The prophecies point to Jesus as the Messiah
The weeks leading up to Christmas are so special as Christians celebrate the arrival of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah and King. I love the season of advent and the anticipation it brings.
But as a child, I never fully realized Jesus to be fulfillment of prophecy.
I remember the moment in church where, as a young adult, I made the connection that Jesus’ birth was prophesied by Isaiah in the Old Testament.
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14, NIV)
It was years later when I learned of all Isaiah’s incredible prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus.
A great light in Galilee
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2,NIV)
Describes the coming of the Messiah to bring light to spiritually dark places. Jesus began His ministry in Galilee, bringing hope and salvation. (Matthew 4:12–16)
A child and ruler
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV)
Foretells the Messiah’s divine nature, authority, and role as a bringer of peace. Jesus’ birth fulfilled this prophecy as the divine Son and Savior, who rules with justice and peace. (Luke 2:11, John 14:27)
From Jesse’s line
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1, NIV)
Proclaims the Messiah’s descent from David’s father Jesse and His righteous reign. Jesus, a descendant of David, is the righteous King who brings salvation. (Matthew 1:1–6)
Healing and miracles
“Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.” (Isaiah 35:5–6, NIV)
Predicts the Messiah’s miraculous healings as a sign of God’s kingdom. Jesus performed numerous miracles, healing the blind, deaf, and lame. (Matthew 11:4–6)
Rejected and despised
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” (Isaiah 53:3, NIV)
Describes the Messiah’s rejection and suffering at the hands of humanity. Jesus was rejected by His own people and endured suffering, fulfilling this prophecy. (John 1:11, Luke 23:18)
Bore our sins
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering… he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:4–5, NIV)
Foretells the Messiah bearing humanity’s sins and suffering in their place. Jesus’ crucifixion fulfilled this as He bore the punishment for humanity’s sins. (1 Peter 2:24)
Silent before accusers
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter.” (Isaiah 53:7, NIV)
Highlights the Messiah’s humility and willingness to suffer without defense. Jesus remained silent before His accusers during His trial, fulfilling this prophecy. (Matthew 27:12–14)
Death with the wicked
“He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:9, NIV)
Foresees the Messiah dying among sinners and being buried in a rich man’s tomb. Jesus was crucified between two criminals and buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man. (Matthew 27:57–60)
Light for the nations
“I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6, NIV)
Proclaims that the Messiah will bring salvation not just to Israel but to all nations. Jesus’ gospel and salvation have reached the whole world, fulfilling this prophecy. (Acts 13:47, John 8:12)
Jesus not only fulfilled all of the Isaiah’s prophecies, but many others throughout scripture as well.
In Genesis 12:3 NIV, God said “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
This is God’s promise to Abraham that through his descendants, a blessing will come to all nations. Jesus, a descendant of Abraham, brought salvation to all people, fulfilling the promise of universal blessing. (Galatians 3:8)
David prophesied in Psalm 16:10 NIV, “Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”
This prophecy speaks of God’s faithful servant not being abandoned to death or decay. Jesus was resurrected, overcoming death, and His body did not see decay. (Acts 2:31)
In Psalms 118:22, NIV, it is prophesied that “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
The verse predicts that someone rejected by people would become foundational to God’s work. Jesus, rejected by many, became the cornerstone of salvation for believers. (Matthew 21:42)
In Zechariah 9:9–11, NIV the prophet wrote, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!… See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.”
The prophecy describes a humble yet victorious king bringing salvation. Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling this prophecy and showing humility. (Matthew 21:1–5)
And then in Zechariah 12:10, NIV he wrote, “They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child…”
This verse predicts a future mourning over one who was pierced, hinting at the suffering of the Messiah. Jesus was pierced during His crucifixion, and people mourned His death. (John 19:34–37)
The prophecies — written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth — point to Him as the Messiah. Jesus’ coming was not random but part of God’s intentional design to rescue humanity from sin.
At Christmas, I love to celebrate Jesus’ coming with joy and gratitude, recognizing that His birth is the fulfillment of God’s love for us.