What does it mean when predictions and prophecies actually come true? Surely it means that someone knew ahead of time what the future was, right? Did Jesus Christ fulfill Biblical prophecies from the Old Testament, and if so, how can we be sure? Let’s see if we can determine which ones regarding the Jew’s promised Messiah actually came true and were fulfilled.

Many scholars have researched the Old Testament scriptures and have concluded that there are over 300+ prophecies about their Messiah, the Christ, that have been fulfilled! These range from his birth, the messenger that prepares his way, his life, his eventual death on the cross, and of his resurrection. Most of these were written hundreds if not thousands of years before Jesus was born!

Do you recall when after Jesus’ resurrection, he walked on the road to Emmaus with two men who had been his disciples? Together they spoke of Jesus’ time, his words, and his death, but the entire walk, the two men didn’t realize who they were talking to. No, they weren’t part of the inner circle of 12, but they definitely knew all about Jesus.

Luke tells us about it in chapter 24:
“That very day (of Jesus’ resurrection) two of them were going to a village named Emma’s, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking, and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.
But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
And he said to them, ‘What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?’
And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’
And he said to them, ‘What things?’
And they said to him, ‘Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.’
And he said to them, ‘I foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.’
So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.
They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn with us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?'”

Now I could extensively dive into all 300+ prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, but instead we will cover just a portion of them:
– the scepter will come through Judah: OT Genesis 49:10 / NT Luke 3:33
– David’s offspring will have an eternal kingdom: OT 2 Samuel 7:12-13 / NT Matthew 1:1
– he would be born in Bethlehem: OT Micah 5:2 / NT Matthew 2:1-6
– his birth was foretold (I know, we did this one yesterday): OT Isaiah 9:6-7 / NT Luke 1:31-35
– he would be born of a virgin: Isaiah 7:14 / NT Luke 1:35
– he would be preceded by a messenger: OT Malachi 3:1 / NT Mark 1:2-8
– his ministry would begin in Galilee: OT Isaiah 9:1-2 / NT Matthew 4:12-17
– he would be called a Nazarene, despised and rejected: OT Isaiah 53:3 (research this one further) / NT Matthew 2:34
– he would do life-affirming redemptive deeds: OT Isaiah 61:1-2 / NT Luke 4:17-21
– he would have a miraculous ministry: OT Isaiah 35:5-6 / NT Matthew 11:2-6
– he would teach in parables: OT Psalm 78:1-2 / NT Matthew 13:34-35
– he would be a prophet like Moses: OT Deuteronomy 18:15-19 / NT John 6:14
– he would come riding a donkey: OT Zechariah 9:9 / NT Matthew 21:1-7
– he would have a sinless, blemish-free life: OT Exodus 12:5 / NT Hebrews 9:14
– he would be betrayed by 30 pieces of silver: OT Zechariah 11:12-13 / NT Matthew 26:14-15
– he would be abandoned or betrayed by those closest to him: OT Psalm 41:9 / NT John 13:18
– he would be quiet before his accusers: OT Psalm 38:12-13 / NT Matthew 27:12-14
– he would be forsaken and pierced but vindicated: OT Psalm 22:1, 16-18 / NT Matthew 27:39-46
– he will be lifted up that others may live: OT Numbers 21:9 / NT John 3:14-18
– they would cast lots for his clothes: OT Psalm 22:18 / NT John 19:23-24
– he would cry “Into your hands I commit my spirit”: OT Psalm 31:5 / NT Luke 23:46
– none of his bones would be broken: OT Exodus 12:46 / NT John 19:31-36
– he would be called the Son of God: OT Psalm 2:7-12 / NT Luke 3:22
– he would be resurrected: OT Psalm 16:8-11 / NT Acts 2:22-32
– His anointed will not see decay: OT Psalm 16:9-11 / NT Acts 2:31
– he would be the Passover lamb: OT Exodus 12:1-51, / NT John 1:29, 19:33-36
– his blood will be spilled for atonement: OT Leviticus 17:11 / NT Matthew 26:28
– he would be a light for the nations of the world: OT Isaiah 42:1-7 / NT Matthew 12:15-18, John 8:12
– he will pour out his Spirit: OT Isaiah 44:3 / NT John 16:7
– his throne will be everlasting: OT Daniel 7:13-14 / NT Luke 1:31-33

“These prophecies are specific enough that the mathematical probability of Jesus fulfilling even a handful of them, let alone all of them, is staggeringly improbable—if not impossible.” (quote from The Jesus Film Project)

WOW! The evidence is overwhelmingly in his favor. How can anyone doubt about Jesus Christ being the promised Messiah?

**This post and the snapshot of the Star of David symbol from a synagogue in Marietta, Ga, is in honor of the Jewish people. They are God’s chosen! We must support, love and pray for them. One day the Lord will open their eyes and reveal to all of them that Jesus is their promised Messiah.

Food for thought: Oh to have been one of those two men walking with Jesus when he explained how he fulfilled ALL of the prophecies!

Fun facts: When I was a teenager, I once had a bizarre dream that came true. It was fulfilled the very next day!

Photo by: Kari Wiseman – Star of David