It Shall Come to Pass

Introduction: Christmas is here! Wow!

• “Waiting is the worst part of Christmas…and the best part!”
  
  
• “Mom, can I open just one present now? I promise I’ll be surprised by the other ones tomorrow!”

• “Christmas is the only time of year in which one can sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of socks.

Isiah 9:6-7

Application: Depending…there are between 300 and 400 OT prophesies about a coming Messiah.

Examples of Prophesied Events & Locations

Origin: Born of a woman (Genesis 3:15), Virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), Descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:3), From the line of Judah (Genesis 49:10).

Life & Ministry: Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), preceded by a messenger (Isaiah 40:3), Enters Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).

Suffering & Death: Betrayed by a friend (Psalm 41:9), Pierced (Zechariah 12:10), Dies with the wicked (Isaiah 53:9).

Resurrection & Reign: Rises from the dead (Psalm 16:10), Eternal throne (Isaiah 9:7).

Michah 5:2, ‘”But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days’.

The significance of Old Testament prophecies about Jesus is that they are seen as evidence of his identity as the Messiah, demonstrate the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, and provide a foundation of hope and faith for believers.

Heb. 1:1, Luke 1:1-3, 70

The fulfilment of these detailed predictions in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is considered a testament to their divine origin.

Proof of identity

The authenticity of Jesus is supported by the fulfillment of numerous specific prophecies, which is presented as proof that Jesus is the promised Messiah.

Divine plan: The prophecies show a long-term, divine plan for redemption that was anticipated long before Jesus’ birth.

Examples: Some key prophecies include his birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), his virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), his suffering for the sins of others (Isaiah 53), and his resurrection.

Demonstrating continuity

Bridge between Old and New Testaments: The prophecies and their fulfilment connect the two testaments, showing the New Testament as the fulfilment of the Old Testament’s promises.

A foundation for faith: For many, the fulfilment of these prophecies serves as a crucial point for strengthening faith, particularly in evangelism to both Jewish and secular audiences.

Providing hope and guidance

• Hope for believers: The prophecies were intended to give God’s people hope for a future Savior and to help them identify him when he came.
  
  
• Spiritual guidance: Understanding these prophecies provides believers with a deeper understanding of Jesus’ mission and his role as a suffering servant and ultimate king.

Lineage: He would be from the line of David (Jeremiah 23:5–6) and Jesse (Isaiah 11:1).

Birthplace: He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).

Birth mother: His mother would be a virgin (Isaiah 7:14).

Deity: He would be called “Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6–7).

Gifts: He would be worshipped and given gifts at his birth (Psalm 72:10).

Escape: He would be taken to Egypt to escape a king who tried to kill him (Hosea 11:1).

Question: What does the fulfilment of OT prophesy about Jesus coming clarify?

1. Corroborates the Authenticity of both the Scriptures and the Birth of Jesus

1. Validates the Accuracy – Timeline, places, etc.

1. Demonstrates the Power and the legitimacy that the Incarnation provides.

1. Substantiates / Confirms / Verifies the Proof that there is only way true way, truth and light.

Application: Not all labels or descriptions of items are verifiable.

It may say 24k gold or sterling silver, but how does one really know?

How do we know that a ‘diamond’ is nothing more than a Cubic Zirconia or even a lab-grown high-pressure/high-temperature and other methods produced.

You have to go to a certified professional to make sure.

Conclusion: As we prepare to gather on Christmas day with family and friends, it is not merely sharing gifts and expressions of love to one another, but a dedicated realization of who Jesus is.