God’s work through the history of the Jewish people is an integral part of His plan for all creation. This Bible study will strengthen your faith and could also serve to inspire your small group fellowship to pray for Chosen People Ministries’ staff members and volunteers as they carry out the Biblical mandate for Jewish evangelism. We pray that you too will be inspired to share the Gospel with Jewish people in your own sphere of influence.
The life and ministry of Jesus the Messiah are the fulfillment of a series of covenant promises that the Lord made to the Jewish people – and to the whole world through Him.
Prophecy #1: The Origin & Birthplace of the Messiah
Micah 5:2 (5:1 in the Jewish Bible) – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”
Fulfillment:
Matthew 2:1 – “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem…”
Prophecy #2: A Descendant of Abraham
Genesis 12:1-3 – “Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'”
Fulfillment:
Matthew 1:1 – “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Prophecy #3: From the House of David
2 Samuel 7:12-13 – “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”
Fulfillment:
Luke 3:31 – “…the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David.”
Prophecy #4: Born of a Virgin
Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
Fulfillment:
Matthew 1:18, 22-23 – “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.'”
Prophecy #5: God in the Flesh
Isaiah 9:6-7 (9:5-6 in the Jewish Bible) – “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”
Fulfillment:
Matthew 1:1 – “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.”
John 1:14 – “And the Word became 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.”
Prophecy #6: The Humility of Messiah
Zechariah 9:9 – “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
Fulfillment:
John 12:12-14 – “…a great multitude…when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: ‘Hosanna! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” The King of Israel!’ Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written.”
Prophecy #7: The Suffering Servant
Isaiah 53 – When he reads this passage, your Jewish friend might think that he is reading from the New Testament. He may be surprised to see this in his own Bible!
Fulfillment:
John 1:1; Matthew 8:16-17; 26:62-63; 27:12-14, 38, 57-60; Mark 15:27-28; Luke 23:33; Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3