The Promised Messiah

By: Undre Griggs, Jr.

As we reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, let us also take into account the foreshadowing of His life/death found throughout the Bible. The birth of Jesus Christ was prophesied approximately two thousand years in advance of His birth. We find multiple accounts spoken from a variety of people, over many years, and none of them are in contradiction of the other. We even find the belief of Herod (nonbeliever) was so strong that he ordered the killing of “all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years and under” (Matthew 2:16). Let us examine the facts for ourselves and be equally moved to engage in righteousness.

Jesus was to be a descendant of King David:

Jeremiah 23:5 (NKJV): “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.

Matthew 1:1 (NKJV): The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

Jesus would be born to a virgin:

Isaiah 7:14 (ESV): Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:18 (NIV): This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus would die by crucifixion:

Psalm 22:16 (NKJV): For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet.

Luke 23:33 (NKJV): And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.

Jesus would not have any bones broken:

Psalm 34:20 (NKJV): He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken.

John 19:32-33 (NKJV): Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.

The only thing greater than the cited prophesies coming true, is the fact that Jesus knew ahead of time and remained faithful unto death.  Let us always be moved to righteousness by the example and faith of Jesus Christ.