Scripture Reading: Isaiah 11:1-9; 53:1-12; 61:1-6.
Memory Verse: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” (John 5:39)
INTRODUCTION:
The Apostle Peter said the prophets testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow (1 Peter 1:10-12). The prophets knew of the Plan of Redemption that called for the sacrifice of Christ, because of sin. They also saw beyond the cross, to His return in the glory of the Father, to reign in peace and righteousness. John, like the prophets, spoke of the Christ “who is and who was and who is to come” (Revelation 1:4).
When Philip found Nathaniel, he said, “‘ We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote’” (John 1:45). The two on the road to Emmaus heard Jesus begin “at Moses and all the Prophets,” (Luke 24:27) and expound all that was written concerning Himself (See also Luke 24:44). God’s inspired Word has told of Christ from the incarnation to His return in Glory, and also of the consummation of God’s plan to restore the whole earth to Edenic beauty (Acts 3:18, 20-21; Isaiah 65). Since so much that was written concerning Christ has been fulfilled, the truthfulness of inspiration is established. History records the affairs of men with men, while prophecy records God’s dealings with men. The test of theory is fact; the test of prophecy is its fulfillment. Prophecy, types, and symbols, portray the “good tidings” of redemption.
Christ told the Jews to search the Scriptures which testify of Him (John 5:39). Here Jesus referred to the prophecies of the Scriptures concerning Him. They did not believe Jesus because they did not believe what was written of Him. Isaiah saw Christ as a “Rod from the stem of Jesse,” (Isaiah 11:1) showing the connection to the tribe of Judah (Isaiah 11:11). He also saw the virgin birth, which shows Christ in divine relation as the seed of Abraham (Isaiah 7:14; Hebrews 2:14-18). Micah told of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Christ-child, whose existence is from everlasting, and the One who is to judge in Israel. In Luke is recorded how and why His birth was not in Nazareth (Luke 2:1-7; Micah 5:2). Jeremiah gave the reason for the flight into Egypt (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:14).
LESSON QUESTIONS:
- From Genesis 3:15, Jude 1:14-15 and Genesis 12:3, what did those of old know of the Christ to come?
- What did Peter say the prophets of old knew of Christ? 1 Peter 1:10-12
- What is said regarding Christ in Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; Micah 5:2?
- What shows that Simeon, Anna, and Joseph of Arimathea knew of a coming king? Luke 2:25-38; Mark 15:43.
- How does Isaiah 53 show a personal sin bearer, and not national sufferings of Israel? (Note: There are 12 expressions in this chapter that show Christ’s sufferings and sacrifice.)
- In what ways does it appear that the time for Christ’s baptism and crucifixion may have been shown to Daniel? Daniel 9:25-27.
- In what ways does God supply our physical needs? Psalm 121:3-8; 147:7-9; 104:14.
- In what ways does God supply man’s spiritual needs? John 14:26; 16:7, 13.
- How do angels assist man in his spiritual life? Hebrews 1:14; Matthew 18:10.
What is one of the promises given to those that have their dependence on God? Psalm 33:12; 65:4.