INTRODUCTION
The Old Testament contains many references to the coming of Messiah. They were written long before the birth of Christ. As they are carefully studied and examined, one can reach no other conclusion than Jesus Christ is the Jewish Messiah.
Throughout the past nineteen hundred years, many "false" Christians have tried to force the Jews to receive Jesus as the Messiah. When they did not, they persecuted them and even killed them. Many Jews do not realize these were not true Christians but impostors. They were false Christians that did not show the greatest fruit of all—love. Because of many false Christians persecuting the Jews, in the past and present, many Jews have become hard toward those that speak with them about Jesus, and understandably so.
Jesus was a Jew. The Bible is a Jewish book, written almost entirely by Jews. Gentiles owe a great debt to the Jews. It was the Jews that first brought the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Gospel is now available to the Jew and Gentile. A LIGHT TO LIGHTEN THE GENTILES-Lk 2:32; ref Isa 9:2.
False Christians have many times accused the Jews of killing Jesus. They know little of the Scriptures; for it was not only Jews that had a hand in His death, but Jews and Gentiles combined. It is written, 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. AND SHALL DELIVER HIM TO THE GENTILES TO MOCK, AND TO SCOURGE, AND TO CRUCIFY HIM-Mt 20:18,19; ref Mk 10:33,34; Lk 18:31-33. This fulfilled Old Testament prophecy.
As is it written, WHO BY THE MOUTH OF THY SERVANT DAVID HAST SAID, WHY DID THE HEATHEN RAGE, AND THE PEOPLE IMAGINE VAIN THINGS? THE KINGS OF THE EARTH STOOD UP, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD, AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST. FOR OF A TRUTH AGAINST THY HOLY CHILD JESUS, WHOM THOU HAST ANOINTED, BOTH HEROD, AND PONTIUS PILATE, WITH THE GENTILES, AND THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, WERE GATHERED TOGETHER-Acts 4:25-27; ref Ps 2:1,2.
Proof the Bible is true and that Jesus Christ is the Jewish Messiah
The Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, is the Old Testament in the Christian Bible. In it are numerous prophecies of the coming Jewish Messiah. Through these prophecies and examining the life of Jesus, people can only reach one inescapable conclusion—the Bible is the perfect Word of God, and Jesus Christ is exactly Who He claimed He was: God’s only begotten Son-ref Jn 3:16.
Let us go on to examine the Old Testament, the Tanakh, and see by the Word of God, if Jesus Christ is the long awaited Messiah of the Jews. As we closely examine the Scriptures, we realize that it may be difficult for some to believe. After all, it was so-called "Christians" that many times slaughtered and oppressed Israel, God's chosen people, and they often did it in the name of Jesus Christ. These were phony, illegitimate followers, masquerading as Christians. They were followers of Satan that pretended to follow Jesus, thereby deceiving many. God is truth. God’s true Word in the Tanakh give us the "proof."
Daniel reveals the time frame, so we would know when the Messiah will come. It is written, "KNOW THEREFORE AND UNDERSTAND," THAT FROM THE GOING FORTH OF THE COMMANDMENT TO RESTORE AND TO BUILD JERUSALEM UNTO THE "MESSIAH" THE PRINCE SHALL BE SEVEN WEEKS, AND THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS: THE STREET SHALL BE BUILT AGAIN, AND THE WALL, EVEN IN TROUBLOUS TIMES-Dan 9:25. The commandment did come forth to restore and build Jerusalem. The street was built. The wall was rebuilt, even in troublous times, just as Daniel had said. The time frame Daniel gives is SEVEN WEEKS, AND THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS or 483 years. From this, we see that the "MESSIAH" THE PRINCE could be expected to appear over 1900 years ago.
Isaiah further tells us, the Messiah will come when Israel is not gathered. AND NOW, SAITH THE LORD THAT FORMED ME FROM THE WOMB TO BE HIS SERVANT, TO BRING JACOB AGAIN TO HIM, THOUGH ISRAEL BE NOT GATHERED, YET SHALL I BE GLORIOUS IN THE EYES OF THE LORD-Isa 49:5. Israel was under Roman rule 1950 years ago. Messiah could not initially come today to fulfill Daniel’s prophecy or Isaiah’s prophecy, as Israel is currently gathered as a nation. Thus, according to God’s Word, the initial coming of Messiah was about 2000 years ago.
Moses tells of the Messiah with these words, 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. 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. 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-Deut 18:15,18,19. God’s Word has given us the time frame that Messiah would come, also that He shall be a prophet and shall be from the people of Israel. Then God’s Word gives us a warning. If someone will not hearken unto this man, when He comes forth, he shall perish; as it is written, I WILL REQUIRE IT OF HIM.
Isaiah gives us additional information on the coming Messiah. THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL GIVE YOU A SIGN; BEHOLD, A VIRGIN SHALL CONCEIVE, AND BEAR A SON, AND SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL-Isa 7:14. Thus, we now know that the Messiah shall come from the Jews, and He shall be born of a virgin. Isaiah further tells of the Messiah, AND NOW, SAITH THE LORD THAT FORMED ME FROM THE WOMB TO BE HIS SERVANT, TO BRING JACOB AGAIN TO HIM, THOUGH ISRAEL BE NOT GATHERED, YET SHALL I BE GLORIOUS IN THE EYES OF THE LORD, AND MY GOD SHALL BE MY STRENGTH....I WILL ALSO GIVE THEE FOR A LIGHT TO THE GENTILES, THAT THOU MAYEST BE MY SALVATION UNTO THE END OF THE EARTH. THUS SAITH THE LORD, THE REDEEMER OF ISRAEL, AND HIS HOLY ONE, TO HIM WHOM MAN DESPISETH, TO HIM WHOM THE NATION ABHORRETH-Isa 49:5-7. Isaiah proclaims that God will form the Messiah in the womb—the womb of a virgin. The Messiah shall bring salvation to the END OF THE EARTH; He is the REDEEMER OF ISRAEL, and is called God’s HOLY ONE. Yet, Isaiah tells us that He will be "despised and abhorred."
Not only will the Messiah be a prophet, we are told, I WILL DECLARE THE DECREE: THE LORD HATH SAID UNTO ME, THOU ART MY SON; THIS DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN THEE-Ps 2:7. Thus, the Messiah will be born of a virgin, the Lord will form Him in the womb of a virgin, and He will be the Son of God. As it is written, THOU ART MY SON. This is further confirmed in the following verse. KISS THE SON, LEST HE BE ANGRY, AND YE PERISH FROM THE WAY WHEN HIS WRATH IS KINDLED BUT A LITTLE. BLESSED ARE ALL THEY THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM-Ps 2:12. Again, God’s Word calls Him "Son." In Gen 3:15, the Messiah is called "HER SEED." He is of the seed of Israel. Isaiah also tells us of the Messiah, FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN-Isa 9:6. The Messiah will be born of a virgin, He will be given by God. THE ZEAL OF THE LORD OF HOSTS WILL PERFORM THIS-Isa 9:7.
The Messiah shall come from the tribe of Judah. It is written, 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. 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? 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-Gen 49:8-10.
The Messiah shall come from the house of David; as it is written, BEHOLD, THE DAYS COME, SAITH THE LORD, THAT I WILL RAISE UNTO DAVID A RIGHTEOUS BRANCH-Jere 23:5.
The Messiah shall be born in Bethlehem. 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-Mic 5:2. Thus, the Scriptures tell that the Messiah shall be the Son of God, Who is from of old, FROM EVERLASTING. He will be from the tribe of Judah and of the house of David. He shall be formed by God in the womb of a virgin. This would occur when ISRAEL BE NOT GATHERED; it would be in the time frame outlined by Daniel—which was over 1900 years ago.
Why would the Son of God come to this earth and be born of a virgin? Daniel tells us, TO FINISH THE TRANSGRESSION, AND TO MAKE AN END OF SINS, AND TO MAKE RECONCILIATION FOR INIQUITY-Dan 9:24. Isaiah tells us of the Messiah, I WILL ALSO GIVE THEE FOR A LIGHT TO THE GENTILES, THAT THOU MAYEST BE MY SALVATION UNTO THE END OF THE EARTH-Isa 49:6. THE LORD HATH LAID ON HIM THE INIQUITY OF US ALL-Isa 53:6. HE WAS CUT OFF OUT OF THE LAND OF THE LIVING: FOR THE TRANSGRESSION OF MY PEOPLE WAS HE STRICKEN-Isa 53:8.
The Messiah shall come to bring salvation. He shall be cut off out of the land of the living—killed for the iniquity of us all. He will be stricken for the sins of His people; He shall make reconciliation for iniquity (or sin) to God through being stricken. For these purposes and more did Messiah come. The Son of God would come and be born just to die for the sins of His people, so they could be reconciled to God. Messiah would shed His blood, He would die. He would become the Passover Lamb that would wash away the sins of those who would obey Him.
There was a person born on this earth at the exact time that Daniel predicted. He was born when Israel was not gathered. God formed this person in a virgin’s womb. SHE WAS FOUND WITH CHILD OF THE HOLY GHOST-Mt 1:18. AND THE VIRGIN’S NAME WAS MARY-Lk 1:27. Remember what the Tanakh said, THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL GIVE "YOU" A SIGN; BEHOLD, A VIRGIN SHALL CONCEIVE, AND BEAR A SON-Isa 7:14. The Scriptures told that the Messiah would bring salvation; it is written, HE SHALL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS-Mt 1:21. Also that He would be despised and abhorred. The person that was born of the virgin, Mary, was indeed despised and abhorred—even today.
An angel told Mary of the Son she would bear, saying, HE SHALL BE GREAT, AND SHALL BE CALLED THE SON OF THE HIGHEST...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-Lk 1:32,35. The Tanakh has told us, THOU ART MY SON; THIS DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN THEE-Ps 2:7. As it is written, 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-Jn 3:16. The Tanakh also said, BLESSED ARE ALL THEY THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM-Ps 2:12. God gave Mary, the virgin, a child. A Son was given, just as the Tanakh said: UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN-Isa 9:6. The angel of the Lord appeared unto Joseph in a dream, and said, 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. AND SHE SHALL BRING FORTH A SON, AND THOU SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS: FOR HE SHALL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS. NOW ALL THIS WAS DONE, THAT IT MIGHT BE FULFILLED WHICH WAS SPOKEN OF THE LORD BY THE PROPHET, SAYING, BEHOLD, A VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND SHALL BRING FORTH A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL, WHICH BEING INTERPRETED IS, GOD WITH US-Mt 1:20-23.
As the Tanakh said, the Messiah shall come from the house of David. It is written, JOSEPH, OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID-Lk 1:27. Further, the Tanakh told that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. It is written, JESUS WAS BORN IN BETHLEHEM OF JUDEA-Mt 2:1. Prophecy after prophecy, all fulfilled perfectly by the One called Jesus. There can be no doubt that Jesus Christ is the Jewish Messiah, Yeshua. Jesus Christ fulfilled every prophecy, exactly as God said, from the precise time He should come forth, to where He should be born, to how He would be conceived by a virgin, and even which house (lineage) He would be from. There can be absolutely no doubt. If a person is truly honest with himself, he must admit the Scriptures in the Tanakh prove that the Messiah is Jesus—God’s only begotten Son. It is written, HE (Jesus) CAME UNTO HIM OWN, AND HIS OWN RECEIVED HIM NOT-Jn 1:11.
Yet there is much more proof. As one examines the Scriptures closely, the only possible conclusion an honest heart can admit is that the Bible (both the Old Testament and New Testament) are the perfect Word of God and that Jesus Christ is exactly Who the Tanakh said and He said He was. Jesus Christ is the long awaited Messiah.
Isaiah gives us more information about the Messiah. It is written, AND HE (Jesus) 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. AND THERE WAS DELIVERED UNTO HIM THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ESAIAS (Isaiah). AND WHEN HE HAD OPENED THE BOOK, HE FOUND THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS WRITTEN, 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, TO PREACH THE ACCEPTABLE YEAR OF THE LORD (from Isaiah 61:1,2). 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. AND HE BEGAN TO SAY UNTO THEM, THIS DAY IS THIS SCRIPTURE FULFILLED IN YOUR EARS-Lk 4:16-21.
The Tanakh tells us, 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-Zech 9:9. It is written, AND THEY BROUGHT THE COLT TO JESUS, AND CAST THEIR GARMENTS ON HIM; AND HE SAT UPON HIM. AND THEY THAT WENT BEFORE, AND THEY THAT FOLLOWED, CRIED, SAYING, HOSANNA; BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD: AND JESUS ENTERED INTO JERUSALEM-Mk 11:7,9,11. ALL THIS WAS DONE, THAT IT MIGHT BE FULFILLED WHICH WAS SPOKEN BY THE PROPHET-Mt 21:4.
During His ministry of three and a half years, numerous prophecies were fulfilled that are written in the Tanakh about the Messiah, the One called Jesus Christ. He entered Jerusalem for the last time before He was to be cut off, as was also prophesied.
Throughout His ministry, He did miracles that astonished people. Jesus cast out devils, healed the sick, and raised the dead. As it is written, IT WAS NEVER SO SEEN IN ISRAEL-Mt 9:33. But in the end He was betrayed. The Tanakh also foretold this; as it is written, YEA, MINE OWN FAMILIAR FRIEND, IN WHOM I TRUSTED, WHICH DID EAT OF MY BREAD, HATH LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME-Ps 41:9. This also came to pass, as we read, AND WHILE HE YET SPAKE, BEHOLD A MULTITUDE, AND HE THAT WAS CALLED JUDAS, ONE OF THE TWELVE, WENT BEFORE THEM, AND DREW NEAR UNTO JESUS TO KISS HIM. BUT JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, JUDAS, BETRAYEST THOU THE SON OF MAN WITH A KISS?-Lk 22:47,48. The Tanakh even foretells the amount that Judas would be paid to betray Jesus; as it is written, SO THEY WEIGHED FOR MY PRICE THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER-Zech 11:12. This is confirmed in the New Testament; as it is written, 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-Mt 26:15.
The proof is there. The Tanakh proves that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah. O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN-Lk 24:25.
Once the Messiah was betrayed, the Tanakh says, FALSE WITNESSES DID RISE UP; THEY LAID TO MY CHARGE THINGS THAT I KNEW NOT-Ps 35:11. This prophecy is confirmed, as we read, AND THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND ALL THE COUNCIL SOUGHT FOR WITNESS AGAINST JESUS TO PUT HIM TO DEATH; AND FOUND NONE. FOR MANY BARE FALSE WITNESS AGAINST HIM, BUT THEIR WITNESS AGREED NOT TOGETHER-Mk 14:55,56.
Here is God’s Son-ref Ps 2:7. The things He said were what God the Father put IN HIS MOUTH-Deut 18:18. He was born of a virgin-ref Isa 7:14, and He came to bring SALVATION UNTO THE END OF THE EARTH-Isa 49:6. Yet, He is despised and abhorred-ref Isa 49:7. He is betrayed by His OWN FAMILIAR FRIEND-Ps 41:9, for THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER-Zech 11:12. Then, FALSE WITNESSES DID RISE UP-Ps 35:11.
The Tanakh says, 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-Isa 50:6. Here is God’s only begotten Son sent to become sin for many, but His beard is plucked off. He is spit on-ref Mt 26:67.
WHO HATH BELIEVED OUR REPORT? AND TO WHOM IS THE ARM OF THE LORD REVEALED? FOR HE (the Messiah) 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. 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. SURELY HE HATH BORNE OUR GRIEFS, AND CARRIED OUR SORROWS: YET WE DID ESTEEM HIM STRICKEN, SMITTEN OF GOD, AND AFFLICTED. 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. 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. HE WAS OPPRESSED, AND HE WAS AFFLICTED, YET HE OPENED NOT HIS MOUTH-Isa 53:1-7. As it is written, AND WHEN HE (Jesus) WAS ACCUSED OF THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND ELDERS, HE ANSWERED NOTHING. THEN SAID PILATE UNTO HIM, HEAREST THOU NOT HOW MANY THINGS THEY WITNESS AGAINST THEE? AND HE ANSWERED HIM TO NEVER A WORD-Mt 27:12-14.
HE IS BROUGHT AS A LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER, AND AS A SHEEP BEFORE HER SHEARERS IS DUMB, SO HE OPENETH NOT HIS MOUTH. 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-Isa 53:7,8. Remember the words of Daniel, AFTER THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS SHALL MESSIAH BE CUT OFF-Dan 9:26; thus, foretelling when it would occur. Isaiah told about His death, and Jesus Christ bore this horrible judgment. He was hung on the cross and CUT OFF OUT OF THE LAND OF THE LIVING. It was FOR THE TRANSGRESSION OF MY PEOPLE WAS HE STRICKEN-Isa 53:8. Our sins were laid upon Jesus. By the shedding of His blood, He became the Passover Lamb and reconciled us back to God. He loved us. We hated Him.
What anguish, what torment, what shame the Son of God suffered so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. It is written in the Tanakh of the Messiah hanging on the cross, BUT I AM A WORM, AND NO MAN; A REPROACH OF MEN, AND DESPISED OF THE PEOPLE. ALL THEY THAT SEE ME LAUGH ME TO SCORN: THEY SHOOT OUT THE LIP, THEY SHAKE THE HEAD, SAYING, HE TRUSTED ON THE LORD THAT HE WOULD DELIVER HIM: LET HIM DELIVER HIM, SEEING HE DELIGHTED IN HIM. BUT THOU ART HE THAT TOOK ME OUT OF THE WOMB: THOU DIDST MAKE ME HOPE WHEN I WAS UPON MY MOTHER’S BREASTS. I WAS CAST UPON THEE FROM THE WOMB; THOU ART MY GOD FROM MY MOTHER’S BELLY. BE NOT FAR FROM ME; FOR TROUBLE IS NEAR; FOR THERE IS NONE TO HELP. MANY BULLS HAVE COMPASSED ME: STRONG BULLS OF BASHAN HAVE BESET ME ROUND. THEY GAPED UPON ME WITH THEIR MOUTHS, AS A RAVENING AND A ROARING LION-Ps 22:6-13. This is the Tanakh telling of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son. Here is the Messiah dying for your sins. Isn’t it time you denied yourself and gave your life to Him?
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. 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. FOR DOGS HAVE COMPASSED ME: THE ASSEMBLY OF THE WICKED HAVE ENCLOSED ME: THEY PIERCED MY HANDS AND MY FEET. I MAY TELL ALL MY BONES: THEY LOOK AND STARE UPON ME. THEY PART MY GARMENTS AMONG THEM, AND CAST LOTS UPON MY VESTURE-Ps 22:14-18. AND THEY CRUCIFIED HIM, AND PARTED HIS GARMENTS, CASTING LOTS: THAT IT MIGHT BE FULFILLED WHICH WAS SPOKEN BY THE PROPHET-Mt 27:35.
THEY GAVE ME ALSO GALL FOR MY MEAT; AND IN MY THIRST THEY GAVE ME VINEGAR TO DRINK-Ps 69:21. THEY GAVE HIM (Jesus) VINEGAR TO DRINK MINGLED WITH GALL: AND WHEN HE HAD TASTED THEREOF, HE WOULD NOT DRINK-Mt 27:34.
It would seem that even the most skeptical person should now be able to see from the prophecies that the Bible is true and Jesus Christ is the Jewish Messiah. But there's more.
The Tanakh says, regarding Passover, 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-Ex 12:3. YOUR LAMB SHALL BE WITHOUT BLEMISH-Ex 12:5. AND YE SHALL KEEP IT UP UNTIL THE FOURTEENTH DAY OF THE SAME MONTH-Ex 12:6. LET NOTHING OF IT REMAIN UNTIL THE MORNING-Ex 12:10. 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 (the angel of death) SHALL NOT BE UPON YOU TO DESTROY YOU-Ex 12:13. Here is a picture of Messiah. Jesus came into Jerusalem on the tenth day of this month. He was examined until the fourteenth day of the same month. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was without blemish. On Passover, Jesus was crucified and became the final sacrifice. His body was not allowed to be left on the cross overnight. The blood of the Messiah saves. The blood shall be to you for a token. When you are covered by the blood of Jesus, you are saved. You will not be destroyed and perish.
It is written, 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 Cor 5:7. The Tanakh tells us, NEITHER SHALL YE BREAK A BONE THEREOF-Ex 12:46. THEN CAME THE SOLDIERS, AND BRAKE THE LEGS OF THE FIRST, AND OF THE OTHER WHICH WAS CRUCIFIED WITH HIM. BUT WHEN THEY CAME TO JESUS, AND SAW THAT HE WAS DEAD ALREADY, THEY BRAKE NOT HIS LEGS: BUT ONE OF THE SOLDIERS WITH A SPEAR PIERCED HIS SIDE, AND FORTHWITH CAME THERE OUT BLOOD AND WATER. AND HE THAT SAW IT BEAR RECORD, AND HIS RECORD IS TRUE: AND HE KNOWETH THAT HE SAITH TRUE, THAT YE MIGHT BELIEVE. FOR THESE THINGS WERE DONE, THAT THE SCRIPTURE SHOULD BE FULFILLED, A BONE OF HIM SHALL NOT BE BROKEN. AND AGAIN ANOTHER SCRIPTURE SAITH, THEY SHALL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED-Jn 19:32-37. It is written, HE KEEPETH ALL HIS BONES: NOT ONE OF THEM IS BROKEN-Ps 34:20. THEY SHALL LEAVE NONE OF IT UNTIL THE MORNING, NOR BREAK ANY BONE OF IT-Num 9:12. AND THEY SHALL LOOK UPON ME WHOM THEY HAVE PIERCED-Zech 12:10. The Messiah has come exactly as the Tanakh said. He came when it was prophesied He would come. He was born and lived exactly as the Scriptures foretold. Then He was crucified just as the Scriptures had said.
When they finished with the Son of God, He was virtually unrecognizable. He had been hit, tortured, whipped, spit on, and His beard was plucked out. Imagine what it would be like to have one’s beard torn off one’s face. He had a crown of thorns embedded on His head. Then this whipped, beaten man was led as a sheep to the slaughter and hung on a cross. All this, so that we might be saved and reconciled to God.
The Tanakh tells how bad it was. It is written, AS MANY WERE ASTONISHED AT THEE; HIS VISAGE WAS SO MARRED MORE THAN ANY MAN, AND HIS FORM MORE THAN THE SONS OF MEN-Isa 52:14. Isa 52:14 NIV-JUST AS THERE WERE MANY WHO WERE APPALLED AT HIM—HIS APPEARANCE WAS SO DISFIGURED BEYOND THAT OF ANY MAN AND HIS FORM MARRED BEYOND HUMAN LIKENESS.
The Messiah was buried on the date of Unleavened Bread. The Tanakh says, FOR THOU WILT NOT LEAVE MY SOUL IN HELL; NEITHER WILT THOU SUFFER THINE HOLY ONE TO SEE CORRUPTION-Ps 16:10. Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the exact date that God had set hundreds of years before. He rose on the Feast of Firstfruits. Jesus became the Firstfruits of those that would rise from the dead.
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. WHEREFORE HE SAITH ALSO IN ANOTHER PSALM, THOU SHALT NOT SUFFER THINE HOLY ONE TO SEE CORRUPTION-Acts 13:34,35; ref Ps 16:10. 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: BUT HE (Jesus), WHOM GOD RAISED AGAIN, SAW NO CORRUPTION. BE IT KNOWN UNTO YOU THEREFORE, MEN AND BRETHREN, THAT THROUGH THIS MAN IS PREACHED UNTO YOU THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS: AND BY HIM ALL THAT BELIEVE ARE JUSTIFIED-Acts 13:36-39.
As it is written in the Tanakh, BUT GOD WILL REDEEM MY SOUL FROM THE POWER OF THE GRAVE-Ps 49:15. NOW UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING, THEY CAME UNTO THE SEPULCHRE, BRINGING THE SPICES WHICH THEY HAD PREPARED, AND CERTAIN OTHERS WITH THEM. AND THEY FOUND THE STONE ROLLED AWAY FROM THE SEPULCHRE. AND THEY ENTERED IN, AND FOUND NOT THE BODY OF THE LORD JESUS. AND IT CAME TO PASS, AS THEY WERE MUCH PERPLEXED THEREABOUT, BEHOLD, TWO MEN STOOD BY THEM IN SHINING GARMENTS: AND AS THEY WERE AFRAID, AND BOWED DOWN THEIR FACES TO THE EARTH, THEY SAID UNTO THEM, WHY SEEK YE THE LIVING AMONG THE DEAD? HE IS NOT HERE, BUT IS RISEN: REMEMBER HOW HE SPAKE UNTO YOU WHEN HE WAS YET IN GALILEE, SAYING, THE SON OF MAN MUST BE DELIVERED INTO THE HANDS OF SINFUL MEN, AND BE CRUCIFIED, AND THE THIRD DAY RISE AGAIN. AND THEY REMEMBERED HIS WORDS-Lk 24:1-8.
God’s Word, in the Old Testament, gives us the prophecies of the Messiah. God’s Word, in the New Testament, gives us the fulfillment of the prophecies. The Bible is the perfect Word of God.
Both the Tanakh and the New Testament tell us that Jesus Christ is going to return. He is coming back to reign and rule on the earth for 1000 years. This is called the Millennium. However, before Jesus Christ returns, a period called the Tribulation will occur upon the earth. A false messiah, the seed of Satan, will come forth and deceive many.
NOW WHEN THEY WERE GOING, BEHOLD, SOME OF THE WATCH CAME INTO THE CITY, AND SHEWED UNTO THE CHIEF PRIESTS ALL THE THINGS THAT WERE DONE. AND WHEN THEY WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE ELDERS, AND HAD TAKEN COUNSEL, THEY GAVE LARGE MONEY UNTO THE SOLDIERS, SAYING, SAY YE, HIS DISCIPLES CAME BY NIGHT, AND STOLE HIM AWAY WHILE WE SLEPT. AND IF THIS COME TO THE GOVERNOR’S EARS, WE WILL PERSUADE HIM, AND SECURE YOU. SO THEY TOOK THE MONEY, AND DID AS THEY WERE TAUGHT: AND THIS SAYING IS COMMONLY REPORTED AMONG THE JEWS UNTIL THIS DAY-Mt 28:11-15.
The Tanakh tells in many verses of the second coming of Jesus Christ. It is written, IN THAT DAY...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-Zech 12:9,10. The children of Israel shall cry as they see the Messiah, as they see Jesus return, as they see that He was pierced when He hung on the cross. They shall cry as they come to the full realization that they were partakers of crucifying their own Messiah. Yet the great love and mercy of Jesus was revealed as He hung on the cross, saying, FATHER, FORGIVE THEM; FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO-Lk 23:34.
The Messiah came the first time to die for the sins of many, as the Scriptures have established. He comes the second time immediately after the Tribulation of those days and the Antichrist (who is called "A KING OF FIERCE COUNTENANCE"-Dan 8:23) is destroyed.
It is written in the New Testament, AND WHEN HE HAD SPOKEN THESE THINGS, WHILE THEY BEHELD, HE WAS TAKEN UP; AND A CLOUD RECEIVED HIM OUT OF THEIR SIGHT. AND WHILE THEY LOOKED STEADFASTLY TOWARD HEAVEN AS HE WENT UP, BEHOLD, TWO MEN STOOD BY THEM IN WHITE APPAREL; WHICH ALSO SAID, YE MEN OF GALILEE, WHY STAND YE GAZING UP INTO HEAVEN? THIS SAME JESUS, WHICH IS TAKEN UP FROM YOU INTO HEAVEN, SHALL SO COME IN LIKE MANNER AS YE HAVE SEEN HIM GO INTO HEAVEN-Acts 1:9-11.
Daniel foretold that SEVENTY WEEKS (490 years) ARE DETERMINED UPON THY PEOPLE-Dan 9:24. It said that MESSIAH (shall) BE CUT OFF-Dan 9:26. In other words, Messiah shall be killed. Then Daniel shows us there is one week (or one seven year period) left. It is written, AND HE (the king of fierce countenance, the prince) SHALL CONFIRM THE COVENANT WITH MANY FOR ONE WEEK-Dan 9:27. The week mentioned here is the Tribulation period and the end of the 490 years that is DETERMINED UPON THY PEOPLE-Dan 9:24.
As we study Daniel’s prophecy, we note that within the seventy weeks (490 years) certain things are to be accomplished. Dan 9:24-SEVENTY WEEKS ARE DETERMINED UPON THY PEOPLE AND UPON THY HOLY CITY,
TO FINISH THE TRANSGRESSION,
AND TO MAKE AN END OF SINS,
AND TO MAKE RECONCILIATION FOR INIQUITY,
AND TO BRING IN EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS,
AND TO SEAL UP THE VISION AND PROPHECY,
AND TO ANOINT THE MOST HOLY.
Thus, Daniel tells us about two comings of Messiah. Sixty-nine weeks (7 + 62), or 483 years, passed. Messiah came and reconciliation for sin was accomplished. Then He was cut off out of the land of the living, just as the prophets had said. The seventieth week of Daniel is very close at hand. At the end of this time, the vision and prophecy will be finished. The MOST HOLY will be anointed; the Messiah, Jesus Christ, will return.
Job tells us, FOR I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH, AND THAT HE SHALL STAND AT THE LATTER DAY UPON THE EARTH-Job 19:25. We see in Ezek 38:8, the latter years are when Israel becomes a nation. When Jesus Christ comes back, HIS LIGHTNINGS ENLIGHTENED THE WORLD: THE EARTH SAW, AND TREMBLED-Ps 97:4. AND ALL THE PEOPLE SEE HIS GLORY-Ps 97:6. 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. IN THAT DAY SHALL THERE BE A GREAT MOURNING IN JERUSALEM, AS THE MOURNING OF HADADRIMMON IN THE VALLEY OF MEGIDDON-Zech 12:10,11.
AND HIS FEET SHALL STAND IN THAT DAY UPON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, WHICH IS BEFORE JERUSALEM ON THE EAST, AND THE MOUNT OF OLIVES SHALL CLEAVE IN THE MIDST THEREOF TOWARD THE EAST AND TOWARD THE WEST, AND THERE SHALL BE A VERY GREAT VALLEY-Zech 14:4. AND THE LORD SHALL BE KING OVER ALL THE EARTH-Zech 14:9.
The day that the Lord comes back, it is written, FOR, BEHOLD, "THE LORD WILL COME" WITH FIRE, AND WITH HIS CHARIOTS LIKE A WHIRLWIND, TO RENDER HIS ANGER WITH FURY, AND HIS REBUKE WITH FLAMES OF FIRE. FOR BY FIRE AND BY HIS SWORD WILL THE LORD PLEAD WITH ALL FLESH: AND THE SLAIN OF THE LORD SHALL BE MANY-Isa 66:15,16. Isaiah tells us, I HAVE LONG TIME HOLDEN MY PEACE; I HAVE BEEN STILL, AND REFRAINED MYSELF: NOW WILL I CRY LIKE A TRAVAILING WOMAN; I WILL DESTROY AND DEVOUR AT ONCE-Isa 42:14. THE LORD...HE ARISETH TO SHAKE TERRIBLY THE EARTH-Isa 2:19. Those that live in sin and pride will pay for their wickedness. The day that Jesus returns is a day of His wrath upon the earth for sin, for rejecting Him and His forgiveness. Those who have lived a life of disobedience to the Scriptures will pay the eternal price. THE EARTH SHOOK AND TREMBLED; THE FOUNDATIONS ALSO OF THE HILLS MOVED AND WERE SHAKEN, BECAUSE HE WAS WROTH-Ps 18:7. BEHOLD, THE LORD MAKETH THE EARTH EMPTY, AND MAKETH IT WASTE, AND TURNETH IT UPSIDE DOWN-Isa 24:1.
OUT OF THEE (Bethlehem) SHALL HE COME FORTH UNTO ME THAT IS TO BE RULER IN ISRAEL-Mic 5:2. FOR UNTO US A CHILD IN 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. 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 FOREVER-Isa 9:6,7.
Thus, we have seen from the Tanakh that two comings of Messiah are taught. The first, is when He is born of a virgin in Bethlehem. He taught such things as repentance, forgiveness, and deliverance. He was betrayed by His friend for thirty pieces of silver. False witnesses rose up against Him. Then He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. He came to reconcile us back to God. He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter. He was cut off out of the land of the living. This all came to pass at the time Daniel prophesied that it would.
Yet He was to rise from the dead. God’s Holy One was not to see corruption. He was to be redeemed from the grave. Thus, the 483 years that Daniel spoke of were fulfilled.
Then Daniel speaks of the last seven years, also of the Messiah coming to be anointed. This is the second coming. Isaiah tells of the Lord coming with fire. The Messiah is wroth.
Then, the Messiah sets up His kingdom and will reign and rule on the earth. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.
The One that is to reign and rule on the earth is that same child, Who was born in Bethlehem about 2000 years ago, WHOSE GOINGS FORTH HAVE BEEN FROM OF OLD, FROM EVERLASTING-Mic 5:2. It is written, BEHOLD, THE DAYS COME, SAITH THE LORD, THAT I WILL RAISE UNTO DAVID A RIGHTEOUS BRANCH, AND A KING SHALL REIGN AND PROSPER, AND SHALL EXECUTE JUDGMENT AND JUSTICE IN THE EARTH. THIS IS HIS NAME WHEREBY HE SHALL BE CALLED, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS-Jere 23:5,6. What is written sounds like the New Testament, yet it is taken completely from the Tanakh. Jesus Christ, the Jewish Messiah, is coming back. According to the many prophecies God has given in the Scriptures, the time is "nigh at hand."
KNOWING THIS FIRST, THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. FOR THE PROPHECY CAME NOT IN OLD TIME BY THE WILL OF MAN: BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPAKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST-2 Pe 1:20,21. ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS: THAT THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE "PERFECT," THROUGHLY FURNISHED UNTO ALL GOOD WORKS-2 Tim 3:16,17.
What has been presented here from the Tanakh leaves no doubt. God’s Word—the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings—proves beyond any possible doubt that the Bible, Old and New Testament, is the perfect, infallible Word of God. It also proves conclusively and unmistakably that Jesus Christ is the Jewish Messiah.
And what is the message that God gives us on salvation? How do we get saved?
We must first "believe" on Jesus, for He said, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME-Jn 14:6. We are saved by our faith in Jesus Christ. It is written, THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH FAITH-Gal 3:14. Yet just believing is not enough, for, THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, AND TREMBLE-Ja 2:19.
Peter was preaching in Jerusalem on Pentecost. The people asked him, WHAT SHALL WE DO?-Acts 2:37. THEN PETER SAID UNTO THEM, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST-Acts 2:38. Repentance is mandatory. This means you forsake your sins. You turn from your sins, from doing your own thing, and start following and obeying the Gospel. You deny yourself and begin doing the will of God as outlined in the Scriptures. You stop sinning and begin serving God. The Scripture also said to be baptized. That is by full immersion. God’s Word says they rejected God by not being baptized with the baptism of John-ref Lk 7:29,30. Baptism, however, without believing and repentance, is meaningless. Infant baptism and sprinkling baptism are Satan’s counterfeits. FOR AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED "INTO CHRIST" HAVE PUT ON CHRIST-Gal 3:27. HE THAT "BELIEVETH" AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED-Mk 16:16. Once we have determined in our heart to repent, we then obey the Gospel. It is written, AND BEING MADE PERFECT, HE (Jesus) BECAME THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION UNTO ALL THEM THAT OBEY HIM-Heb 5:9. It's now time to consider what you're going to do with the evidence that has been presented. Friend, the time to repent and surrender your life to Jesus is "now." May we invite you to begin by calling on the Lord. Say this prayer and mean it.
Dear Jesus, I am a sinner. I believe You are the Son of God and died for my sins on the cross. Forgive all my sins. Remove all my doubts. Jesus, I ask You to come into my life. Help me to follow and obey Your commandments and to live for You. Jesus, I give You my life. Thank You for hearing my prayer. Thank You for coming into my life. I ask it in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Yeshua Ha Mashiach. Amen.
Begin to read the Bible every day. Be baptized and confess that Jesus is your Lord to others.