Post by R' Y'hoshua Moshe on Mar 18, 2004 17:03:11 GMT -8
Here is an article that deals with the probability of Yeshua fulfilling the following Messianic prophecies found in the TeNaKh:
....[/color]
This article is written using some Messianic Hebrew terms: Jesus Christ, is rendered Yeshua Messiah, His Hebrew Name, in this article. The Name of the Holy One of Israel will be hyphenated so I may not offend my Jewish people. All the Scriptures used have a Messianic flavor to them.
Now to the question I have been asked many many times, "How does one respond to someone's claim that the Holy Bible is not inspired?" The answer is very clear, prove inspiration or at least, intelligently present evidence for its inspiration!
How does one start to answer this question?
One of the best ways to prove inspiration is by first examining prophecy. There are many religious books in the world that have many good things to say. But only the Holy Bible has fulfilled prophecies--with more fulfillments yet to come. The Bible has never been wrong in the past, and it won't be wrong in the future. It claims inspiration from G-d (2 Tim. 3:16). Since G-d is the creator of all things (Isaiah 44:24), then He is also the creator of time. It is under His control. Only G-d then would always be right about what is in the future, our future!
Fulfilled prophecy is strong evidence that G-d is the Author of the Scriptures because when you look at the mathematical odds of prophecy being fulfilled, you quickly see a design, a purpose, and a guiding hand behind the Holy Bible. If just one prophecy failed then we would know that G-d is not the true G-d, because the creator of all things, which includes time, would not be wrong about predicting the future. Deut 18:22 says, "If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the L-RD does not take place or come true, that is a message the L-RD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously" (NIV). Isaiah 46:9-10 says, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am G-d, and there is no other; I am G-d, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please."
One approach to use with an unbeliever is to turn to Psalm 22 and read verses 12-18. This is
a detailed description of the crucifixion--1000 years before Yeshua was born. After you read the
section ask him or her what it was about. They will say, "The crucifixion of Yeshua (Jesus)." Then respond with something like, "You're right. This is about the crucifixion. But it was written 1000 years before Yeshua was born. And on top of that, crucifixion hadn't even been invented yet. How do you think something like this could happen?" After a brief discussion, you could show him/her a few other prophecies like where Yeshua's birthplace was prophesied (Micah 5:2), that He would be born of a Jewish virgin (Isaiah 7:14), and that His side would be pierced as Zech. 12:10 tell us.
Let's look at some:
1. Born of the Seed of the Woman
Genesis 3:15, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring (seed) and her seed; he will crush your head (rosh), and you will strike his heel (restrain by mistake) ."
Matthew 1:20, "But after he had considered this, an angel of the L-rd appeared to him in a
dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Miryam home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."
2. Born of a Virgin
Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the L-rd himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child
and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (G-d with us)."
Matthew 1:18, 25, "This is how the birth of Yeshua Messiah came about: His mother Miryam...was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit... But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Yeshua (G-d Saves)."
3. Son of God
Psalm 2:7, "I will proclaim the decree of the L-RD: He said to me, "You are my Son today I have begotten thee."
Matthew 3:17, "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"
4. Seed of Abraham
Genesis 22:18, "and through your offspring (seed) Abraham, all the nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
Matthew 1:1, "This is the record of the genealogy of Yeshua Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:"
5. Son of Isaac
Genesis 21:12, "But G-d said to him, 'Do not be so distressed about the boy and your
maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring (seed) will be reckoned.'"
Luke 3:23-34, "Now Yeshua himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He
was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli (Mary's line)...the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,"
6. House of David
Jeremiah 23:5, "The days are coming, declares the L-RD, "when I will raise up to David a Righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land."
Luke 3:23-31, "Now Yeshua himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He
was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli...the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,"
7. Born at Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
Matthew 2:1, "After Yeshua was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi (Sages) from the east (Babylon) came to Jerusalem."
8. He shall be a Prophet
Deuteronomy 18:18, "I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put My Words in His mouth, and He will tell them everything I command Him."
Matthew 21:11 "The crowds answered, 'This is Yeshua, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.'"
9. He shall be a Priest
Psalm 110:4, "The L-RD has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'"
Hebrews 3:1, "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts
on Yeshua, the apostle and high priest whom we confess."
Hebrews 5:5-6, "So Messiah also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But G-d said to him, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.' And he says in another place, 'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'"
10. He shall be a King
Psalm 2:6, "I have installed My King on Zion, My holy hill."
Matthew 27:37, "Above Yeshua's head they placed the written charge against Him: THIS IS YESHUA, THE KING OF THE JEWS."
11. He shall judge
Isaiah 33:22, "For the L-RD is our judge, the L-RD is our lawgiver, the L-RD is our king; it is he who will save us."
John 5:30, "By Myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and My judgment is just, for I seek not to please Myself, but Him who sent Me."
12. He would be preceded by a Messenger
Isaiah 40:3, "A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for the L-RD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our G-d.'"
Matthew 3:1-2, "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'"
13. Rejected by His own people
Isaiah 53:3, "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not."
John 7:5, "For even his own brothers did not believe in him."
John 7:48, "Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?"
14. His side pierced
Zechariah 12:10, "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on Me, the Aleph and Tav, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one mourns for an only Son."
John 19:34, "...one of the soldiers pierced Yeshua's side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water."
15. Crucifixion
Psalm 22:1, 11-18, "For the director of music. To the tune of "The Doe of the Morning." A psalm of David. My G-d, my G-d, why have you forsaken me?...Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan. Dogs have
surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."
Luke 23:33, "When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him (Yeshua), along with the criminals -- one on His right, the other on His left."
John 19:33, "But when they came to Yeshua and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs."
John 19:23-24, "When the soldiers crucified Yeshua, they took his clothes, dividing them into
four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. Let's not tear it, they said to one another. 'Let's decide by lot who will get it.' This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, 'They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.' So this is what the soldiers did."
And there are many many more Scriptures
that Yeshua Messiah fulfilled, in His first coming!
Now to the question I have been asked many many times, "How does one respond to someone's claim that the Holy Bible is not inspired?" The answer is very clear, prove inspiration or at least, intelligently present evidence for its inspiration!
How does one start to answer this question?
One of the best ways to prove inspiration is by first examining prophecy. There are many religious books in the world that have many good things to say. But only the Holy Bible has fulfilled prophecies--with more fulfillments yet to come. The Bible has never been wrong in the past, and it won't be wrong in the future. It claims inspiration from G-d (2 Tim. 3:16). Since G-d is the creator of all things (Isaiah 44:24), then He is also the creator of time. It is under His control. Only G-d then would always be right about what is in the future, our future!
Fulfilled prophecy is strong evidence that G-d is the Author of the Scriptures because when you look at the mathematical odds of prophecy being fulfilled, you quickly see a design, a purpose, and a guiding hand behind the Holy Bible. If just one prophecy failed then we would know that G-d is not the true G-d, because the creator of all things, which includes time, would not be wrong about predicting the future. Deut 18:22 says, "If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the L-RD does not take place or come true, that is a message the L-RD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously" (NIV). Isaiah 46:9-10 says, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am G-d, and there is no other; I am G-d, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please."
One approach to use with an unbeliever is to turn to Psalm 22 and read verses 12-18. This is
a detailed description of the crucifixion--1000 years before Yeshua was born. After you read the
section ask him or her what it was about. They will say, "The crucifixion of Yeshua (Jesus)." Then respond with something like, "You're right. This is about the crucifixion. But it was written 1000 years before Yeshua was born. And on top of that, crucifixion hadn't even been invented yet. How do you think something like this could happen?" After a brief discussion, you could show him/her a few other prophecies like where Yeshua's birthplace was prophesied (Micah 5:2), that He would be born of a Jewish virgin (Isaiah 7:14), and that His side would be pierced as Zech. 12:10 tell us.
Let's look at some:
1. Born of the Seed of the Woman
Genesis 3:15, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring (seed) and her seed; he will crush your head (rosh), and you will strike his heel (restrain by mistake) ."
Matthew 1:20, "But after he had considered this, an angel of the L-rd appeared to him in a
dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Miryam home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."
2. Born of a Virgin
Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the L-rd himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child
and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (G-d with us)."
Matthew 1:18, 25, "This is how the birth of Yeshua Messiah came about: His mother Miryam...was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit... But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Yeshua (G-d Saves)."
3. Son of God
Psalm 2:7, "I will proclaim the decree of the L-RD: He said to me, "You are my Son today I have begotten thee."
Matthew 3:17, "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"
4. Seed of Abraham
Genesis 22:18, "and through your offspring (seed) Abraham, all the nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
Matthew 1:1, "This is the record of the genealogy of Yeshua Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:"
5. Son of Isaac
Genesis 21:12, "But G-d said to him, 'Do not be so distressed about the boy and your
maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring (seed) will be reckoned.'"
Luke 3:23-34, "Now Yeshua himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He
was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli (Mary's line)...the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,"
6. House of David
Jeremiah 23:5, "The days are coming, declares the L-RD, "when I will raise up to David a Righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land."
Luke 3:23-31, "Now Yeshua himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He
was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli...the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,"
7. Born at Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
Matthew 2:1, "After Yeshua was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi (Sages) from the east (Babylon) came to Jerusalem."
8. He shall be a Prophet
Deuteronomy 18:18, "I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put My Words in His mouth, and He will tell them everything I command Him."
Matthew 21:11 "The crowds answered, 'This is Yeshua, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.'"
9. He shall be a Priest
Psalm 110:4, "The L-RD has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'"
Hebrews 3:1, "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts
on Yeshua, the apostle and high priest whom we confess."
Hebrews 5:5-6, "So Messiah also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But G-d said to him, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.' And he says in another place, 'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'"
10. He shall be a King
Psalm 2:6, "I have installed My King on Zion, My holy hill."
Matthew 27:37, "Above Yeshua's head they placed the written charge against Him: THIS IS YESHUA, THE KING OF THE JEWS."
11. He shall judge
Isaiah 33:22, "For the L-RD is our judge, the L-RD is our lawgiver, the L-RD is our king; it is he who will save us."
John 5:30, "By Myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and My judgment is just, for I seek not to please Myself, but Him who sent Me."
12. He would be preceded by a Messenger
Isaiah 40:3, "A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for the L-RD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our G-d.'"
Matthew 3:1-2, "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'"
13. Rejected by His own people
Isaiah 53:3, "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not."
John 7:5, "For even his own brothers did not believe in him."
John 7:48, "Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?"
14. His side pierced
Zechariah 12:10, "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on Me, the Aleph and Tav, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one mourns for an only Son."
John 19:34, "...one of the soldiers pierced Yeshua's side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water."
15. Crucifixion
Psalm 22:1, 11-18, "For the director of music. To the tune of "The Doe of the Morning." A psalm of David. My G-d, my G-d, why have you forsaken me?...Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan. Dogs have
surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."
Luke 23:33, "When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him (Yeshua), along with the criminals -- one on His right, the other on His left."
John 19:33, "But when they came to Yeshua and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs."
John 19:23-24, "When the soldiers crucified Yeshua, they took his clothes, dividing them into
four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. Let's not tear it, they said to one another. 'Let's decide by lot who will get it.' This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, 'They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.' So this is what the soldiers did."
And there are many many more Scriptures
that Yeshua Messiah fulfilled, in His first coming!
Codes & More pages. Some of the information for this article was taken from a great book: "Evidence that Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell.
...Dies for the sins of the world... 1 Jn. 2:2
