Did you know that in the final week of His life, Jesus fulfilled 33 specific Messianic prophecies?

Here are just a few:

  • The Messiah would enter Jerusalem on a donkey.
  • “Rejoice Jerusalem, your king is coming to you, mounted on a donkey, even on a colt.” (Zechariah 9:9) Fulfilled in Mark 11:1-10.
  • The Messiah would enter the Temple.
  • “The Lord will suddenly come to His temple.” (Malachi 3:1) Fulfilled Mark 11:11.
  • The Messiah would cleanse and purify the Temple.
  • “Who can endure the day of His coming? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like a laundryman’s soap.” (Malachi 3:2) Fulfilled Mark 11:15-18.
  • The Messiah would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.
  • “So they weighed out 30 shekels of silver for my wages.” (Zechariah 11:12) Fulfilled Matthew 26:15.
  • The Messiah would be betrayed by a friend.
  • “Even my close friend, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel up against me.” (Psalm 41:9) Fulfilled Mark 14:43-46.
  • The Messiah would be abandoned by His disciples.
  • “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep might be scattered.” (Zechariah 13:7) Fulfilled Mark 14:50.
  • The Messiah would remain silent when accused.
  • “He was oppressed, yet He did not open His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7) Fulfilled Mark 14:61.
  • The Messiah would have His hands and feet pierced.
  • “They pierced my hands and my feet.” (Psalm 22:16) Fulfilled Mark 15:24.
  • The Messiah would be crucified with robbers.
  • “He was numbered with the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12) Fulfilled Mark 15:27.
  • The Messiah would be buried in the tomb of a rich man.
  • “His grave was with a rich man in his death.” (Isaiah 53:9) Fulfilled Mark 15:42-46.

It is too simplistic to conclude that the people turned against Jesus because He didn’t meet their earthly expectations of the Messiah. Everything that led up to this week was predetermined by God – as Paul said, “Christ died…according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3)

And for what purpose? “For our sins…” (1 Corinthians 15:3)

Thank you, Jesus, for fulfilling God’s plan.

Today’s Bible reading: Mark 14:43-52

 

View all devotions in the Easter 7 Days that Changed the World series