Introduction
Another one of the many roles of the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament was the role of Lamb. The Messiah was destined to become a sacrificial lamb.
Old Testament Prophecy
He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth. [Isaiah 53:7 NIV]
New Testament Fulfillment
Introduction
One thing the Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would do was to bring peace. In the famous Messiah verse of Isaiah, the prophet calls him the “Prince of Peace.”
Old Testament Prophecy
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [Isaiah 9:6 NIV]
Introduction
The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would come to preach the good news of God of the Father.
Old Testament Prophecy
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, [Isaiah 61:1-2 NIV]
Over the last couple of weeks, we have discussed numerous archaeological finds related to people, places and things described in the Old Testament and concluded that archaeology proves the historicity of the Old Testament? So, what about the New Testament? Is there similar archaeological evidence to support the New Testament accounts? The simple answer is yes! There have been an astounding number of finds supporting the New Testament.
Many have sought to use archaeology to disprove the New Testaments account. Indeed, Sir Walter Ramsey (one of the greatest archaeologists of all times) set out to disprove the account of Luke. After 30 years of study, he concluded without equivocation:
“Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of truth trustworthy…this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians.”
Introduction
One of Jesus’ famous proclamation from the cross was, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Indeed, the Old Testament prophesied thousands of years earlier that the Messiah would pray for his enemies.
Old Testament Prophecy
In return for my friendship they accuse me,
but I am a man of prayer. [Psalm 109:4 NIV]
Last week, we looked at numerous examples of Old Testament stories previously discounted by scholars which were later proved true through archaeology. William F. Albright, of John Hopkins University, once said:
“There can be no doubt that archaeology has confirmed the substantial historicity of Old Testament tradition.”
In this post, we will look at numerous addition Old Testament stories, people and facts supported by archaeology. They include:
Introduction
The Old Testament prophesies that the coming Messiah would usher in a new covenant between God and his people.
Old Testament Prophecy
“I, the LORD , have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles, [Isaiah 42:6 NIV]
“The time is coming,” declares the LORD ,
“when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah. [Jeremiah 31:31 NIV]
“See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. [Malachi 3:1 NIV]