Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies because God’s plan for human salvation was fulfilled in Jesus. The New Testament, especially the Gospel of Matthew, documents this belief by correlating statements about Jesus with Old Testament prophecies.

 

Day 1        Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23

Reflect: Compare the prophecy of the virgin birth in Isaiah and its fulfillment in Jesus in Matthew. How do the two passages align? How have you experienced Immanuel? 

Apply:     In general, what is the significance of prophecy in affirming Jesus’ identity? Why is the fulfilled prophecy of His virgin birth so hard for people to believe? Why was it necessary?

Pray:      Father, by Your grace, You told us the end from the beginning. You refuse to be the detached god who is far away. So at great cost, You came to live among us. May my life reflect my love, worship, and gratitude for You.

 

Day 2     Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6

Reflect: Why do you think Micah 5:2 is considered an important prophecy about Jesus? What two truths are stated about the “ruler of Israel”? How do these matter?  

Apply:   God’s plans are precise and powerful. Why? What is God teaching us through this prophecy? How have you seen God use something unexpected to show His sovereignty?

Pray:     Lord, thank You for being a God of perfect timing. Trusting that Your plans for me are far greater than I could ever imagine, I surrender my life to Your lordship and purposes.

 

Day 3      Isaiah 35:4–6; Matthew 11:2–6 

Reflect: What kind of Messiah was prophesied? What was His mission? Why was John skeptical about Jesus’ identity? Why did Jesus answer the way He did?  

Apply:     In these texts, what is God showing you about Himself? How do you understand the truth that Jesus came to destroy our enemies? In what ways has Jesus healed you? 

Pray:     Jesus, I don’t want to try to conform You to my desires. Help me to understand the fullness of Your ministry and to serve You as the Lord of my heart, soul and actions. 

 

Day 4      Luke 24:35-48

Reflect: Think about Jesus’ explanation of how He fulfilled the Scriptures. What was His reason for telling the disciples? Why did they struggle so much with believing Him?

Apply:   In what ways does understanding the prophecy of Jesus as Messiah strengthen your faith? Fill you with hope? How and why does prophecy connect the Old and New Testament?

Pray:    Father, open up the Scriptures to my understanding more and more, so that I come to know You better with each passing day.

 

Day 5      Psalm 22:1-8; 16-18; Matthew 27:34-46

Reflect: Why is this prophecy of Jesus’ crucifixion so detailed? How does this describe the kind of Messiah that was actually to come? Why did Jesus quote Psalm 22:1? 

Apply:    Reflect on the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice for you. What emotions and thoughts do you experience when reading these passages? Describe the importance of prophecy. 

Pray:     God, You accomplish Your wise and holy plans, even through the most horrific events. This is a mystery beyond our ability to explain, but Jesus’ crucifixion demonstrates 

 

Put It Into Practice!

Week 2: Did Jesus Fulfill the Old Testament Prophecies?

Compare the Old Testament passages with the New Testament ones this week. Reflect on the consistency between the Old and New Testament Scriptures.