Introduction:  Prophecy is one of the proofs of the divine inspiration of the scriptures (Deut. 18: 18-22, 2 Tim. 3: 16, 17). The Greek word propheteia (prophecy) "Signifies the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God (pro, forth, phemi, to speak…)" (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). "Messianic" pertains to the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Jn. 1: 41, 4: 25).  Hence, this study pertains to prophesies about Jesus.  We shall briefly consider prophecies pertaining to Jesus' birth, his life, and his death.

I. Prophecies regarding Jesus' birth

  A. There are a number of detailed prophecies regarding Jesus.   Many of these prophecies are such that no man would have made because of their unusual and unlikely nature.

   a. About 800 years prior to the Messiah's birth, it was prophesied that he would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5: 2).

   b. Jesus was born in the small town of Bethlehem (Matt. 2: 1-6).

   c. Another unusual prophecy was that the Messiah would be born of a virgin and would be Immanuel or God with us (Isa. 7: 14). This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus (Matt. 1: 20-25).

II. Prophecies regarding the life of the Messiah

  A. It was prophesied that one would precede Jesus to announce him (Isa. 40: 3, Mal. 3: 1).

  B. The trailblazer was John the Baptist (Matt. 3: 1-3).

  C. Jesus was to be anointed with the Holy Spirit and he was (Isa. 42: 1, Matt. 3: 16, 17).

  D. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be despised and rejected and Jesus was (Isa. 53: 3, Jn. 1: 11).

  E. Even though rejected of men, it was prophesied that God would be with him (Isa. 42: 1, Acts 10: 38).

III. Prophecies concerning the Messiah's betrayal, trials, crucifixion, and resurrection

  A. Matthew 27 contains a running commentary, if you will, of numerous prophecies regarding Jesus' betrayal, trials, and crucifixion (Matt. 27: 9; 14; 34, 35).

   a. Approximately sixteen prophecies were fulfilled in a 24-hour period. The climax being Jesus' resurrection from the grave (Ps. 16: 10, Jn. 20: 8, 9).