INTRODUCTION TO LUKE'S GOSPEL AND LUKE 1:1-4

We will now continue with our series of the Men of Christmas. We begin with introduction of Luke and the first four verses of his Gospel since we plan on continuing in the book of Luke after Christmas.

INTRODUCTION TO

LUKE’S GOSPEL

Author: Luke was not one of the twelve original apostles, but he was a frequent companion of the Apostle Paul. He was most likely a gentile since Paul does not list him as being among “the circumcision” in Colossians 4:10-15. Tradition says he may have been from Antioch. If, as is widely accepted, Luke was a Gentile, his books are the only two out of the entire New Testament to be authored by someone who was not Jewish. Paul referred to Luke as a physician (Colossians 4:14) which explains his more educated literary style compared to the other gospel accounts. Luke does not give much information about himself in either his gospel account or the book of Acts, focusing rather on Jesus and those who spread His message to the world.

Recipient(s): Although Luke dedicates his gospel account to “most excellent Theophilus” which would indicate he wrote it for a prominent Roman official, it is obvious that he had a wider audience in mind. Theophilus literally means “One who loves God” which may have been a nickname or pseudonym for the high ranking Roman Christian, but Luke’s gospel contains information for all those who love God.

Focus of Luke’s Gospel

·      Luke’s gospel is directed to a gentile audience

o  Greek terminology rather than Hebrew

o  Describes places Jews would be familiar with for those who are not

·       Highlights Jesus’s ministry to Gentiles

·      Only account of conception and birth of John the Baptist and the annunciation to Mary

·      Most detailed account of Jesus’s birth, dedication, and childhood

·      Gives prominence to Jesus’s healing ministry

·      Points out Jesus’s love of the outcasts—women, poor, unclean—celebrates the “underdog”

·      Gives prominence to women in many of the accounts

·      Most detailed account of Jesus’s final journey to Jerusalem emphasizing the purpose for Jesus’s incarnation which was to die on cross as a substitute for those who would believe

·      Points out the universality and inclusiveness of the gospel message, that it is not just for the Jews

LUKE 1:1-4

PREFACE TO LUKE’S GOSPEL

Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,  

Susan: Luke acknowledged that he had predecessors in writing about the life of Jesus.

Susie:  In this statement, Luke makes the assumption that many of his readers are Christians by stating these things are “most surely believed among us.”

Luke 1:2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

Susie: Luke states that others who wrote accounts of Jesus’s ministry were eye-witnesses and/or ministers of the word. Matthew and John were two of the original twelve apostles who followed Jesus for three and a half years on this earth, and Mark was another traveling companion of Paul. Tradition says that Mark was writing his gospel from Peter’s point of view.

Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

Susan: Luke wrote to make it easier for Gentiles to understand the gospel message. Luke was detail oriented. Therefore, he gave the most meticulous account of Jesus’s genealogy (tracing all the way back to Adam), His birth, and His final journey to Jerusalem. He also defined Jewish terms to make them understandable for a Gentile audience.

Susie: As mentioned in the introduction, Theophilus may have been a high Roman official, since Luke addressed him as “most excellent.” The Roman captain who sent Paul to the governor after his arrest in Jerusalem, addressed his letter to “most excellent governor Felix” (Acts 23:26). Therefore, many commentators believe Theophilus was a particular person.

Luke 1:4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Susan: Luke gives his purpose in writing his own gospel account—that all who read could be confident in the truth they had heard proclaimed about Jesus.

Susie: Apparently, Theophilus had been discipled to some extent since Luke refers to him having received instruction. Luke’s purpose is to give a well-researched, orderly account of the Good News.

QUESTIONS

• 1. What clues indicate that Theophilus was a real individual rather than just a name meant to address all who loved God?
•  
• 2. What audience did Luke target by using Greek rather than Hebrew terminology?
•  
• 3. Why do you suppose the Holy Spirit inspired four individuals to each write an account of Jesus’s life as the God-man?

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES: BORN OF A VIRGIN IN BETHLEHEM AND WORSHIPPED BY IMPORTANT PEOPLE

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES:

BORN OF A VIRGIN

IN BETHLEHEM

AND WORSHIPPED BY IMPORTANT PEOPLE

Prophecy:

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Susie: The Hebrew word for virgin means an unmarried woman which would assume that she had never been with a man. Therefore, the birth of Isaiah’s son would not completely fulfill this prophecy. Note that the child would be called Immanuel meaning “God with us,” a name applied to Jesus even though it was not His given name.

Fulfillment:

Matthew 1:18-2:1 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, 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 Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Susan: Mary and Joseph were engaged when Mary conceived, but they had not had intimate relations yet. The baby was not Joseph’s but was placed in Mary by the Holy Spirit.

Susie: Furthermore, even after Joseph married Mary in obedience to the Lord, they did not consummate the marriage. Joseph refrained from being intimate and Mary remained a virgin until after the birth of Jesus.

Susan: Matthew underscored in his gospel account that the virgin birth was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesy in Isaiah 7:14.

Susie: The Lord, through Matthew, made this one abundantly clear for us!

Luke 1:26-35 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 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.

Susan: Luke, in this passage, three times highlights the gospel truth that Mary was indeed a virgin. Mary herself affirmed her virginity when she questioned Gabriel about how this could happen since she had never been intimate with a man.

Susie: Therefore, two gospel accounts show the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin birth of the Savior..

Prophecy:

Micah 5:2 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.

Susan: Micah prophesied that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem which translated means “house of bread.”

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Fulfillment:

Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. . .

Luke 2:4-7 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Susie: Both Matthew and Luke record that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. In addition, when Herod inquired where the baby king was to be born, his chief priests and scribes quoted Micah’s prophecy concerning Bethlehem.

Prophecy:

Psalm 72:10-11 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

Susan: The Messiah would be admired and even worshipped by dignitaries and royalty from around the world.

Susie: This was fulfilled when the wise men adored Jesus at His birth but will be further confirmed when He returns and all people bow down before Him.

Fulfillment:

Matthew 2:1-11 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

Susan: The Magi, the wise men, were men from the aristocracy of their country or countries. They were men of prominence and obviously of great wealth to travel from the East and offer such extravagant gifts.

Susie: Another indication of their stature was that they were granted an audience with King Herod the Great.

Susan: They not only admired Jesus, but they were moved to fall down before Him in heartfelt worship.

Susie: The wise men lavished gifts upon Jesus as an emissary would present to a king. 

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES: GOD’S NAME APPLIED TO MESSIAH and MESSIAH BORN 483 YEARS AFTER REBUILDING OF WALL OF JERUSALEM

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES:

GOD’S NAME APPLIED TO MESSIAH and

MESSIAH BORN 483 YEARS AFTER REBUILDING OF WALL OF JERUSALEM

Prophecies:

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, 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. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Susie: The Messiah would be called “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father,” or as the Complete Jewish Bible renders it, “Father of Eternity.”  These are clearly names for the One true God.

Jeremiah 23:5-6 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. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness.

Susan: The word translated “Lord” is “Adonai” which is the plural of “Adon” and can be translated, “Lord, Lord, Lord.” It is the concept of master or owner. Therefore, Adonai is the one I to whom I answer.

Susie: We submit to Him as our master, but note that He provides our righteousness. Jesus was called “Lord” by His disciples, and He died on the cross in order to cleanse us from sin and transfer His own righteousness to those who believe.

Fulfillment:

Philippians 2:9-11Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Susie: The name that is higher than any other name is God as applied to God the Father. Jesus (God saves) was declared to be equal with God the Father. Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30).

Philippians 2:10-11 (CJB) that in honor of the name given Yeshua, every knee will bow — in heaven, on earth and under the earth — and every tongue will acknowledge that Yeshua the Messiah is Adonai — to the glory of God the Father.

Susan: Paul underscored for the Messianic Community (church) at Philippi that Jesus is going to be recognized as Lord (Adonai) by all people on the earth and even those under the earth and already in Heaven. This is fulfillment of Jeremiah 23:6.

Prophecy:

Daniel 9:24-26 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. 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. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

MacArthur Study Bible notes:

9:24–26 Seventy weeks…from…until. These are weeks of years, whereas weeks of days are described in a different way (10:2, 3). The time spans from the Persian Artaxerxes’ decree to rebuild Jerusalem, ca. 445 B.C. (Neh. 2:1–8), to the Messiah’s kingdom. This panorama includes: 1) 7 weeks or 49 years, possibly closing Nehemiah’s career in the rebuilding of the “street and wall,” as well as the end of the ministry of Malachi and the close of the OT; 2) 62 weeks or 434 more years for a total of 483 years to the first advent of Messiah. This was fulfilled at the triumphal entry on 9 Nisan, A.D. 30 (see notes on Matt. 21:1–9).

Susie: Daniel’s prophecy gives a specific time in history for the Messiah to be recognized as being on earth. It can be confusing with the weeks of days and weeks of years, but mathematically it all works out.

Fulfillment:

Matthew 2:1, 16, 19 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem . . . Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men . . . But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 

Luke 3:1 & 23 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

Susie: Enough is known about Herod the Great to fit his reign into a time frame that would allow people to calculate dates concerning Jesus fulfilling Daniel’s predictions concerning the Messiah. As the quote from the MacArthur study Bible states, many scholars see the fulfillment of the 483 years as happening at Jesus’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem when the people shouted “Hosanna.”  There is controversy as to how to interpret Daniel’s prophecy. We will leave it at this: Jesus’s birth occurring during the reign of Herod the Great and other datable events during His lifetime fit within Daniel’s timeframe.

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES CONCERNING JESUS HAVING ETERNAL EXISTENCE AND JESUS BEING THE SON OF GOD

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES CONCERNING

JESUS HAVING ETERNAL EXISTENCE AND

JESUS BEING THE SON OF GOD

Prophecy:

Micah 5:2 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.

Susan: The Messiah existed from the beginning, in fact before then because He was pre-existent with no beginning and no end.

Fulfillment:

John 1:1 & 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . .  And the Word was made 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.

Susie: John calls Jesus “The Word.” He declares that the Word was with God at the creation of the earth, and in fact, was the One who created it. He is clearly talking about Jesus because he goes on to say that the Word “dwelt among us.” In other words, God incarnate in the form of the Son, who had existed before time, came to live on earth with His created ones.

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Susan: By saying He came before Abraham, Jesus claimed pre-existence which was claiming deity. By using “I AM,” Jesus declared Himself to be equal with God the Father. You probably remember that “I AM” was the name God told Moses to use when telling the Israelites who sent him.

Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Susan: The Apostle Paul underscored Jesus’s pre-existence when he stated we would chosen in Christ even before the foundation of the world.

Colossians 1:15-19 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell

Susie: Again, Jesus was the One who created all things. Thus, He existed before the world as we know it. Paul was very clear on Jesus’s deity and His eternality.

Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Susan: Jesus was not only pre-existent and created all the earth, the angels, humans—everything that is; but He will continue eternally. He has “foreverality.”

Prophecies:

Psalm 2:7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Susie: It is generally accepted that Psalm 2 concerns the Messiah to come. The one speaking in this verse is God saying He will claim the Messiah as His “begotten” Son. We are called “children of God,” but only one person was born of a woman and the Holy Spirit of God—Jesus.

Proverbs 30:4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

Susan: The obvious answer to all these questions is “God.” We, as New Testament believers, can see that the answer can also be Jesus, God’s Son.

Fulfillment

Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Susan: Jesus came to have his cousin, John the Baptist, baptize Him in the Jordan river. As John raised Jesus up out of the water, Father God spoke affirming that Jesus was His Son. This confirms His equality with God, His deity.

Luke 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Susie: When the angel Gabriel came to the virgin Mary to tell her she was going to have a baby, he made it clear that her son was going to be God’s Son. He left no doubt that Jesus was to be the Messiah, the Anointed One, the offspring of the Most-high God.

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES: DESCENDANT OF DAVID AND HEIR TO HIS THRONE

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES

DESCENDANT OF DAVID

AND HEIR TO HIS THRONE

Prophecy

2 Samuel 7:12-13 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom forever.

Susie: King David was aging and expressed a desire to build a temple for God. However, through Nathan the prophet, God let him know that he was not the one to build the temple. His son, Solomon, would have that privilege. God promised that David’s kingly line would pass on to his descendants.

Susan: No human except the God-man, the Messiah, could live forever. The throne would pass to the Messiah, Jesus, whose kingdom would never end.

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, 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 for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Susan: According to this prophecy Jesus the Messiah’s time will come to set up His everlasting kingdom.

Susie: Jesus did not set up an earthly kingdom when He was born in Bethlehem and walked among men for thirty-three years. However, by His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus gave us the opportunity for Him to rule in our hearts which brings His kingdom to us right now.

Susan: His physical kingdom on earth will be established at Jesus’s second coming.

Isaiah 11:1-5 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

Susie: Much of this will be fulfilled at the Second Coming of Christ as well. We see further prophesy concerning the “breath” of the Lord in Paul’s writings:

2 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV) And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.

Susan: Jesse was the father of King David. Therefore, this is a prophecy that the Messiah would be in the royal line of David. Both Matthew and Luke trace the lineage of Jesus back through the Davidic line.

Jeremiah 23:5 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.

Susie: Jesus was the only completely righteous man to ever walk the earth, and will ultimately serve as both King and judge. Again, this verse links the Messiah as one of David’s descendants.

Fulfillment

Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Matthew 1:6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias

Susie: Matthew makes it doubly clear that Jesus was descended from King David by listing David both in his thesis sentence and in the specific list of ancestors in Jesus’s genealogy.

Acts 13:22-23 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

Susan: The Apostle Paul and Barnabas were preaching in a synagogue. Paul gave a condensed version of Israel’s history in order to show that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. After removing Saul, Israel’s first king, from office, God chose David to replace him.

Susie: David was not as royal in appearance as Saul (who stood a head taller than other men), but he had something more important than kingly looks—David was a man after God’s own heart. The Messiah would be descended from a man whose heart was focused on God.

Susan: Paul presented Jesus not only in the royal position as King but, also, as our Savior, the one who graciously sacrificed His life in our place.

Romans 1:3   Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead . . .

Susan: Paul underscored in his preaching and his writings that Jesus was the Messiah promised in the prophetic scriptures.

Susie: He pointed out that Jesus was a descendant of David from an earthly perspective but identified him as the Son of God as well as David.

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES CONCERNING JACOB AND JUDAH

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES CONCERNING

JACOB AND JUDAH

Prophecy:

Genesis 28:12-14 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

Susie: This is the passage telling about Jacob dreaming of a ladder or stairway to Heaven with angels going down to earth and back up. God spoke to him in this dream.

Susan: In this discourse, God confirmed that Jacob was the next in succession to continue the promises set forth in His covenant with Abraham. Through Jacob’s seed, all nations of the earth would experience blessings. “Seed” here is a reference to the Messiah to come, Jesus.

Numbers 24:17-19 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.

Susan: God changed Jacob’s name to Israel which mean “God will prevail.” The Star and the Scepter are metaphors for a King and His kingdom, but in this case, they represent the King of kings and His kingdom. He is the One who has dominion, authority, over all things, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Fulfillment:

Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren

Luke 3:34 Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,

Susie: We return once again to the genealogies found in Matthew and Luke to see the fact that Jesus was indeed the seed, the descendant, of Jacob.

Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star

Susan: Here, Jesus identifies Himself as “the bright and morning Star” which is a reference to Numbers 24:17.

MacArthur Study Bible note on Revelation 22:16

Bright and Morning Star. This is the brightest star announcing the arrival of the day. When Jesus comes, He will be the brightest star who will shatter the darkness of man’s night and herald the dawn of God’s glorious day

Susie: When we studied the Gospel of John, we saw Jesus call Himself the Light of the world.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Prophecy

Genesis 49:10 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.

Susie: The scepter was a symbol of power and authority for either a tribal leader like Judah or the kings which would descend from him, including the Messiah.

Susan: Shiloh is a coded reference to the Messiah and may derive from a word meaning “peace-maker.” Jesus was the Prince of Peace, the very source of our peace.

Fulfillment

Matthew 1:2-3 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren; And Judah begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

Luke 3:33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Judah,

Susie: Both Matthew and Luke list Judah as a direct ancestor of Jesus as far as His human lineage goes.

Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

Susie: This is in the context of Jesus being a priest on the order of Melchizedek.

Susan: Jesus was not a priest from the Levitical line. He was a priest on the order Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God. This is significant for two reasons. It shows that Jesus was the Messiah prophesied to come from the tribe of Judah, but He was also the King whose scepter would continue forever.

Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Susan: In John’s vision on the Isle of Patmos, he saw a book with seven seals that no man could unlock and wept at the thought that the book could not be opened.  The only One able and worthy to open it was the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

Susie: Later in this passage, the Lion is referred to as a Lamb that had been slain. (see also Revelation 13:8) Both of these are clear references to the Lord Jesus. 

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES GIVEN TO ADAM & EVE AND ABRAHAM & SARAH

Over the next couple of weeks, we will be looking at Old Testament prophesies concerning the coming of the Messiah and their New Testament fulfilment in Jesus.

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES GIVEN TO

ADAM & EVE AND ABRAHAM & SARAH

Prophecy:

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Susie: We felt the Amplified made this verse a little clearer:

Genesis 3:15 (AMP) “And I will put enmity (open hostility) between you and the woman, And between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall [fatally] bruise your head, And you shall [only] bruise His heel.”

Susie: Yes, snakes (serpents) bite the heel and we stomp their heads; but there is more to this prophecy.

Susan: Satan would be jealous – he was thrown out of Heaven for desiring to “be like God”; but Eve, who was made in the image of God and did not treasure that position, but disobeyed Him, was shown grace. Therefore, Satan is the enemy of man, constantly trying to prevent people from having a right relationship with their Creator.

Susie: Crucifixion is one of the few forms of execution that “bruises the heel” as the spike is driven through the feet and the heels pushed hard against the cross. But as Jesus’ heels were bruised, He was delivering the deathblow to Satan’s head. Satan is truly a “dead devil walking.” Eve and Adam were the first humans to hear this promise that Satan would ultimately be destroyed by Eve’s Seed (singular) which would be Jesus. Usually “seed” denotes sperm, but it was by the woman’s seed that deliverance would come. Mary conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit without the normally necessary benefit of a human man’s sperm, so Jesus was Mary’s Seed and ultimately that of Eve.

Romans 16:20 (KJV) And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Fulfillment:

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Susan: Let’s take a look at these verses in another version:

Galatians 4:4-5 (J.B. Phillips) But when the proper time came God sent his son, born of a human mother and born under the jurisdiction of the Law, that he might redeem those who were under the authority of the Law and lead us into becoming, by adoption, true sons of God.

Susan: Jesus is God’s Son with no earthly father involved in His conception. Therefore, it fulfills the requirement of Genesis 3:15, that the One who would destroy Satan would be the woman’s Seed.  And He, Jesus, is the only One born of a woman’s seed, born of a virgin.

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Susie: Jesus, the Son of God, was born to fulfill the purpose of crushing Satan’s head, rendering him powerless. This, too, is a fulfillment of the promise made to Eve and Adam when God pronounce the curse on the serpent (Satan in disguise), prophesying that Eve’s Seed would stomp on his head.

Prophecy:

Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Susie: God instructed Abraham to leave his country and travel to a destination yet to be disclosed. He declared that He would make Abraham’s family into a great nation. The Lord promised that ALL families of the earth would be blessed because of Abraham. Abraham was the patriarch of the Jewish nation, the ancestor of the Lord Jesus who was the ultimate fulfillment of this promise!

Fulfillment:

Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Susan: Both Matthew 1:1 and Luke 3:34 trace Jesus’s lineage back to Abraham.

Susie: As Messiah, the anointed One, Jesus would be a blessing to Israel, but the New Testament shows that He offered grace to all nations.

Acts 3:25-26 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Susie: In this passage, Peter was speaking to a crowd who was in awe of the fact that a lame man was healed in the name of Jesus just outside the temple. These were Jewish people who had come to the temple to worship, so he addressed them as “children of the prophets.”

Susan: Peter pointed out that God brought the message of the Gospel, salvation through His Son Jesus, first to the Jews. Peter underscored that through Abraham’s descendants all nations would be blessed.

Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Susie: Paul wrote this letter to the Galatians to combat certain heresies they were accepting and to clarify the Gospel message.

Susan: In this verse, Paul makes it clear that ultimate fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant is manifested in the One Seed, Jesus.

Susie: Through Jesus, salvation would be made available to all people everywhere, not only to the Jewish nation.

Prophecy:

Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

Genesis 21:12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Susan: God made it clear that His covenant with Abraham would continue through Isaac, the son of Sarah, alone. The promises were not given to Ishmael or any of Abraham’s sons by the wife he married after Sarah’s death. Abraham was chosen to be the father of God’s chosen people, but Sarah was equally chosen to be the mother of the nation.

Fulfilment:

Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

Luke 3:34 Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,

Susie: Once again both the genealogy given in Matthew’s gospel and that in Luke’s gospel trace the lineage of God’s Son, Jesus, to Isaac.

Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Susan: The book of Hebrews praises Abraham’s unwavering faith in being willing to sacrifice the son of promise he had waited for so long. Abraham trusted that God would raise Isaac from the dead because God had promised that Isaac would become a great nation.

Susie: It was from Isaac that the Seed who would crush Satan’s head, Jesus, would be descended.