of the Old Testament | ||
| Ninth Century: One Prediction | Joel 2:23 | Messiah as "Teacher" |
| Eighth Century: Four Non-Isaianic Predictions | Hosea 3:4-5 | Messiah as the Second David |
| Amos 9:11-15 | Messiah as the Raised House of David | |
| Micah 2:12-13 | Messiah as the "Breaker" | |
| Micah 5:1-4 | Messiah as the Coming Ruler | |
| Eighth Century: Isaiah: Fourteen Isaianic Predictions | Isaiah 4:2 | Messiah the "Branch of the LORD" |
| Isaiah 7:14 | Messiah Born of a Virgin | |
| Isaiah 9:1-7 | Messiah Whose Name is "Wonderful Counselor" | |
| Isaiah 11: 1-16 | Messiah's Reign | |
| Isaiah 24:21-25 | Messiah's Universal Triumph | |
| Isaiah 28:16 | Messiah the "Foundation Stone" | |
| Isaiah 30:19-26 | Messiah as "Teacher" | |
| Isaiah 42:1-7 | Messiah the "Servant of the LORD" | |
| Isaiah 49:1-6 | Messiah's Mission to the World | |
| Isaiah 50:4-9 | Messiah's Gethsemane | |
| Isaiah 52:13-53:12 | The Atonement By Messiah | |
| Isaiah 55:3-5 | Messiah and the Unfailing Grace Promised to David | |
| Isaiah 61:1-3 | Messiah as Proclaimer of the Good News | |
| Isaiah 63:1-6 | Messiah as the Conqueror | |
| Seventh Century: Three Predictions | Jeremiah 23:5-6 | Messiah as "the LoRD our Righteousness" |
| Jeremiah 30:9, 21 | Messiah as the Priestly King | |
| Jeremiah 33:14-26 | Messiah's Inviolable Promise | |
| Sixth Century: Six Predictions | Ezekiel 17:22-24 | Messiah as the Tender Sprig |
| Ezekiel 21:25-27 | Messiah as the Rightful King | |
| Ezekiel 34:23-31 | Messiah as the Good Shepherd | |
| Ezekiel 37:15-28 | Messiah as the Unifier of the Nation | |
| Daniel 7:13-14 | Messiah as the Son of Man | |
| Daniel 9:24-27 | Messiah as the Coming Anointed Ruler | |
| Fifth Century: Eleven Predictions | Haggai 2:6-9 | Messiah as the "Desire of the Nations" |
| Haggai 2:21-23 | Messiah as God's "Signet Ring" | |
| Zechariah 3:8-10 | Messiah's Work as High Priest | |
| Zechariah 6:9-15 | Messiah as King-Priest Over the Nations | |
| Zechariah 9:9-10 | Messiah as the Entering King | |
| Zechariah 10:4 | Messiah's Four Titles | |
| Zechariah 11:4-14 | Messiah as the Rejected Good Shepherd | |
| Zechariah 12:10 | Messiah as the Pierced One | |
| Zechariah 13:7 | Messiah as the Smitten Companion | |
| Malachi 3:1 | Messiah as the "Messenger of the Covenant" | |
| Malachi 4:2 | Messiah as the "Sun of Righteousness" | |
adapted from Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., (1995) The Messiah in the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan
COGUK Bible Basics 1. Preparing to study the Bible.
COGUK Bible Basics 2. Can you trust the Bible?
COGUK Bible Basics 3. Jesus, the Messiah
COGUK Bible Basics 4. What is Man?
COGUK Bible Basics 5. God's Grand Design (the Kingdom of God)
COGUK Bible Basics 6. When God Reigns (6,000 years of history + 1,000 years ahead)
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