IS YESHUA THE MESSIAH?

A compilation of scriptures by Dan Beeson 18 November 2022

www.vigilantvaliant.com dan@vigilantvaliant.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS A MESSIAH?

WHY DOES HUMANKIND NEED A MESSIAH?

IS YESHUA THE MESSIAH?

VERSES SHOWING YESHUA FULLFILLING PROPHECIS OF THE MESSIAH

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE BORN IN BETHLEHEM

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE BORN OF A VIRGIN

THE MESSIAH'S BIRTH WOULD COINCIDE WITH THE LOSS OF CHILDREN

THE MESSIAH WOULD COME OUT OF EGYPT

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE FROM THE FAMILY OF ABRAHAM

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE FROM THE FAMILY OF JACOB

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE FROM THE FAMILY OF JUDAH

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE FROM THE FAMILY OF DAVID

THE MESSIAH WOULD SPEND TIME IN GALILEE

THE MESSIAH'S WAY WOULD BE PREPARED BY SOMEONE IN THE SPIRIT OF ELIJAH

THE MESSIAH WOULD PERFORM MIRACLES

THE MESSIAH WOULD SPEAK IN PARABLES

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE A PROPHET

THE MESSIAH WOULD PREACH THE GOSPEL (GOOD NEWS) TO THE POOR

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE THE GOOD SHEPHERD

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE THE SAVIOR OF ALL NATIONS OF THE WORLD

THE MESSIAH WOULD ENTER JERUSALEM SITTING ON A DONKEY

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE REJECTED BY THE RULERS

THE MESSIAH WAS BETRAYED FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER

THE MESSIAH WILL BE BEATEN, MOCKED, AND SPIT ON

THE MESSIAH’S GARMENTS WOULD BE DIVIDED BY CASTING LOTS

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE PIERCED

PROPHESY FULFILLMENTS BY YESHUA THAT ARE NOT CONCLUSIVE PROOFS

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE RESURRECTED WITHOUT SEEING CORRUPTION

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE OUR PASSOVER LAMB

PARALLELS OF YESHUA AND THE PASSOVER LAMB

BOTH YESHUA AND THE PASSOVER LAMB HAD NOT ONE BONE BROKEN

BOTH YESHUA AND THE PASSOVER LAMB WERE A SACRIFICE FOR OUR SIN

THE REVELATION OF JOHN THAT YESHUA IS THE MESSIAH OF YAHWEH

CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION

People who believe in a life after death, an afterlife, of course wonder if everyone goes into this afterlife, or only a few. "Will I be one of those who receive eternal life?" If so, do I have to do something to attain it? We wonder about God, and God's plan for humankind, but more specifically, for ourselves. Will I somehow be chosen to have an afterlife of happiness? If so, how? If only some are given this eternal life, how are they chosen?

It seems to me that it doesn't take long to come the conclusion that we aren't really good enough to be chosen. We need help. If we are going to be saved, we need a savior.

This Bible Study is to see what the Bible says about a savior for humankind. Does the Bible actually teach us that there IS a Savior? Does the Bible actually tell us WHO that Savior is?

If you have read the New Testament of the Christian Bible at all, you know it clearly and strongly states that Yeshua (Jesus in English) is our Savior, our Messiah.

Does the Old Testament also tell us this? Does the Old Testament prove that Yeshua is the Messiah?

I have compiled below scriptures I found on this topic. If you like it, if it seems to be thorough and accurate, my other Bible Studies may be found on www.vigilantvaliant.com .

If you wonder why I use The Living God's name, Yahweh, and Our Savior's name, Yeshua, please see my other Bible Study, "Does Jesus Want Christians to Obey the Ten Commandments" in the Appendix, in the section, "THE NAME OF GOD AND HIS MESSIAH" for a short explanation.

I use the King James Version (KJV) only because it was by far the main English translation during my life. While there are other good translations of the Bible, I am using the one I am familiar with, the KJV. Yes, it is old-fashioned English, but it can also be poetic and beautiful. So, all scriptures are quoted from the KJV Bible (King James Version), unless otherwise noted. All scriptures will be indented and in italics. All Bolding, Underlining, Italicizing, (parentheses), highlighting, and [brackets] are done by me for emphasis.

END OF INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS A MESSIAH?

We all know what a Savior is, but the word Messiah is not as common.

Let's look at the American Heritage Dictionary to see what a Messiah is.

https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=messiah

"Mes·si·ah (mĭ-sīə) noun

1. Also Mes·si·as (mĭ-sīəs) The anticipated savior of the Jews. Used with the.

2. Also Messias Christianity Jesus. Used with the.

3. Messiah One who is anticipated as, regarded as, or professes to be a savior or liberator."

From Strong's Concordance on StudyBible.info:

https://studybible.info/strongs/H4886

"Strong's Concordance

H4886 משׁח

משׁח

Transliteration: mashach

Phonetic Spelling: (maw-shakh')

A primitive root; to rub with oil, that is, to anoint; by implication to consecrate; also to paint."

So we are looking to see if the Bible tells us who The Savior, The Messiah is. Has He already come to Earth, to humankind? Is He coming sometime in the future?

What is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about the Messiah? What can be PROVED through the Bible?

WHY DOES HUMANKIND NEED A MESSIAH?

Where does this story, this saga, start? Let’s start at the beginning.

"1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." (Genesis 1:1-5)

"1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 20 And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. 22 And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 23 Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." (Genesis 3:1-24)

First Yahweh, The Living God, commands Adam and Eve to not eat of ONE tree out of a garden of hundreds of trees producing good food. Yahweh says if they eat that fruit, they will die. The serpent, the devil, told Eve they would NOT DIE. Eve, and then Adam, believed the serpent instead of God. They ate, and were thrown out of the Garden of Eden.

Note that Yahweh said the man has become like one of “US”. Adam was the first human created, then Eve. To whom was Yahweh referring when He said, “US?”

Does the word used really mean “US” plural?

I don’t know Hebrew or Greek, but there are times we want to know what the original language really said. Even the best translators are human, and have predilections, and strengths and weaknesses in their education. While I have read other Bible Studies in which writers denigrate people who use Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, it is clearly wise to use every tool at our disposal to get a correct understanding of the scripture, and Strong’s is one of those tools. It may be found on BibleHub.com at:

https://biblehub.com/strongs/genesis/1-1.htm

Another great Bible Study tool, again at BibleHub.com, is their Parallel Bible search, which gives you Twenty-Seven (27) translations of the Bible verse you search for, and at the bottom, you can load even more translations to compare.

https://biblehub.com/genesis/1-1.htm

But the tool that I love dearly is BibleHub.com’s Interlinear Bible. It can be found at:

https://biblehub.com/interlinear/genesis/1-1.htm

This wonderful tool has the Hebrew or Greek when appropriate, and the English for verses, to give even you and me an insight into the proper translation of the original languages.

Here is BibleHub.com’s Interlinear Bible on Genesis 3:22, so we can learn about the word translated “US”.

https://biblehub.com/interlinear/genesis/3-22.htm

Since Hebrew was written from right to left, read the English above from right to left. Note in line 2 above the third word from the right is “mimmennu”.

All 27 of the translations at https://biblehub.com/genesis/3-22.htm translate it as “of us” so that agreement is a good sign that this is correctly translated, and not a slip or twist of the scripture.

Some say Yahweh is talking to the angels in heaven here. Many Christians say Yahweh is talking to the Trinity here. Christians who do not believe in the Trinity believe God the Father, Yahweh, is speaking to God the Son, Yeshua.

The Jews strongly believe that Yahweh is ONE GOD, and think Christians that believe in a Trinity of Gods are breaking the very first commandment.

For the Jewish point of view, here is an excerpt from https://whatjewsbelieve.org/genesis-322/

"Genesis 3:22

And the Etrnl Gd said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the Etrnl Gd sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

ANALYSIS:

Just as we saw in Genesis 1:26, Christians see the use of a plural in relation to Gd, and assume that it means the trinity.

There is nothing in verse 22 that indicates that Gd was speaking to Himself or to a part of any trinity. There are other explanations of this verse that do not agree with the Christians’ interpretation that Gd was speaking to one or both of the other two in the trinity. For example, Gd could have been using what is called the ‘pluralis majestatis,’ the ‘majestic plural,’ or the ‘royal we.’ Many are familiar with the statement made by Queen Victoria in the early 1900s, ‘We are not amused,’ referring to herself. Again, even if this were a plural reference to Gd, it doesn’t have to mean three, it could mean three thousand. If the Hindus were to interpret these verses as referring to the multiplicity of Hindu gods, how could Christians claim that the Hindu interpretation was any less valid than their Christian interpretation?

There is a more obvious meaning to be found in the entire passage and in the simple meaning of the verses. Gd is speaking to someone who, like Gd, knows the difference between Good and Evil, and who, like Gd, is immortal. Just a few verses before Genesis 3:22, Gd had already created the angels, the hosts of heaven.

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. [Genesis 2:1]

From the Jewish perspective, in Genesis 3:22, Gd was speaking to the Heavenly Hosts, the angels. The angels, like Gd, are immortal, and, like Gd, they know the difference between Good and Evil. This is what the verses here are saying. Man, both Adam and Eve, have eaten of the fruit of The Tree Of The Knowledge Of The Difference Between Good And Evil, and therefore know the difference between Good and Evil. However, unlike Gd and the angels, Adam and Eve remain mortal. If they were to then eat from the Tree Of Life, they would become immortal, and so Gd separates them from the Tree Of Life by kicking them out of the Garden Of Eden, and then keeps them away from the Tree Of Life by placing Cherubims with flaming swords to guard the way to the Tree Of Life."

End of Excerpt.

The bottom line for me is, I don’t know. There are many different thoughts on this perplexing verse, and I see no overwhelming proof either way. It does appear that no one questions that it is plural. To whom Yahweh is speaking can not be proven from scriptures, to the best of my knowledge.

Also in Genesis 3:22, Yahweh says the seed of the woman, her descendents, would bruise the devil’s head. Very interestingly, note also that God says the seed of the devil, the devil’s descendents, or one of his descendents would bruise the heel of the descendent of Adam and Eve. So is Genesis 3:15 referring to the Messiah and the devil, or to humankind in general and demons in general?

An interesting study on this was done by Jack Collins.

https://www.goodsoil.com/docs/resources-files/Seed_of_Woman_-_Singular.pdf

“A SYNTACTICAL NOTE (GENESIS 3:15): IS THE WOMAN’S SEED SINGULAR OR PLURAL?”

It seems the final analysis is that most scholars think it is a singular "seed", a particular person. This allows us to have a foundation on which to think this is a prophecy of the Messiah. But, as is way too often the case, this can not be definitively proven.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary shows that even in English today, “SEED” is either singular or plural.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seed

"seed noun

\ ˈsēd \

plural seed or seeds"

"4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (Galatians 4:4-7)

Many of the scriptures we are looking at can have the meaning turn on one word. There is much debate between Christian scholars, and between Christianity and Judaism over these verses, and the outcome of the debate often hangs on one word. We will just do the best we can do at examining what evidence we can find, and pray heavily over our decision on the meaning of the scriptures.

So humankind had one commandment, sinned, and needs a savior. Does the Bible tell us who He is?

IS YESHUA THE MESSIAH?

You may know of someone who claimed to be the savior of humankind. But where are they today? In Christianity and Judaism, the major theme of both of these religions is that humankind sinned, and needs redemption. We NEED a Savior.

Judaism is still waiting for the Messiah to appear. Christianity thinks He did appear, as Yeshua. Does the Bible support this? Does the Bible teach that Yeshua (Jesus in English) is the Messiah?

VERSES SHOWING YESHUA FULLFILLING PROPHECIS OF THE MESSIAH

Note that Yeshua Himself said that the Messiah had to fulfill what the prophets had written about Him in the verses below, after His resurrection, Yeshua Himself joined them in their conversations. Yeshua said to them, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all the prophets have spoken.” May you and I guard our hearts and minds to NOT be “slow of heart to believe.”

"13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. 17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? 18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? 19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people. 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. 22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; 23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. 24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. 25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:13-27)

In the following verses, Philip The Apostle confirms that Yeshua is the Messiah Moses and the prophets wrote about. In the same set of verses, Nathanael the Apostle confirms Yeshua was the Son of God. In case you are wondering who Nathanael is, here is a short quote from an interesting article. From https://www.compellingtruth.org/Nathanael-in-the-Bible.html

“Who was Nathanael in the Bible?”

“Nathanael was one of Jesus' twelve disciples. He is only called Nathanael in the Gospel of John and is identified as Bartholomew in the rest of Scripture. Nathanael means "God has given" in Hebrew; Bartholomew describes him as the "son of Tolmai" and was probably his last name. So he was Nathanael son of Tolmai, or Nathanael Bar-Tolmei. He was from Cana in Galilee and a friend of fellow disciple Philip.”

"43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these. 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." (John 1:43-51)

One of the ways to test if Yeshua is the Messiah of Yahweh is to examine prophecies about the Messiah that Yeshua fulfilled. Be aware that even that does not mean much to the Jews. How can that be?

From the Jewish Herald-Voice there is a story that explains how Jews view the fulfilling of many prophecies by Yeshua.

https://jhvonline.com/the-perfect-story-its-about-where-you-draw-the-target-p10650-147.htm

"The story is about a prince who becomes a master archer. The prince excels to such a point that he believes he’s the finest archer in the world. On his journey homeward, the prince stops in a small town to get something to drink. Across from the tavern, the prince sees a barn with painted targets along the entire side of the barn. And, there is a single arrow, dead center in every target on the barn.

How could such a master archer be living in this small town? Finally, the prince sees this young boy and asks him. “It was me,” says the boy. “Show me,” demands the prince.

They stand. The boy takes aim. The boy hits the side of the barn, far away from any of the targets. Then, the boy runs into the barn. He emerges with a brush and a can of paint. He paints a solid circle around the arrow he has just shot, then two more circles to form a target."

So you see, anyone can come and fulfill many of the prophecies about the Messiah. Thank God, they can not fulfill them ALL. The town you are born in is not your choice, though you can either hack the public records and change that, or the parents can decide to set their son up as the messiah, and move to Bethlehem, where The Messiah is prophesied to be born. Doing the miracles is harder, but can be faked, and again the public record can be hacked.

Our quest is to find the preponderance of the truth. At some point, we hope to be able to make a decision, based on the best knowledge available to us.

Many of the verses below were found thanks to a wonderful article by Bill Bratt:

https://icogsfg.org/jcmessot.html

“Proving Jesus is the Messiah from the Old Testament“

You might be familiar with "Jews for Jesus," an organization of Messianic Jews.

There is a counter organization "Jews for Judaism."

Their article "Christian Proof-Texting" by Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz can be found here:

https://jewsforjudaism.org/knowledge/articles/christian-proof-texting/

This is an article COUNTERING Christian concepts about prophecies about the Messiah.

Interestingly, this very article uses the concept of the archer story above to describe what they say the New Testament writers did to try to prove the Messiahship of Yeshua. Shoot the arrow first, and then draw the target around it.

It also accuses Christian New Testament writers, and later translators of taking verses out of context.

All Bible students know that "A text, out of context, is a pretext."

To give you the tone of the article, Rabbi Kravitz says, "Closer scrutiny, however, reveals a great conspiracy and tampering of the evidence. Not one verse from Tanach proves the Messiahship of Jesus."

His attitude is not surprising, as if even one scripture, in his eyes, DID prove the Messiahship of Yeshua, he would become a Christian.

So taking Rabbi Kravitz as an honest Jewish scholar, giving his truthful analysis of the Hebrew Scriptures, it is totally necessary for seekers of the truth to evaluate all evidence for and against their beliefs. We are trying to find the truth, and build our beliefs on the truth.

It is not unheard of that some well meaning Christian preacher has put a little too much "spin" on a verse, to try to manufacture proof of some doctrine.

This is a search for "The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth," no matter where that leads.

So let’s look at Bible verses showing Yeshua fulfilling prophecies of the Messiah.

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE BORN IN BETHLEHEM

Micah says a lot in one verse, Micah 5:2. First that the future ruler of Israel whose “goings forth” have been from before time started (from everlasting). Many translations say “origin” or “origins” from the distant past.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2)

Matthew and Luke say Yeshua was born in Bethlehem.

"1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1-2)

"1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:4-7)

      THE MESSIAH WOULD BE BORN OF A VIRGIN

Isaiah said a virgin would conceive, and name her son Immanuel.

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

“26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:26-35)

“18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus." (Matthew 1:18-25)

Isaiah 7:14 is a major battleground between Jews and Christians. Christian translations use the word “virgin” meaning a woman who has not had sex. This makes the birth a major miracle, and a strong proof of Yeshua as the Messiah. But Jews say the word used is “almah” and this just means “young woman”. They also point out that there is a Hebrew word that for a sexually pure woman, and that is “bethulah (or Betulah).” They say if Isaiah meant a sexually pure woman, he would have used that word, bethulah, instead.

In defense of the meaning supporting the miracle, Christians point out that the Septuagint, the Hebrew Old Testament translated by 72 HEBREW SCHOLARS into Greek, used the unequivocal Greek word “parthenos” which definitely means a woman who has not had sex. This supports the amazing miracle of the Virgin Birth of Yeshua.

Some Jews counter that the Septuagint wasn’t finished being translated until the first century A.D. and the translators were influenced by Christians to use the Greek word “parthenos.”

This particular rabbit hole seemed worth the journey, so I jumped headfirst into researching the date of the completion of the translation of the Septuagint, in particular, Isaiah 7:14. Yikes! A rabbit hole it was! While tumbling down, I landed on a great article that let me put the topic to rest.

https://www.bible.ca/manuscripts/Septuagint-LXX-Greek-Bible-entire-Tanakh-39-books-translated-complete-by-150BC.htm

“10 Archeological proofs the Septuagint Tanakh was translated by Jews before 150 BC”

This article comes to the conclusion that “There are at least 10 archeological proofs that all 39 books of the Old Testament were translated into Greek (Septuagint) before 150 BC as early as 250 BC.”

This is very good news for Christians, as it puts our faith in the virgin birth of the Messiah on a very firm biblical and historical foundation.

THE MESSIAH'S BIRTH WOULD COINCIDE WITH THE LOSS OF CHILDREN

Personally I see no scripture making the connection of the slaughter of the innocents being a Messianic Prophecy, but Matthew does and states it as a fulfillment of prophecy. First, “Rahel” is “Rachel” in almost all other translations. Rachel was the second wife of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. She is the mother of Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son. Genesis 35:18-20 says Rachel was traveling from Ramah to Bethlehem when she died. So leaving Ramah, heading to Bethlehem, where the children were slaughtered, Rachel wept for her children who were to be slaughtered in the future. To me, this is a stretch. But it is presented here as one prophesy fulfillment that many accept, perhaps on the word of Matthew the Apostle.

"Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not." (Jeremiah 31:15)

"1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. 13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." (Matthew 2:1-18)

When an Apostle of Yeshua out and out states that something is a fulfillment of a prophecy, I think it is wise to consider this thoroughly. They were much temporally nearer to Yeshua than we are today, and heard ALL of His words, all of His council, all of His guidance. They were able to ask Him questions and get direct answers. Also, this temporal connection makes them thoroughly familiar with the customs of the times, as it was THEIR times, the days they were living through. Also, they were Jews, Israelites, knowing their customs and the age old understandings of the meanings of their scriptures. And even more importantly, they were experts in their own language of their own time (compared to modern scholars). Modern Hebrew experts may be very knowledgeable, but the language spoken 2022 years ago has changed through these intervening years. Nuances in the wording, easily understood by the Apostles, could easily be missed by Hebrew speakers today.

So when Matthew ties this fact in Yeshua’s life to the fulfillment of a scripture prophecy, it seems wise to give that idea great credence. Some will say they were biased by their faith in Yeshua. Well, yes. Sure. But does that mean they are liars, does that mean they would loosely handle the scriptures they revered, twist the scripture on purpose? Of course opponents to the Messiahship of Yeshua would say yes. But what would an honest evaluation be?

If you think the Apostles are out and out lying about things, the Bible will be of no use to you. And since the Bible is our only written source of the actual words of Yeshua, you will be losing the main source of knowledge about God.

You need to make your mind up. Are the Apostles out and out liars? If not, then we need to value what they say.

      THE MESSIAH WOULD COME OUT OF EGYPT

Hosea prophesied the Messiah would come out of Egypt.

11 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." (Hosea 11:1)

And Matthew records that Yeshua did indeed come up out of Egypt.

" 13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son." (Matthew 2:13-15)

Some modern Jewish scholars today would say that this scripture is not referring to the Messiah, because it is clearly talking about “Israel”. Well, yes. That is clear. Yet in many scriptures, even modern Jewish scholars themselves point out that a scripture can point to two different persons, or two different times, and have double meanings. For example, Yeshua states outright that the story of Jonah applied to Christ Himself, as the greatest sign to the Hebrews of His Messiahship.

Verifying the commonness of purposeful double meanings in a scripture, Matthew points out that this is in fact a prophecy of the Messiah, fulfilled by Yeshua.

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE FROM THE FAMILY OF ABRAHAM

No one questions that all the families and nations of the earth shall be blessed by the Messiah. Some say these following two verses are referring the Messiah being the source of this blessing. If it is NOT through the Messiah, how is Israel going to bless all nations of the Earth? You must decide for yourself.

"And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." (Genesis 12:3)

"18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?" (Genesis 18:18)

Luke, Matthew, and Paul confirm in the New Testament that Yeshua was the descendent of Abraham.

"23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, 24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, 25 Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, 26 Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, 27 Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri, 28 Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er, 29 Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, 30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim, 31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, 32 Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson, 33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda, 34 Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor," (Luke 3:23-34)

"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." (Matthew 1:1)

"25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” (Acts 3:25–26).

"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." (Galatians 3:16)

So IF Genesis 12:12 and Genesis 18:18 are Messianic, then Yeshua does fulfill these prophecies.

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE FROM THE FAMILY OF JACOB

When Balak, king of Moab, asked Balaam, the prophet of God, to curse the Children of Israel, Balaam blessed them instead, as shown below, but only after rebelling against God in the famous talking donkey incident. In his blessing, he prophesized that “star”, a king would come from the family of Jacob.

"15 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: 16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: 17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. 18 And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. 19 Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city." (Numbers 24:15-19)

This again, as with many scriptures, has a soon to occur fulfillment, but also a distant future fulfillment.

Matthew the Apostle gives the lineage of Yeshua as being through the family of Jacob. Matthew’s statement is short and to the point. Almost all other translations use “Judah” here instead of “Judas”.

"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren." (Matthew 1:1-2)

The angel Gabriel told Mary that Yeshua would reign over the house of Jacob for ever.

“30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:30-35)

The angel Gabriel told Mary directly that Yeshua (Jesus in English) would reign over the house of Jacob forever. If you trust the Bible at all, this is directly from the mouth of an important angel of Yahweh in the Bible.

      THE MESSIAH WOULD BE FROM THE FAMILY OF JUDAH

Jacob (Whose name was changed to Israel) called his sons together and told them what their futures would be.

"1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. 2 Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father." (Genesis 49:1-2)

"8 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. 9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? 10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. 11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: 12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk." (Genesis 49:8-12)

Shiloh is a town in Samaria, a home to the Children of Israel before the time of their Kings, when they were ruled by Judges. It means “peaceful” and hosted the Ark of The Covenant in the days of Joshua, to the time of Samuel. It is considered by a number of commentaries to be a reference to The Prince of Peace, The Messiah. Therefore, this verse would mean until the Messiah comes. The point here would be that the Messiah is of the family of Judah.

The New Testament writers Matthew, Luke, and Paul confirmed this.

"1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;" (Matthew 1:1-2)

"23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, 24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, 25 Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, 26 Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, 27 Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri, 28 Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er, 29 Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, 30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim, 31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, 32 Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson, 33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda, 34 Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor," (Luke 3:23-34)

"For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood." (Hebrews 7:14)

      THE MESSIAH WOULD BE FROM THE FAMILY OF DAVID

Isaiah, Samuel, and Psalms say the Messiah is of the seed (family) of David. Jesse was the father of David, so when it says Yeshua was of the family of Jesse, which means from ONE of Jesse’s seven sons. Saying He was from the house of David is more precise.

12 And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse, 13 And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third, 14 Nethaneel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, 15 Ozem the sixth, David the seventh: 16 Whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail" (1 Chronicles 2:12-16a)

"1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. 6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. 10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious." (Isaiah 11:1-10)

"6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)

In the following, Yahweh is talking to King David through His prophet Nathan.

"12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: 15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever."' (2 Samuel 7:12-16)

"3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, 4 Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.'" (Psalms 89:3-4)

Note that in the Psalm below, Yahweh has a condition on the blessing. IF they keep the covenant and testimony of Yahweh, THEN He will keep King David’s descendents on the throne of Israel forever.

"10 For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed. 11 The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. 12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore. 13 For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. 14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it." (Psalms 132:10-14)

In the New Testament, Matthew and Luke confirm that Yeshua is of the family of King David.

"1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; 4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; 5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; 6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;" (Matthew 1:1-6)

"26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:26-33)

While there may be hundreds of thousands Jews today who are from the family of King David, they would also have to fulfill all the other scripture prophecies to make claim to be the Messiah. It is not the fulfilling of ONE scripture prophecy that proves Messiahship. You and I could travel to Egypt, and then travel up to Jerusalem in Israel, and say we fulfilled the prophecy of “out of Egypt”. That is one out of possibly hundreds of prophecies. Alone, it proves nothing. But it adds to the dozens (some say over 300) prophesies of the Messiah fulfilled by Yeshua.

      THE MESSIAH WOULD SPEND TIME IN GALILEE

Isaiah prophesied that "a great light", possibly meaning the Messiah spent time in Galilee.

"1 Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:1–2).

Matthew records that Yeshua did indeed spend time in Galilee.

"12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; 13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:12–17).

We see from Luke that Gabriel the angel in fact gave his message to Mary in Galilee

"26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus." (Luke 1:26-31)

"1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:4-7)

THE MESSIAH'S WAY WOULD BE PREPARED BY SOMEONE IN THE SPIRIT OF ELIJAH

"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3:1)

"4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." (Malachi 4:4–6).

"1Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. 3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 40:1-5)

The birth of John the Baptist is an interesting story.

Zacharias was a priest in the temple of Yahweh, and an angel appeared to him and told him he would bear a son, in his old age, who would be great in the sight of God.

"11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. 20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season." (Luke 1:11-20)

So Zacharias was struck dumb because he didn’t really believe that at his and his wife’s ages they could have a baby. Nine months later, after the child’s birth, when asked what the child’s name would be, he now believed and said, ”John.”

"57 Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. 61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. 62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. 64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. 65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. 66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. 67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; 70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. 80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel." (Luke 1:57-80)

Yeshua tells the people how great John the Baptist is, and that John has come in the spirit of Elijah.

“7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Matthew 11:7–15).

Yeshua clarified this to His Apostles, that John the Baptist was the one who would come in the spirit and power of Elijah, that would prepare the way for the Christ, the Messiah.

'10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? 11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. 12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. 13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist." (Matthew 17:10-13)

"24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. 26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. 27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:24-28)

Finally, the beginning of the Gospel of John tells the whole story.

"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! " (John 1:1-36)

So we see that John the Baptist, in the Spirit of Elijah, paved the way for Yeshua, in fulfillment of the prophecies of Malachi and Isaiah.

      THE MESSIAH WOULD PERFORM MIRACLES

Isaiah said the Messiah would perform miracles.

"5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert." (Isaiah 35:5-6)

Matthew, Luke, and John record that Yeshua performed many miracles. Note the first scripture below shows that the leaders of Israel ABSOLUTELY KNEW that Yeshua was working many signs. They called His miracles signs. Signs of what? They were signs that He was the Messiah.

"Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs." (John 11:47)

“30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: 31 Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:30-31)

"22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.." (Acts 2:22-24)

An interesting article was written about the miracles of Yeshua by Zack Mason, "The Four Miracles of the Messiah."

https://zackmason.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/the-four-miracles-of-the-messiah/

"Thousands of years ago, some rabbis were apparently able to replicate some of the miracles performed by Old Testament prophets. However, there were certain things no rabbi seemed able to do. Thus, rabbis commonly taught the Jewish people that there were four miracles only the Messiah Himself would be able to do.

They were: 1.) Healing a leper (because it was said that leprosy was caused by sin), 2.) Healing someone who was mute because of a demon (because rabbis had to know the name of a demon to cast it out), 3.) Healing someone who was born blind (because blindness at birth was believed to be caused by a curse of God), and 4.) Raising someone from the dead after 4 days (because rabbis taught that a soul lingered around a body for 3 days after death but no longer than that – now you know why Jesus waited 4 days to raise Lazarus).

Of course, Jesus did all of these miracles and more – miracles that no other prophet or rabbi could ever do. By doing these four miracles, Jesus was intentionally proving to the people and the religious establishment that He was the Messiah. Thus, every time He did one of them, we see the people responding with praise and fear and questions about whether Jesus is in fact the Son of David."

Another article about the Four Messianic Miracles was written by Victoria Radin’

http://www.haderekministries.com/index.php/articles/62-old-testament-new-testament-typology/164-the-four-messianic-miracles

"In Jewish belief[1], there were four physical conditions in mankind that could only be corrected by G-d Himself. It was believed that when G-d would send His Messiah, the SIGN that would prove to the Pharisees who He was would be the performance of four specific miracles. They are known as the four Messianic Miracles:

1. Cleansing a Leper

2. Casting out a Deaf and Dumb Spirit

3. The Healing of Birth Defects

4. Raising the Dead after three days (i.e. the fourth day)"

Yeshua KNEW what the rulers were looking for, and did all they required perfectly, to prove who He is. When John the Baptist sent his disciples to Yeshua to ask if He was indeed the Messiah, Yeshua responded by pointing out the four Messianic Miracles. He was saying, your leaders are watching for these particular signs, and I have preformed these particular signs, YES, I am the Messiah! How much greater was their sin, when they KNEW who He was, and rejected Him anyway, to keep their power and position. How much greater is humankind’s sin, when they have seen who Yeshua is, and reject Him anyway.

""1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." (Matthew 11:1-6)

            THE MESSIAH WOULD SPEAK IN PARABLES

Yahweh told Isaiah to tell the people His message, but let them know that though they hear, they do not understand, and though they see, they do not believe. The rest of this verse selection sounds at first like God is doing that on purpose, hiding it from them. But to be consistent with His character and spoken desire that ALL should be saved, He is telling them outright, you are not listening! Turn and be saved.

9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed." (Isaiah 6:9-10)

Matthew tells us this behavior of Yeshua is what Isaiah was talking about.

"13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." (Matthew 13:13–15)

Again Matthew tells us clearly that this was a fulfillment of scriptural prophecy.

The Psalmist says the Messiah would speak in parables.

"1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:" (Psalm 78:1–2)

Matthew points out this exact scripture being fulfilled by Yeshua.

"34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 13:34-35)

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE A PROPHET

Moses told the children of Israel Yahweh would raise up a prophet like Moses himself.

"15 The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 16 According to all that thou desiredst of the Lord thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. 17 And the Lord said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him." (Deuteronomy 18:15-19)

Peter tells the Israelites Yeshua was this prophet.

"12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. 16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. 17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.'"(Acts 3:12-26)

"35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. 36 He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. 37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. 38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: 39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, 40 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.'" (Acts 7:35-41)

THE MESSIAH WOULD PREACH THE GOSPEL (GOOD NEWS) TO THE POOR

The word "gospel" is used 98 times in the Bible, all in New Testament. To get a good definition of what this word means, we turn again to the American Heritage Dictionary.

https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=Gospel

"Gospel: noun

1. Often Gospel The proclamation of the redemption preached by Jesus and the Apostles, which is the central content of Christian revelation.

2. a. Gospel Bible One of the first four New Testament books, describing the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and recording his teaching.”

“[Middle English, from Old English gōdspel (ultimately translation of Greek euangelion) : gōd, good; see GOOD + spel, news.]"

So we see the gospel is the Good News that Yeshua and His disciples preached. Because the Bible books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John focus on the life and preaching of Yeshua, they are called the Four Gospels. The Messiah was prophesied by Isaiah to preach good news, the good tidings, to the normal people, the poor people.

"1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Yeshua used that exact verse to prove to the Isrealites that He was indeed the Messiah.

"14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:14-21)

In the scripture above, Yeshua Himself declared this to be a fulfillment of scripture prophecy.

      THE MESSIAH WOULD BE THE GOOD SHEPHERD

In this most famous of many verses, King David praises his Heavenly Father, Yahweh, by paralleling God to a Good Shepherd.

"1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." (Psalm 23:1-6)

Then Isaiah tells how the Lord God Himself will come and be a Good Shepherd.

"10 Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah 40:10-11)

I tried to trim this verse selection down, but was just unable to do so. It is so touching as the Lord God Yahweh has great mercy on His people, His sheep. That is our Loving God! First, He admonishes the bad shepherds for what they have done, and not done. Here is the entire chapter of Ezekiel 34.

" 1 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. 4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. 5 And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. 6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. 7 Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; 8 As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; 9 Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; 10 Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them." (Ezekiel 34:1-10)

Then Yahweh Himself tells the bad shepherds, and everyone who will listen, how He Himself will be the Good Shepherd. He did this through the Messiah.

11 For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment. (Ezekiel 34:11-16)

But Yahweh has words of warning for His flock also, who preyed on the weak of their own flock.

17 And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats. 18 Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? And to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? 19 And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet. 20 Therefore thus saith the Lord God unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle. 21 Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad; 22 Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle. (Ezekiel 34:17-22)

And He talks of a new way, and His servant, David, which seems to be a double entendre' to Yeshua, also, for He says You are MY flock.

23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. 24 And I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the Lord have spoken it. 25 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. 26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. 27 And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them. 28 And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid. 29 And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. 30 Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord God. 31 And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God." (Ezekiel 34:23-31)

Yeshua declared Himself to be the Good Shepherd of the family of King David.

"1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. 6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. 7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."(John 10:1-16)

Yeshua identified Himself not only as the Good Shepherd, but also as the Christ, the Messiah, both of which laid down their lives to save others. A key verse is repeated from above

"14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. 19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. 20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? 21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? 22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (John 10:14-29)

In John 10:25 above, Yeshua declares that He IS the Christ, the Messiah, and that He told the people of that day that He was, but most did not believe Him.

"7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones." (Zechariah 13:7)

"30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. 31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. 33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. 34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." (Matthew 26:30-35)

The scattering of the disciples spread the faith in Yeshua, the church, into the places they fled to.

Finally, Yeshua confirms He is the Good Shepherd by giving final instructions to Peter to feed His sheep.

"12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? Knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." (John 21:12-17)

Peter had previously denied Yeshua three times. Perhaps this was asked three times to cover the three denials. Herewith Yeshua clearly declared Himself to be The Good Shepherd, and the Messiah.

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE THE SAVIOR OF ALL NATIONS OF THE WORLD

Isaiah says the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles, which means all non-Jewish people.

"1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. 6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. 10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious." (Isaiah 11:1-10)

"1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. 2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. 4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. 5 Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: 6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; 7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. 8 I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. 9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." (Isaiah 42:1-9)

A number of New Testament writers confirm that Yeshua started with the Israelites first, but when He had been rejected by them, through their leaders, He opened His invitation to eternal life to everyone. Yeshua told His apostles to go into ALL the world with the gospel.

"16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

"12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. 14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, 15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. 16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. 17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. 18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? Behold, the world is gone after him. 20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.'" (John 12:18–21).

Yeshua’s answer when asked about letting the Greeks see Him, seems to be, “Yes, the time has come, for everyone to know the Messiah has come.

"14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. 15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; 16 And charged them that they should not make him known: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. 19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. 21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust." (Matthew 12:14–21).

John says Yeshua came so that ALL MEN might believe. But the world, by and large, rejected Him, like the Jewish leaders did.

"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-14)

"15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? That we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:15-29)

"1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (1 John 2:1-6)

"13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 5 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:13-16)

"39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. 40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his own word; 42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” (John 4:39-42)

      THE MESSIAH WOULD ENTER JERUSALEM SITTING ON A DONKEY

Zechariah says the King of Jerusalem would come to Jerusalem riding on a donkey (old English, ass).

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." (Zechariah 9:9)

The Apostle Matthew who wrote The Gospel of Matthew, and the Apostle John the Revelator, who wrote The Gospel of John, and The Book of Revelation, and Mark (John Mark) who wrote The Gospel of Mark, all tell us that Yeshua did indeed ride into Jerusalem on a donkey.

"1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. 3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. 4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. 6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. 10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?" (Matthew 21:1-10)

"1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, 2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. 3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? Say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. 4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. 5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? 6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. 8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: 10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. 1 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve." (Mark 11:1-11)

10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; 11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. 12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. 14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, 15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. 16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. (John 12:10-16)

Luke, the writer of The Gospel of Luke, is saved for last, because he gives a more detailed presentation of Yeshua’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

"28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, 30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. 31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? Thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. 32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. 33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? 34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him. 35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. 36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. 37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. 39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. 40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. 41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, 42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes. 43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, 44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. 45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; 46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. 47 And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, 48 And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him." (Luke 19:28-48)

Note that Luke also points out, in Luke 19:42-44, the answer to the question, “Why didn’t more Israelites believe Yeshua was the promised Messiah. They had turned from their God, Yahweh, and did not believe Him, so He allowed this realization to be hidden from them. Not in meanness, like “Ha Ha, I tricked you.” But in frustration, as in “I have told you a hundred times in a hundred ways. If you still don’t believe, I won’t force you.” Many, those who truly sought God, did see, and did believe. That is why the Pharisees were worried they would lose their power and position. Many others followed the religious rulers of their day. THINK ON THAT! What are YOU doing today? Are you doing what the Bible says, or what your religious leaders tell you to do?

If you think you are being intellectually independent and honest, show me ONE SCRIPTURE that says Yahweh or Yeshua, The Lord of the Sabbath, changed the Sabbath Day from Saturday, Yahweh’s Holy Day, to Sunday, the day for worship of the false Sun god.

If you think the Bible says to worship God on Sunday, please see my Bible Study, “Does Jesus Want Christians to Keep the Sabbath Day”. All my Bible Studies can be found at www.vigilantvaliant.com .

A very interesting study can be found here:

https://www.the-ten-commandments.org/origin_of_babylon_sun_worship.html

      THE MESSIAH WOULD BE REJECTED BY THE RULERS

Isaiah said the Messiah would be rejected “of men”. This wouldn’t be mentioned if it was just a few men. It must have been many, or even the majority of men, and that is likely with the rulers leading them in that conclusion.

"1 Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:1–5)

"The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." (Psalms 118:22)

"42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder." (Matthew 21:42-44)

Luke makes it clear the chief priests and the rulers rejected Yeshua and called for His death.

"13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: 15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. 16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him. 17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) 18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: 19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) 20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. 21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. 22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. 23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed." (Luke 23:13-23)

Paul also preached to the Isrealites that their leaders condemned the Messiah.

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: 24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. 26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain." (Acts 13:22-28)

THE MESSIAH WAS BETRAYED FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER

The Prophet Zechariah said the Messiah would be sold for 30 pieces of silver. It takes a little thought to follow this, but God said He is breaking His covenant with Israel, and breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. Note that the words of Matthew are not identical to the words of Zechariah, which to me is no big deal. BUT note also that Matthew attributes these words to Jeremiah the Prophet instead of Zechariah. A discussion on this by Omar Flores is found at

https://www.christianity.enterprises/2020/02/did-jeremiah-prophecy-about-jesus-being.html

It is sufficient for me that Matthew had no doubt that these words were from the existing Hebrew Scriptures at the time, and referred to the Messiah.

"8 Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul loathed them, and their soul also abhorred me. 9 Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another. 10 And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people. 11 And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the Lord. 12 And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. 13 And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord. 14 Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel." (Zechariah 11:8-14)

Matthew records that this is exactly what happened with Yeshua being betrayed by Judas Iscariot for 30 pieces of silver.

"14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him." (Matthew 26:14–16)

"3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? See thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. 9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; 10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me." (Matthew 27:3–10)

It may be of interest that 30 pieces (or shekels) of silver was the price of a slave that had been gored.

28 If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. 29 But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death. 30 If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. 31 Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him. 32 If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned." (Exodus 21:28-32)

THE MESSIAH WILL BE BEATEN, MOCKED, AND SPIT ON

Isaiah gives us the words of Yahweh to His people, the Children of Israel. He tells them He did not leave them, but they sold themselves into slavery to sin. Then He seamlessly transitions from creating the heavens, to preaching to people, to being rejected and beaten.

"3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering. 4 The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. 5 The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. 6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting." (Isaiah 50:3–6)

On the way to Jerusalem for the Last Passover:

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record that Yeshua Himself said that is what would happen to Him as He entered Jerusalem for His last Passover and Crucifixion.

17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, 18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, 19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again." (Matthew 20:17-19)

32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, 33 Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: 34 And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again." (Mark 10:32-34)

31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. 32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: 33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. 34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken." (Luke 18:31-23)

After His Capture in the Garden of Gethsemane:

Matthew records that this is exactly what happened with Yeshua. He preached and spoke to Israel, then was rejected and beaten, mocked, and spit on by the Roman soldiers.

"24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. 26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. 28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. 31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him." (Matthew 27:24–31).

14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. 15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. 16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. 17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, 18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! 19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him." (Mark 14:20)

63 And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. 64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? 65 And many other things blasphemously spake they against him." (Luke 22:63-65)

"1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. 2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, 3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him with their hands." (John 19:1-3)

While He hung on the cross:

The parallels in this Psalm cannot be missed. Yeshua trusted in God, and they are throwing that in His face.

"7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8 He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." (Psalm 22:7-8).

39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth." (Matthew 27:39-44)

You may consider that very many people were beaten, mocked, and spit on in the days of the Empire of Rome. And very many people were pierced by sword or spear or arrow. But few, if any others, had the chief priests and rulers and elders and scribes and Roman soldiers paying such attention to a crucifixion. The point is that ALL these many prophesies end up being fulfilled in one man, Yeshua.

THE MESSIAH’S GARMENTS WOULD BE DIVIDED BY CASTING LOTS

King David wrote these verses, but there is no record of this happening to him. It is therefore considered Messianic, especially since Yeshua quotes it on the cross. It has many parallels: the forsaking, the laughing, the mocking, piercing His hands and feet, and finally, the parting of His garments by lot.

"1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? 2 O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. 4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. 5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. 6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. 7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8 He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. 9 But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. 10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly. 11 Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. 12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. 13 They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. 16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture." (Psalm 22:1-18).

Matthew says the casting of lots for His garments was spoken of by an unnamed prophet. But we know from finding those exact words in Psalm 22:18 that it was King David who prophesied this.

"33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36 And sitting down they watched him there;" (Matthew 27:33-36)

John also writes that the soldiers did exactly as King David had prophesied and states that it was indeed a fulfillment of prophesy.

" 23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did." (John 19:23-24)

      THE MESSIAH WOULD BE PIERCED

Psalms says the Messiah will be pierced in His hands and feet.

"16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture." (Psalm 22:16-18)

Zechariah not only says the Messiah will be “pierced”, but that He will be “the only son”, “the firstborn”. In a number of places the Bible calls Yeshua God’s only begotten Son, the firstborn among many brethren.

"9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against

Jerusalem. 10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn." (Zechariah 12:9-10)

John the Apostle in both his Gospel of John, and in The Revelation of John, makes clear to us that Yeshua was PIERCED as part of the crucifixion.

"31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. 36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, ‘A bone of him shall not be broken.’ 37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced." (John )19:31-37)

“5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:5-8)

PROPHESY FULFILLMENTS BY YESHUA THAT ARE NOT CONCLUSIVE PROOFS

That these following are not conclusive proofs that Yeshua is the Messiah, means, of course, in my opinion. Anyone who read and knew prophecy could have said the right phrase at the right time. While I personally believe Yeshua specifically said these things to fulfill scripture, as far as scriptural PROOF, these probably won't convince a non-believer. But as for believers, they’re icing on the cake, additional fulfillments of Messianic prophecy by Yeshua. I positioned them here in this study, as here is the point in the crucifixion story that they happened.

THE MESSIAH WOULD MAKE A NEW COVENANT

Just before the crucifixion, at the Last Passover Supper, Yeshua made a New Covenant with humankind.

"31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

At the Last Passover Meal, Yeshua had the Apostles eat the bread and drink the wine. He said the wine was His blood of the New Testament.

"26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." (Matthew 26:26-29).

22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. 23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. 25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God." (Mark 14:22-25)

14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. 15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: 18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22: 14-20)

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE FORSAKEN

David prophesied that God would forsake the Messiah. The English Standard Version, and others, make this "roaring" a little clearer, calling it "groaning".

"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?" (Psalm 22:1)

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? (Psalm 22:1 ESV)

Matthew and Mark both record Yeshua cried out His God had forsaken Him.

"45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. 48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him." (Matthew 27:45-49).

"33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? Which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias. 36 And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down." (Mark 15:33-36)

THE MESSIAH WOULD CRY OUT IN THIRST

King David talks about the Messiah being thirsty at the point of death, and given vinegar and gall.

"My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death." (Psalm 22:15).

"1 Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. 2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. 3 I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God." (Psalm 69:1-3)

John the Apostle and Revelator points out Yeshua said this to fulfill scripture.

"28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. 29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:28-30).

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE GIVEN VINEGAR AND GALL

"20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. 21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." (Psalm 69:20-21)

Matthew tells us the soldiers indeed gave Yeshua vinegar (soured wine) and gall.

"33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink." (Matthew 27:33-34).

"28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. 29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:28-30).

THE MESSIAH WOULD COMMIT HIS SPIRIT TO HIS FATHER

The Psalmist says the Messiah would commit His Spirit to His Father, Yahweh.

"Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth." (Psalm 31:5).

Luke records that Yeshua said this very thing.

"Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.' When he had said this, he breathed his last" (Luke 23:46).

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE RESURRECTED WITHOUT SEEING CORRUPTION

The resurrection of Yeshua is the key proof that He is the Messiah.

"13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. 16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. 17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. 18 The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord: 20 This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter. 21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. 23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:13–24).

It is well known that the word "hell" is used incorrectly in most Bibles. The real words used in the original languages were Sheol, Hades, Gehanna, and Tartarus. This is the case in Psalm 16:10 below. From BibleHub.com's great bible tool, The Interlinear Bible, we see the word used in the original language was Sheol. This means the land of the dead, not the devil’s domain of fiery torture that the Greek poets have you believing. The Earth is the devil’s domain, not the Lake of Fire. The devil will be tortured there, not the ruler.

https://biblehub.com/interlinear/psalms/16-10.htm

"5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. 7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm 16:5-11)

When the women went to the grave of Yeshua to prepare Him properly for burial, an angel told them Yeshua had risen from the dead.

"In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: "The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again" (Luke 24:5–7).

In his great declaration, Peter tells the Israelites and all men, that this is exactly what happened to Yeshua. He was killed, and rose again, without seeing corruption. Note Peter quotes Psalm 16:10 “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption” as a prophecy of resurrection.

"22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. 29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:22-36)

In Paul's great declaration, he also quotes Psalm 16:10 as a prophecy of resurrection, and proof of Yeshua’s Messiahship

27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. 30 “But God raised him from the dead: 31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. 32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, 33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. 34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. 35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. 38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:27-39)

Isaiah prophesied the Messiah would swallow up death in victory, indicating a victory over death, or resurrection.

"7 And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. 8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. 9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." (Isaiah 25:7–9).

Paul quotes Isaiah 25:8, “swallow up death in victory,” as a prophecy of resurrection of the Messiah.

"53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:53-57).

The story of The Prophet Jonah and the great fish is a prophecy about the Messiah being dead for three days and three nights, and coming back to life. It is a prophecy of the resurrection. Here are the highlights of the story.

"1 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. 4 But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken." (Jonah 1:1-4)

"8 Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? And whence comest thou? What is thy country? And of what people art thou? 9 And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. 10 Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him. Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. 11 Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? For the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. 12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you." (Jonah 1:8-12)

"15 So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. 16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord, and made vows. 17 Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights." (Jonah 1:15-17)

The prayer of Jonah is just too good to cut short. Here is Jonah's entire prayer.

"2 Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly, 2 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. 3 For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. 4 Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. 5 The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. 6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God. 7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. 8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. 9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord. 10 And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land." (Jonah 2:1-10)

Note Jonah thanked God for saving him from “corruption” or the rotting that occurs after death. We have seen the prophecies that God would not allow His Messiah to see corruption. The Messiah would die, but not see corruption.

"3 And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, 2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. 3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. 4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown." (Jonah 3:1-4)

Yeshua says the Jews, and the world, would get ONE SIGN, one sign that HE is the Messiah of Yahweh. He said it would be the sign of the prophet Jonas (Jonah).

"38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. 39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here." (Matthew 12:38-41)

"16 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. 3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed." (Matthew 16:1-4)

"29 And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. 30 For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. 31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here." (Luke 11:29-32)

Yeshua did this sign for them, rose from the dead, being seen by many, and they still did not believe Him.

They say it’s easy to start a religion. Just die, and bring yourself back to life. Yeshua did this, proving He alone is the Messiah of Yahweh.

PLEASE DO NOT MISS that Jonah’s message was that in 40 days Nineveh would be destroyed IF they did not repent. Nineveh DID repent, and was spared. You know the bible often uses days to represent years in prophecy. Yeshua’s message was the same as Jonah’s. The Israelites did not repent, and exactly 40 years after Yeshua’s death on the cross in 30 A.D., Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.

Yeshua said ONE SIGN would be given. They missed it. Let you and I not miss this, but hold on to the foundation of our faith, that Yeshua is the Messiah of Yahweh, who died and was raised from the dead, to become the Savior of those who believe in Him, AND keep His Commandments. If you are shocked at the “keep His Commandments” part, please see my Bible Study, “How Jesus & His 12 Apostles Say We Are Saved”. It can be found at www.vigilantvaliant.com.

THE MESSIAH WOULD BE OUR PASSOVER LAMB

This may well be the most important prophecy about the Messiah. Yahweh wanted to save people, so He sent a Passover Lamb for humankind. To do this topic justice, we must start at the beginning, seeing what the Bible says about offering lambs, and the Passover and the Passover Lamb.

The story starts in the beginning of humankind. Did you ever read the story of Cain and Able and wonder WHY they made offerings? Where did they get the idea to offer something to Yahweh? Why was Able’s offering a lamb, and why did Cain bring fruit? Why did Yeshua accept Able’s offering, and reject Cain’s offering? I submit to you that a reasonable answer is that God had instructed them to make offerings, possibly for their sins. Note that a fruit offering was rejected, but a lamb offering was accepted. Yahweh’s statement to Cain, “If thou doest well” seems to indicate that Cain ALREADY KNEW what he should have offered.

4 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. 2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. (Genesis 4:1-7)

Perhaps this was to teach humankind that an offering was needed to cover our sins, a lamb offering, a life for a life, blood for blood. Then we see again, even in more detail, that God instructed Abraham to offer his son, HIS ONLY SON Issacc.

"22 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. 2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. 3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? 8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. 9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. 11 And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. 12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. 15 And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, 16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: 17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." (Genesis 22:1-18)

There are two things to note here.

First, and most importantly, Abraham did not fret, but trusted that God Himself would provide the sacrificial lamb. Abraham was willing to obey God and sacrifice his only son. Could this have been a precursor to Yahweh sacrificing his only Son, Yeshua?

Second, consider that Abraham had a son Ishmael BEFORE he had Isaac. Yet Yahweh says “thine only son, Isaac”. Perhaps it was intended for Abraham to have only one son, Isaac. But Abraham’s wife Sarah wanted to have another child attributed to her, so told Abraham to have mate with her Egyptian handmaid, Hagar. The child born was named Ishmael. There may be a deep lesson herein, for a different time.

The story continues in Egypt, while the Isrealites were slaves of the Egyptians. God had Moses say to the Pharaoh, “Let My people go.” But Pharaoh would not. God brought 9 plagues against Pharaoh, through his country, and after each one, asked Pharaoh again, ”Let My people go.” God gives us many chances, but there is a final time, an end of grace. So Yahweh said He would kill every first-born child.

"1 And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether. 2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver and jewels of gold. 3 And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people. 4 And Moses said, Thus saith the Lord, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: 5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. 6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more. 7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. 8 And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger. 9 And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt. 10 And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land." (Exodus 11:1-10)

You may be thinking that Yahweh was too harsh, to kill innocent little children. For all we know, God may have had these children die painlessly in their sleep, to not wake again until judgment day. The punishment was directed at Pharaoh, and his country. The adults would give a great cry that is worse than will ever be again. But we have no data on the children. We know nothing about what the children experienced. Knowing that Yahweh is a kind and loving God, I suspect the children were treated kindly and gently.

How would the death angel know which families to punish, and which not to punish? Of course Yahweh knew which, but as He always does, He give people a choice. He asks them to choose Him, to obey Him, to show their love for Him. It is my chosen belief that if, on that night long ago in Egypt, any Egyptians, on the base of 9 previous shows of strength in plagues from Yahweh against pharaoh, decided to believe in the God of Abraham, and OBEYED Yahweh, and carefully observed the Passover ordinance, that their family was also passed over, and their child lived. You can see below how a “stranger” can join the people of God, and become a child of Abraham, by faith. This is what Christians are doing even today. They are choosing to obey Yahweh, and to be washed in the blood of the Lamb, by faith.

"1 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. 3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: 4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: 6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. 7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. 8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. 9 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. 10 And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire. 11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. 13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. 14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever. 15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. 16 And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you. 17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever. 18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even. 19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land. 20 Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread. 21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. 22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. 23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. 24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever. 25 And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. 26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. 28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they." (Exodus 12:1-28)

Note that they were not to break a single bone of it, and that you must be a true believer to partake of the Passover Lamb.

"43 And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the Ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: 44 But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. 45 A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof. 46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. 48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. 49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. 50 Thus did all the children of Israel; as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they." (Exodus 12:43-50)

This was formalized by the Lord as an annual Feast Day or Holy Day at Mount Sinai.

"4 These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. 5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's Passover. 6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the Lord: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. 7 In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 8 But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein." (Leviticus 23:4-8)

The Apostle John records that John the Baptist said Yeshua is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, and the Son of God. Also, Paul tells us clearly that Yeshua is our Passover Lamb.

"26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!" (John 1:26-36)

"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:" (1 Corinthians 5:7)

Don’t let the significance of this Holy Day escape you. God’s people, Israel, were in danger of having theif first-born child killed along with the first-born children of the unbelievers. God offered them a way out. He told them what to do to save their family from harm. If an Isrealite family did not obey God’s instructions that night, I believe they suffered the same fate as the families of the Egyptians. We are in the same boat today, in need of a Savior. God has given us an example, a way to partake in faith of the Passover Lamb, to put the blood of the Lamb on the doorposts of our heart. Do not miss this chance to be sure that YOU are washed in the blood of the Lamb.

PARALLELS OF YESHUA AND THE PASSOVER LAMB

The New Testament writers are very clear that Yeshua fulfilled prophecies to prove He was the Messiah. Some of those prophecies are about the Passover Lamb. This is why Yeshua is called The Lamb of God.

BOTH YESHUA AND THE PASSOVER LAMB HAD NOT ONE BONE BROKEN

The Isrealites were to be careful to not break one bone of the Passover Lamb. Why? We don’t know the answer, but perhaps it was done exactly for the purpose of being an identifying mark of the Messiah.

"43 And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the Ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: 44 But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. 45 A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof. 46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.” (Exodus 12:43-47)

John records that not breaking any of Yeshua’s bones was indeed the fulfilling of a prophecy of the Messiah.

"31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. 36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, ‘A bone of him shall not be broken.’" (John 19:31-36)

BOTH YESHUA AND THE PASSOVER LAMB WERE A SACRIFICE FOR OUR SIN

The Passover Lamb was killed in place of the firstborn of the Children of Israel. It was a substitutionary death. The lamb died, and his blood covered your doorway, and the angel of death “passed over” your house. Your firstborn did not die, because the lamb died instead. By faith in, and obedience to the command of Yahweh, the blood of the Passover Lamb was substituted for the believers’ sin. Romans 6:23a, "For the wages of sin is death;" The wages of sin has been death since the first sin by humankind in the Garden of Eden. The wages are not eternal life in hell, but death, from the beginning, through the ages, now, and in the future, death.

Isaiah gives us this amazing prophesy of The Righteous Servant, The Suffering Savior. Humankind sinned, but He paid the price of our sin, death, in our place, to save us from that fate. This is called substitutionary atonement.

" 1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:1-12)

Yeshua Himself said He was giving His life as a ransom for many, just like the Passover Lamb.

"25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28)

"28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!'' (John 1:28-36)

"36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43)

We have ALL sinned; you, me, everybody. We are only made righteous through the blood of the Lamb.

"10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3:9-12)

"21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" (Romans 3:21-26)

"8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (Romans 5:8–11)

"17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:17–21)

The wages of sin is death. Please note that below it defines the consequences of sin as death, not eternal punishment. This scripture totally supports what God said in Genesis 2:17, if you disobey me, and sin, you will die. If you believe that a loving and merciful God will torture people forever and ever, please see my Bible Study, “Will Humans Be Tortured Forever In Hell?” All my Bible Studies can be found at www.vigilantvaliant.com .

"16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:16-23)

Paul says Yeshua, the Passover Lamb, covered our sins and made us righteous.

"14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)

"21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26)

"13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" (Colossians 1:13–23)

The verses above not only confirm that salvation comes through the blood of Yeshua, our Passover Lamb, but has many other important parts. Note that we are saved, “If ye continue in the faith.” Many denominations think “Once Saved Always Saved.” This is far from Bible truth. To see what the Bible really says about being “saved”, see my Bible Study “How Jesus & His 12 Apostles Say We Are Saved.” All my studies can be found at www.vigilantvaliant.com.

"18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God." (1 Peter 1:18-21)

"21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (1 Peter 2:21-25)

"18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." (1 Peter 3:18-21).

Peter, perhaps the lead Apostle, says Yeshua was the Lamb of God, and by faith, by His blood we are saved.

THE REVELATION OF JOHN THAT YESHUA IS THE MESSIAH OF YAHWEH

The Book of Revelation in the Bible dwells heavily on the fact that YESHUA is The Lamb of God who sits at God’s right hand. Please focus as you read the following scriptures. John the Apostle himself, who sat closest to Yeshua at the Last Supper, who was “the beloved disciple”, who was the first to believe in the resurrection, who wrote the Book of Revelation clearly and irrefutably identifies Yeshua (Jesus in English) with the Lamb of God. If you believe the Gospel of John, If you believe The Revelation of John, you just can not deny that Yeshua is in fact The Lamb of God, The Messiah of God. If you ever had doubts before, read the following carefully and prayerfully.

20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me. 23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? 24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." (John 21:20-25)

"1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. 9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Revelation 1:1-9)

"6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints." (Revelation 5:6-8)

"12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." (Revelation 5:12-13)

"And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. 2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer." (Revelation 6:1-2)

"15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" (Revelation 6:15-17)

"9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." ( Revelation 7:9-17)

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11)

"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 12:17)

The following verse shows that it is The Lamb of God who wrote the names of the saved in His Book of Life BEFORE the foundation of the world. Let that sink in. If you believe and trust and obey Yeshua, He wrote that in His book before the world was made. It boggles the mind.

"1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." (Revelation 13:1-8)

"1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:" (Revelation 14:1-10)

Please do not miss that these who are saved don’t just believe, they obey!

"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." (Revelation 14:12)

"1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. 2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. 4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest." (Revelation 15:1-4)

"6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is." (Revelation 17:6-8)

"10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:10-14)

" 4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. 5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God." (Revelation 19:4-9)

"And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10)

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4)

"9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God," (Revelation 21:9-10)

The following short verse is VERY IMPORTANT. Please read it carefully, and over and over. Who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world? Who is the only one you know, famous in history for having twelve apostles? That is right. This verse identifies Yeshua as the Lamb of God!

"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 21:14)

“22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." (Revelation 21:22-27)

"22 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:1-5)

John expressly declares that Yeshua told John what to write in The Book of Revelation.

"16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (Revelation 22:16-21)

CONCLUSION

Well, The Book of Revelation was certainly a powerful climax to our Bible Study. Yeshua fulfilled many prophecies about the Messiah. Yeshua had many similarities to the Passover Lamb whose blood saved people, by being a sign of faith and obedience. But in Revelation, it is the scene in Heaven itself, and in The New Jerusalem, that Yeshua is unequivocally declared the Lamb of God, making Him also, Yeshua the Messiah. This adamant declaration is also in the first chapter of the Gospel of John. While anyone may have questions about the correct translation about a verse or two, while anyone may have questions on whether a particular word or verse are in the most ancient manuscripts, for anyone to try to come to the conclusion that Yeshua is NOT the Messiah, they would have to take John 1 and Revelation out of the Bible. Even then, there are all the other prophecies above that are very strong indicators that Yeshua, Jesus in English, is the Messiah of Yahweh. There are over THIRTY (30) prophecies above which Yeshua fullfilled. Some are less compelling, and could have been fulfilled by anybody. But some demand a decision.

I am not aware of any other contender who claimed to be the Messiah of Yahweh, who fulfilled ANY of these prophecies. This is not a close contest, between Yeshua and two or three other contenders.

The organization, Jews for Jesus, has an article with 40 prophecies fulfilled by Yeshua.

https://jewsforjesus.org/learn/top-40-most-helpful-messianic-prophecies/

The website “Jesusfilm.org” has an article with 55 prophecies fulfilled by Yeshua.

https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog-and-stories/old-testament-prophecies.html

An amazing document you can download, by Revelation-Now.org, gives 351 prophecies fulfilled by Yeshua.

https://revelation-now.org/wp-content/uploads/Old-Testament-Prophecy-Fulfilled-by-Jesus-Christ.pdf

Now you and I may consider some propecies in the article above as “light” proof, or happy coincidence, and not major, compelling prophecies. However, this article points out that fulfilling just EIGHT (8) of these prophecies is 1 chance in 100,000,000,000,000,000. We don’t need to be mathematicians to know that is an astronomical number.

With knowledge comes responsibility. In your life, from many sources, and now from this Bible Study, you have been shown some proofs that Yeshua (Jesus in English) is the Messiah of Yahweh, The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Living God, the Almighty God, the Eternal God, the ONLY God.

The purpose of proof is to lead us to a wise decision. We must be careful to heed the admonition that Paul gave in the Epistle 1 Timothy.

"1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

I don’t want that to be me, and trust you don’t want that to be you. At some point in our studies, we have a preponderance of the truth. We have enough knowledge to make a decision on firm grounds, and to act on that decision.

For me, the fulfillment of the prophecies above crosses my threshold for solid proof. I believe Yeshua is the Messiah of Yahweh.

Please consider all this Bible Study has covered. Read the other articles I pointed out, if you like, but I encourage you, at some point, bite the bullet, draw the line, and make your decision. Is Yeshua the Messiah?

May The Living God, The Almighty God, Yahweh, guide you, save you, and take you home to glory!

If you find errors or omissions in this study, please help me make it better by letting me know at

dan@vigilantvaliant.com. If you found this Bible Study helpful, you can find my others at www.vigilantvaliant.com.