Jesus the Fulfillment

   An important element of any Christological study is an examination of Biblical prophecy regarding the Messiah and God’s redemption plan.  Indeed, one of the most effective tactics of the early church witness was identifying the historic connections between Jesus Christ and Old Testament messianic scriptures.  Certainly, Jesus began His own ministry, in Mark, by confirming that “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent and believe in the gospel.” (1.15)

   Of such Old Testament references there is an abundance, though some are the subject of intense debate between Jewish scholars and Christian apologists.  I would encourage readers to investigate the verses containing these prophecies for their own edification.  

   Many posited by New Testament authors are practical, aligning neatly with recorded events in Jesus’ life.  These include, but are not limited to, the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem (Micah 5.2) to a virgin (Isaiah 7.14), who was preceded by a forerunner (Malachi 3.1), established as a Prophet (Deuteronomy 18.15), and even fulfilling the triumphant entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9.9). 

   Still more intricate, the “suffering servant” of Isaiah 53 refers to an individual who will be “rejected by men…wounded for our transgressions…bruised for our ...