Many of the prophecies concerning Christ are encouraging and uplifting such as His names (Isaiah 7:15; 9:6), His reign (2 Samuel 7), and His work (Psalm 110:4). Yet the night and early morning that Jesus was arrested, tried, and murdered, was a day that God looked on with painful anticipation (Matthew. 26:39-42; cf. Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:5-7). On this particular day, at least twenty-two prophecies concerning Christ are painful, lonely, and full of sorrow. Even on the darkest day in earth’s history, God wanted people to know who is the Messiah. Consider the following:
Betrayal by a friend (Psalm 41:9 cf. Matthew 10:4; 26:49-50; John 13:21).
Sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12 cf. Matthew 26:15; 27:3).
Money thrown into God’s house (Zechariah 11:13 cf. Matthew 27:5).
Price given for Potter’s field (Zechariah 11:13 cf. Matthew 27:7).
Forsaken by His disciples (Zechariah 13:7 cf. Matthew 26:31-32; Mk. 14:50).
Silent before accusers (Isaiah 53:7 cf. Matthew 27:12).
Wounded and bruised (Isaiah 53:5 cf. Matthew 27:26).
Smitten and spit upon (Isaiah 50:6 cf. Matthew 26:67).
Mocked (Psalm 22:7-8 cf. Matthew 27:41-43).
Hands and feet pierced (Psalm 22:16 cf. Luke 23:33; John 20:25).
Crucified with transgressors (Isaiah 53:12 cf. Matthew 27:38).
Made intercession for the persecutors (Isaiah 53:12 cf. Luke 23:34).
People shook their heads at him (Psalm 22:7 cf. Matthew 27:39).
People stared at him (Psalm 22:17 cf. Luke 23:35).
Garments parted and lots cast (Psalm 22:18 cf. Matthew 27:35).
Would suffer thirst (Psalm 69:21 cf. Luke 23:36; John 19:28).
Gall and vinegar offered to him (Psalm 69:21 cf. John 19:28-29).
His forsaken cry (Psalm 22:1 cf. Matthew 27:46).
Committed Himself to God (Psalm 31:5 cf. Luke 23:46).
Bones not broken (Psalm 34:20 cf. John 19:33-36).
Side pierced (Zechariah 12:10 cf. John 19:34-37).
Buried in a Rich Man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9 cf. Matthew 27:57-60).
How could Jesus, knowing all of this, endure the cross? Hebrews 12:1-3 holds the answer. Hint: He loves us more than we could ever imagine.
-LS
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