Lesson 15 Explore 1: Messianic Prophecies—Was Jesus the Messiah? What does “Messiah” mean?

The Bible’s answer

(Daniel 9.25: You should know and understand that from the issuing of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Leader, there will be 7 weeks, also 62 weeks. She will be restored and rebuilt, with a public square and moat, but in times of distress.)

(1 John 4.14: In addition, we ourselves have seen and are bearing witness that the Father has sent his Son as savior of the world.)

(Psalm 110.1: Jehovah declared to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand Until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”)

(Acts 2.34-36: For David did not ascend to the heavens, but he himself says, ‘Jehovah said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”’ Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for a certainty that God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you executed on a stake.”)

What is the meaning of “Messiah”?

(Leviticus 8.12: Finally he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him in order to sanctify him.)

(1 Samuel 16.13: So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers. And the spirit of Jehovah began to empower David from that day forward. Samuel later rose and went his way to Ramah.)

(Acts 2.36: Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for a certainty that God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you executed on a stake.”)

(Matthew 3.16: After being baptized, Jesus immediately came up from the water; and look! the heavens were opened up, and he saw God’s spirit descending like a dove and coming upon him.)

Could more than one person fulfill the Messianic prophecies?

(Matthew 24.24: For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will perform great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones.)

Could the Messiah appear in the future?

(Psalm 89.3, 4: “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: ‘I will firmly establish your offspring forever, And I will build up your throne for all generations.’” (Selah))

(Matthew 22.41-46: Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them: “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him: “David’s.” He asked them: “How is it, then, that David under inspiration calls him Lord, saying, ‘Jehovah said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies beneath your feet”’? If, then, David calls him Lord, how is he his son?” And nobody was able to say a word in reply to him, and from that day on, no one dared to question him any further.)

How many Messianic prophecies are there in the Bible?

(Isaiah 53.2-7: He will come up like a twig before him, like a root out of parched land. No stately form does he have, nor any splendor; And when we see him, his appearance does not draw us to him. He was despised and was avoided by men, A man who was meant for pains and was familiar with sickness. It was as if his face were hidden from us. He was despised, and we held him as of no account. Truly he himself carried our sicknesses, And he bore our pains. But we considered him as plagued, stricken by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgression; He was crushed for our errors. He bore the punishment for our peace, And because of his wounds we were healed. Like sheep we have all wandered about, Each has turned his own way, And Jehovah has caused the error of us all to meet up with him. He was oppressed and he let himself be afflicted, But he would not open his mouth. He was brought like a sheep to the slaughter, Like a ewe that is silent before its shearers, And he would not open his mouth.)

Some Messianic prophecies fulfilled by Jesus

(Genesis 22.17, 18: I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply your offspring like the stars of the heavens and like the grains of sand on the seashore, and your offspring will take possession of the gate of his enemies. And by means of your offspring all nations of the earth will obtain a blessing for themselves because you have listened to my voice.’”)

(Matthew 1.1: The book of the history of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham:)

Descendant of Abraham’s son Isaac

(Genesis 17.19: To this God said: “Your wife Sarah will definitely bear you a son, and you must name him Isaac. And I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant to his offspring after him.)

(Matthew 1.2: Abraham became father to Isaac; Isaac became father to Jacob; Jacob became father to Judah and his brothers;)

Born of the Israelite tribe of Judah

(Genesis 49.10: The scepter will not depart from Judah, neither the commander’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him the obedience of the peoples will belong.)

(Matthew 1.1: The book of the history of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham:)

(Matthew 1.3: Judah became father to Perez and Zerah by Tamar; Perez became father to Hezron; Hezron became father to Ram;)

From the royal line of King David

(Isaiah 9.7: To the increase of his rulership And to peace, there will be no end, On the throne of David and on his kingdom In order to establish it firmly and to sustain it Through justice and righteousness, From now on and forever. The zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.)

(Matthew 1.1: The book of the history of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham:)

Born of a virgin

(Isaiah 7.14: Therefore, Jehovah himself will give you a sign: Look! The young woman will become pregnant and will give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel.)

(Matthew 1.18: But this is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. During the time his mother Mary was promised in marriage to Joseph, she was found to be pregnant by holy spirit before they were united.)

(Matthew 1.22, 23: All of this actually came about to fulfill what was spoken by Jehovah through his prophet, saying: “Look! The virgin will become pregnant and will give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel,” which means, when translated, “With Us Is God.”)

Born in Bethlehem

(Micah 5.2: And you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, The one too little to be among the thousands of Judah, From you will come out for me the one to be ruler in Israel, Whose origin is from ancient times, from the days of long ago.)

(Matthew 2.1: After Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, look! astrologers from the East came to Jerusalem,)

(Matthew 2.5, 6: They said to him: “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is how it has been written through the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem of the land of Judah, are by no means the most insignificant city among the governors of Judah, for out of you will come a governing one, who will shepherd my people Israel.’”)

Called by the name Immanuel Footnote 2

(Isaiah 7.14: Therefore, Jehovah himself will give you a sign: Look! The young woman will become pregnant and will give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel.)

(Matthew 1.21-23: She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this actually came about to fulfill what was spoken by Jehovah through his prophet, saying: “Look! The virgin will become pregnant and will give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel,” which means, when translated, “With Us Is God.”)

Humble beginning

(Isaiah 53.2: He will come up like a twig before him, like a root out of parched land. No stately form does he have, nor any splendor; And when we see him, his appearance does not draw us to him.)

(Luke 2.7: And she gave birth to her son, the firstborn, and she wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the lodging place.)

Young children killed after his birth

(Jeremiah 31.15: “This is what Jehovah says: ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping: Rachel is weeping over her sons. She has refused to be comforted over her sons, Because they are no more.’”)

(Matthew 2.16-18: Then Herod, seeing that he had been outwitted by the astrologers, flew into a great rage, and he sent out and had all the boys in Bethlehem and in all its districts killed, from two years of age and under, according to the time that he had carefully ascertained from the astrologers. Then was fulfilled what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, who said: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and much wailing. It was Rachel weeping for her children, and she was unwilling to take comfort, because they are no more.”)

Called out of Egypt

(Hosea 11.1: “When Israel was a boy, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called my son.)

(Matthew 2.13-15: After they had departed, look! Jehovah’s angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying: “Get up, take the young child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I give you word, for Herod is about to search for the young child to kill him.” So Joseph got up and by night took along the young child and the child’s mother and went into Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what was spoken by Jehovah through his prophet, saying: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”)

(Isaiah 11.1: A twig will grow out of the stump of Jesse, And a sprout from his roots will bear fruit.)

(Matthew 2.23: And he came and settled in a city named Nazareth, in order to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”)

Preceded by a messenger

(Malachi 3.1: “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will clear up a way before me. And suddenly the true Lord, whom you are seeking, will come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant will come, in whom you take delight. Look! He will certainly come,” says Jehovah of armies.)

(Matthew 11.7-10: While these were on their way, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed being tossed by the wind? What, then, did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft garments? Why, those wearing soft garments are in the houses of kings. Really, then, why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Look! I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way ahead of you!’)

Anointed as Messiah in 29 C.E. Footnote 4

(Daniel 9.25: You should know and understand that from the issuing of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Leader, there will be 7 weeks, also 62 weeks. She will be restored and rebuilt, with a public square and moat, but in times of distress.)

(Matthew 3.13-17: Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, in order to be baptized by him. But the latter tried to prevent him, saying: “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?” Jesus replied to him: “Let it be this time, for in that way it is suitable for us to carry out all that is righteous.” Then he quit preventing him. After being baptized, Jesus immediately came up from the water; and look! the heavens were opened up, and he saw God’s spirit descending like a dove and coming upon him. Look! Also, a voice from the heavens said: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.”)

Acknowledged by God as His Son

(Psalm 2.7: Let me proclaim the decree of Jehovah; He said to me: “You are my son; Today I have become your father.)

(Acts 13.33, 34: God has completely fulfilled it to us, their children, by resurrecting Jesus; just as it is written in the second psalm: ‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’ And the fact that He resurrected him from the dead never again to return to corruption, He has stated in this way: ‘I will give you the expressions of loyal love promised to David, which are faithful.’)

Zealous for God’s house

(Psalm 69.9: Zeal for your house has consumed me, And the reproaches of those reproaching you have fallen upon me.)

(John 2.13-17: Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple those selling cattle and sheep and doves, and the money brokers in their seats. So after making a whip of ropes, he drove all those with the sheep and cattle out of the temple, and he poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. And he said to those selling the doves: “Take these things away from here! Stop making the house of my Father a house of commerce!” His disciples recalled that it is written: “The zeal for your house will consume me.”)

Proclaimer of good news

(Isaiah 61.1: The spirit of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah is upon me, Because Jehovah anointed me to declare good news to the meek. He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And the wide opening of the eyes to the prisoners,)

(Luke 4.16-21: He then went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and according to his custom on the Sabbath day, he entered the synagogue and stood up to read. So the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him, and he opened the scroll and found the place where it was written: “Jehovah’s spirit is upon me, because he anointed me to declare good news to the poor. He sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and a recovery of sight to the blind, to send the crushed ones away free, to preach Jehovah’s acceptable year.” With that he rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were intently fixed on him. Then he began to say to them: “Today this scripture that you just heard is fulfilled.”)

Public ministry in Galilee a great light

(Isaiah 9.1, 2: However, the gloom will not be as when the land had distress, as in former times when the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali were treated with contempt. But at a later time He will cause it to be honored—the way by the sea, in the region of the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who were walking in the darkness Have seen a great light. As for those dwelling in the land of deep shadow, Light has shone on them.)

(Matthew 4.13-16: Further, after leaving Nazareth, he came and took up residence in Capernaum beside the sea in the districts of Zebulun and Naphtali, so as to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, who said: “O land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, along the road of the sea, on the other side of the Jordan, Galilee of the nations! The people sitting in darkness saw a great light, and as for those sitting in a region of deathly shadow, light rose on them.”)

A miracle worker like Moses

(Deuteronomy 18.15: Jehovah your God will raise up for you from among your brothers a prophet like me. You must listen to him.)

(Acts 2.22: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene was a man publicly shown to you by God through powerful works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, just as you yourselves know.)

Like Moses, he spoke God’s thoughts

(Deuteronomy 18.18, 19: I will raise up for them from the midst of their brothers a prophet like you, and I will put my words in his mouth, and he will speak to them all that I command him. Indeed, I will require an account from the man who will not listen to my words that he will speak in my name.)

(John 12.49: For I have not spoken of my own initiative, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak.)

Cured sicknesses of many

(Isaiah 53.4: Truly he himself carried our sicknesses, And he bore our pains. But we considered him as plagued, stricken by God and afflicted.)

(Matthew 8.16, 17: But after it became evening, people brought him many demon-possessed ones; and he expelled the spirits with a word, and he cured all who were suffering, in order to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “He himself took our sicknesses and carried our diseases.”)

Did not draw attention to himself

(Isaiah 42.2: He will not cry out or raise his voice, And he will not make his voice heard in the street.)

(Matthew 12.17: in order to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, who said:)

(Matthew 12.19: He will not quarrel nor cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the main streets.)

Showed compassion for the afflicted

(Isaiah 42.3: No crushed reed will he break, And no smoldering wick will he extinguish. In faithfulness he will bring justice.)

(Matthew 12.9-20: After departing from that place, he went into their synagogue, and look! there was a man with a withered hand! So they asked him, “Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath?” so that they might accuse him. He said to them: “If you have one sheep and that sheep falls into a pit on the Sabbath, is there a man among you who will not grab hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do a fine thing on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man: “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and it was restored sound like the other hand. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him to kill him. Having come to know this, Jesus departed from there. Many also followed him, and he cured them all, but he sternly ordered them not to make him known, in order to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, who said: “Look! My servant whom I chose, my beloved, whom I have approved! I will put my spirit upon him, and what justice is he will make clear to the nations. He will not quarrel nor cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the main streets. No bruised reed will he crush, and no smoldering wick will he extinguish, until he brings justice with success.)

(Mark 6.34: Well, on getting out, he saw a large crowd, and he was moved with pity for them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd. And he started to teach them many things.)

Revealed God’s justice

(Isaiah 42.1: Look! My servant, whom I support! My chosen one, whom I have approved! I have put my spirit in him; He will bring justice to the nations.)

(Isaiah 42.4: He will not grow dim or be crushed until he establishes justice in the earth; And the islands keep waiting for his law.)

(Matthew 12.17-20: in order to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, who said: “Look! My servant whom I chose, my beloved, whom I have approved! I will put my spirit upon him, and what justice is he will make clear to the nations. He will not quarrel nor cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the main streets. No bruised reed will he crush, and no smoldering wick will he extinguish, until he brings justice with success.)

A Wonderful Counselor

(Isaiah 9.6, 7: For a child has been born to us, A son has been given to us; And the rulership will rest on his shoulder. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. To the increase of his rulership And to peace, there will be no end, On the throne of David and on his kingdom In order to establish it firmly and to sustain it Through justice and righteousness, From now on and forever. The zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.)

(John 6.68: Simon Peter answered him: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.)

Declared Jehovah’s name

(Psalm 22.22: I will declare your name to my brothers; In the midst of the congregation I will praise you.)

(John 17.6: “I have made your name manifest to the men whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have observed your word.)

Spoke in illustrations

(Psalm 78.2: I will open my mouth in a proverb. I will propound riddles of long ago.)

(Matthew 13.34, 35: All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds by illustrations. Indeed, without an illustration he would not speak to them, in order to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet who said: “I will open my mouth with illustrations; I will proclaim things hidden since the founding.”)

A Leader

(Daniel 9.25: You should know and understand that from the issuing of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Leader, there will be 7 weeks, also 62 weeks. She will be restored and rebuilt, with a public square and moat, but in times of distress.)

(Matthew 23.10: Neither be called leaders, for your Leader is one, the Christ.)

Many did not believe in him

(Isaiah 53.1: Who has put faith in the thing heard from us? And as for the arm of Jehovah, to whom has it been revealed?)

(John 12.37, 38: Although he had performed so many signs before them, they were not putting faith in him, so that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, who said: “Jehovah, who has put faith in the thing heard from us? And as for the arm of Jehovah, to whom has it been revealed?”)

Stone of stumbling

(Isaiah 8.14, 15: He will become as a sanctuary, But as a stone to strike against And as a rock to stumble over To both houses of Israel, As a trap and a snare To the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Many of them will stumble and fall and be broken; They will be ensnared and caught.)

(Matthew 21.42-44: Jesus said to them: “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone that the builders rejected, this has become the chief cornerstone. This has come from Jehovah, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? This is why I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits. Also, the person falling on this stone will be shattered. As for anyone on whom it falls, it will crush him.”)

Rejected by humans

(Psalm 118.22, 23: The stone that the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This has come from Jehovah; It is wonderful in our eyes.)

(Acts 4.10, 11: let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you executed on a stake but whom God raised up from the dead, by means of him this man stands here healthy in front of you. This is ‘the stone that was treated by you builders as of no account that has become the chief cornerstone.’)

Hated without cause

(Psalm 69.4: Those hating me without cause Are more numerous than the hairs of my head. Those who would do away with me, My treacherous enemies, have become many. I was forced to hand over what I had not stolen.)

(John 15.24, 25: If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have both seen me and hated me as well as my Father. But this happened in order to fulfill the word written in their Law: ‘They hated me without cause.’)

Triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey

(Zechariah 9.9: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem. Look! Your king is coming to you. He is righteous, bringing salvation, Humble and riding on a donkey, On a colt, the foal of a female donkey.)

(Matthew 21.4-9: This actually took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet, who said: “Tell the daughter of Zion: ‘Look! Your king is coming to you, mild-tempered and mounted on a donkey, yes, on a colt, the offspring of a beast of burden.’” So the disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and its colt, and they put their outer garments on them, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their outer garments on the road, while others were cutting down branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. Moreover, the crowds going ahead of him and those following him kept shouting: “Save, we pray, the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in Jehovah’s name! Save him, we pray, in the heights above!”)

Praised by children

(Psalm 8.2: Out of the mouth of children and infants you have established strength On account of your adversaries, To silence the enemy and the avenger.)

(Matthew 21.15, 16: When the chief priests and the scribes saw the marvelous things he did and the boys who were shouting in the temple, “Save, we pray, the Son of David!” they became indignant and said to him: “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them: “Yes. Did you never read this, ‘Out of the mouth of children and infants, you have brought forth praise’?”)

Came in Jehovah’s name

(Psalm 118.26: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of Jehovah; We bless you from the house of Jehovah.)

(John 12.12, 13: The next day the large crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, and they began to shout: “Save, we pray you! Blessed is the one who comes in Jehovah’s name, the King of Israel!”)

Betrayed by a trusted associate

(Psalm 41.9: Even the man at peace with me, one whom I trusted, Who was eating my bread, has lifted his heel against me.)

(John 13.18: I am not talking about all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this was so that the scripture might be fulfilled: ‘The one who was eating my bread has lifted his heel against me.’)

Betrayed for 30 pieces of silver Footnote 5

(Zechariah 11.12, 13: Then I said to them: “If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, withhold them.” And they paid my wages, 30 pieces of silver. Then Jehovah said to me: “Throw it into the treasury—the magnificent value with which they valued me.” So I took the 30 pieces of silver and threw it into the treasury at the house of Jehovah.)

(Matthew 26.14-16: Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said: “What will you give me to betray him to you?” They stipulated to him 30 silver pieces. So from then on, he kept looking for a good opportunity to betray him.)

(Matthew 27.3-10: Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, felt remorse and brought the 30 pieces of silver back to the chief priests and elders, saying: “I sinned when I betrayed innocent blood.” They said: “What is that to us? You must see to it!” So he threw the silver pieces into the temple and departed. Then he went off and hanged himself. But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said: “It is not lawful to put them into the sacred treasury, because they are the price of blood.” After consulting together, they used the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore, that field has been called Field of Blood to this very day. Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “And they took the 30 silver pieces, the price that was set on the man, the one on whom a price was set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, according to what Jehovah had commanded me.”)

Friends abandoned him

(Zechariah 13.7: “O sword, awake against my shepherd, Against the man who is my companion,” declares Jehovah of armies. “Strike the shepherd, and let the flock be scattered; And I will turn my hand against those who are insignificant.”)

(Matthew 26.31: Then Jesus said to them: “All of you will be stumbled in connection with me on this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered about.’)

(Matthew 26.56: But all of this has taken place for the writings of the prophets to be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples abandoned him and fled.)

False witnesses testified against him

(Psalm 35.11: Malicious witnesses come forward, Asking me things I know nothing about.)

(Matthew 26.59-61: Now the chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death. But they found none, although many false witnesses came forward. Later two came forward and said: “This man said, ‘I am able to throw down the temple of God and build it up in three days.’”)

Silent before accusers

(Isaiah 53.7: He was oppressed and he let himself be afflicted, But he would not open his mouth. He was brought like a sheep to the slaughter, Like a ewe that is silent before its shearers, And he would not open his mouth.)

(Matthew 27.12-14: But while he was being accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him: “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” But he did not answer him, no, not a word, so that the governor was very surprised.)

Spat upon

(Isaiah 50.6: I offered my back to those striking me And my cheeks to those who plucked them bare. I did not hide my face from humiliating things and from spit.)

(Matthew 26.67: Then they spat in his face and hit him with their fists. Others slapped him on the face,)

(Matthew 27.27: Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s residence and gathered the whole body of troops together around him.)

(Matthew 27.30: And they spat on him and took the reed and began hitting him on his head.)

Struck on the head

(Micah 5.1: “Now you are slashing yourself, O daughter under attack; A siege is laid against us. With a rod they strike the judge of Israel on the cheek.)

(Mark 15.19: Also, they were hitting him on the head with a reed and spitting on him, and they got on their knees and bowed down to him.)

Flogged

(Isaiah 50.6: I offered my back to those striking me And my cheeks to those who plucked them bare. I did not hide my face from humiliating things and from spit.)

(John 19.1: Pilate then took Jesus and scourged him.)

Did not resist those who struck him

(Isaiah 50.6: I offered my back to those striking me And my cheeks to those who plucked them bare. I did not hide my face from humiliating things and from spit.)

(John 18.22, 23: After he said these things, one of the officers who was standing by gave Jesus a slap in the face and said: “Is that the way you answer the chief priest?” Jesus answered him: “If I said something wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said was right, why do you hit me?”)

Government leaders conspired against him

(Psalm 2.2: The kings of the earth take their stand And high officials gather together as one Against Jehovah and against his anointed one.)

(Luke 23.10-12: However, the chief priests and the scribes kept standing up and vehemently accusing him. Then Herod together with his soldiers treated him with contempt, and he mocked him by clothing him with a splendid garment and then sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends with each other on that very day, for before that they had been at enmity with each other.)

Nailed to a stake through his hands and feet

(Psalm 22.16: For dogs surround me; They close in on me like a pack of evildoers, Like a lion they are at my hands and feet.)

(Matthew 27.35: When they had nailed him to the stake, they distributed his outer garments by casting lots,)

(John 20.25: So the other disciples were telling him: “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them: “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and stick my finger into the print of the nails and stick my hand into his side, I will never believe it.”)

People cast lots (gambled) for his clothing

(Psalm 22.18: They divide my garments among themselves, And they cast lots for my clothing.)

(John 19.23, 24: Now when the soldiers had nailed Jesus to the stake, they took his outer garments and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier, and they also took the inner garment. But the inner garment was without a seam, being woven from top to bottom. So they said to one another: “Let us not tear it, but let us cast lots over it to decide whose it will be.” This was to fulfill the scripture: “They divided my garments among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing.” So the soldiers actually did these things.)

Counted in with sinners

(Isaiah 53.12: For that reason I will assign him a portion among the many, And he will apportion the spoil with the mighty, Because he poured out his life even to death And was counted among the transgressors; He carried the sin of many people, And he interceded for the transgressors.)

(Matthew 27.38: Then two robbers were put on stakes alongside him, one on his right and one on his left.)

Reviled, insulted

(Psalm 22.7, 8: All those seeing me mock me; They sneer and shake their heads in derision: “He entrusted himself to Jehovah. Let Him rescue him! Let Him save him, for he is so dear to Him!”)

(Matthew 27.39-43: And those passing by spoke abusively of him, shaking their heads and saying: “You who would throw down the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are a son of God, come down off the torture stake!” In the same way also, the chief priests with the scribes and the elders began mocking him, saying: “Others he saved; himself he cannot save! He is King of Israel; let him now come down off the torture stake, and we will believe in him. He has put his trust in God; let Him now rescue him if He wants him, for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’”)

Suffered for sinners

(Isaiah 53.5, 6: But he was pierced for our transgression; He was crushed for our errors. He bore the punishment for our peace, And because of his wounds we were healed. Like sheep we have all wandered about, Each has turned his own way, And Jehovah has caused the error of us all to meet up with him.)

(1 Peter 2.23-25: When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously. He himself bore our sins in his own body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live to righteousness. And “by his wounds you were healed.” For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls.)

Seemed forsaken by God

(Psalm 22.1: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you far from saving me, Far from my cries of anguish?)

(Mark 15.34: And at the ninth hour, Jesus called out with a loud voice: “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, when translated: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)

Given vinegar and gall to drink

(Psalm 69.21: But for food they gave me poison, And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.)

(Matthew 27.34: they gave him wine mixed with gall to drink; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.)

Thirsty just before death

(Psalm 22.15: My strength has dried up like a piece of pottery; My tongue sticks to my gums; You are bringing me down to the dust of death.)

(John 19.28, 29: After this, when Jesus knew that by now all things had been accomplished, in order to fulfill the scripture he said: “I am thirsty.” A jar was sitting there full of sour wine. So they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop stalk and held it up to his mouth.)

Entrusted spirit to God

(Psalm 31.5: Into your hand I entrust my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Jehovah, the God of truth.)

(Luke 23.46: And Jesus called out with a loud voice and said: “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” After he said this, he expired.)

Gave up his life

(Isaiah 53.12: For that reason I will assign him a portion among the many, And he will apportion the spoil with the mighty, Because he poured out his life even to death And was counted among the transgressors; He carried the sin of many people, And he interceded for the transgressors.)

(Mark 15.37: But Jesus let out a loud cry and expired.)

Provided the ransom to remove sin

(Isaiah 53.12: For that reason I will assign him a portion among the many, And he will apportion the spoil with the mighty, Because he poured out his life even to death And was counted among the transgressors; He carried the sin of many people, And he interceded for the transgressors.)

(Matthew 20.28: Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.”)

Bones not broken

(Psalm 34.20: He is guarding all his bones; Not one of them has been broken.)

(John 19.31-33: Since it was the day of Preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the torture stakes on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath day was a great one), the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and those of the other man who was on a stake alongside him. But on coming to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they did not break his legs.)

(John 19.36: In fact, these things took place for the scripture to be fulfilled: “Not a bone of his will be broken.”)

Pierced

(Zechariah 12.10: “I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of favor and supplication, and they will look to the one whom they pierced, and they will wail over him as they would wail over an only son; and they will grieve bitterly over him as they would grieve over a firstborn son.)

(John 19.33-35: But on coming to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers jabbed his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And the one who has seen it has given this witness, and his witness is true, and he knows that what he says is true, so that you also may believe.)

(John 19.37: And again, a different scripture says: “They will look to the one whom they pierced.”)

Buried with the rich

(Isaiah 53.9: And he was given a burial place with the wicked, And with the rich in his death, Although he had done no wrong And there was no deception in his mouth.)

(Matthew 27.57-60: Now as it was late in the afternoon, a rich man of Arimathea came, named Joseph, who had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man approached Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it up in clean, fine linen, and laid it in his new tomb, which he had quarried in the rock. And after rolling a big stone to the entrance of the tomb, he left.)

Raised from the dead

(Psalm 16.10: For you will not leave me in the Grave. You will not allow your loyal one to see the pit.)

(Acts 2.29-31: “Men, brothers, it is permissible to speak with freeness of speech to you about the family head David, that he died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that he would seat one of his offspring on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in the Grave nor did his flesh see corruption.)

Betrayer replaced

(Psalm 109.8: Let his days be few; His office of oversight let someone else take.)

(Acts 1.15-20: During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (the number of people was altogether about 120) and said: “Men, brothers, it was necessary for the scripture to be fulfilled that the holy spirit spoke prophetically through David about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he had been numbered among us and he obtained a share in this ministry. (This very man, therefore, purchased a field with the wages for unrighteousness, and falling headfirst, his body burst open and all his insides spilled out. This became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Akeldama, that is, “Field of Blood.”) For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his dwelling become desolate, and let there be no inhabitant in it’ and, ‘His office of oversight let someone else take.’)

Seated at God’s right hand

(Psalm 110.1: Jehovah declared to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand Until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”)

(Acts 2.34-36: For David did not ascend to the heavens, but he himself says, ‘Jehovah said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”’ Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for a certainty that God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you executed on a stake.”)

[End of article.]