April 13, 2025

RESTORING EDEN: PROPHECIES OF THE PASSOVER LAMB

April 13, 2025

 Charles Billingsley

Have you taken time to study the prophecies of the Old Testament as they foretell the coming of Messiah? There are more than three hundred, all foretold by God when He ‘breathed’ the Scriptures to men, each writing in their own way—but they were always from God. For a Man to come who could fulfill even eight of that number would be one chance in one quadrillion (1 with 18 zeros behind it!)—an impossibility. Jesus fulfilled all the ones referring to the first coming of the Messiah, with a portion yet to be satisfied by His second coming. How incredible is our God! Today we look through some of the marvelous foretellings of Christ. Remember, people had their minds so set on their own idea of what the coming Redeemer would be like, they rejected this One who met every single prophecy concerning His first coming. 1 Corinthians 2:8 tells us that ‘if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Don’t let that be you.

Focal Passages: All passages today are included with each bullet point, in bold.

Fulfilled prophecies Reveal God’s plan: There is only One who could be the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

  • Read 2:23, 4:13. Why did Jesus make his home in Capernaum? Read Luke 4:14-30, Isa. 61:1-3. How did the people react when Jesus taught in the synagogue (vv. 28-30)? What was the main reason people rejected Jesus as the Messiah (John 6:42)?
  • In Luke 4:19, why did Jesus stop before quoting the final words found in the similar passage in 61:2, ‘And the day of vengeance of our God’?
  • Read 3:15. From the time of Moses, when this history of the world was recorded (2 Tim. 3:16), men began looking for evidence of a future descendant of Eve who would bruise the head of the serpent, defeat evil, and offer salvation for mankind. How many other prophecies were eventually found in the OT?
  • What is the probability one man could fulfill even eight of these prophecies? The actual number is 1 to the 17thpower, or 1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000. Jesus Christ fulfilled all of them! That would be 1 followed by 157 zeros! Definitely, God is in control.

Fulfilled prophecies Remind us of God’s promise: There is only One who could come from heaven to dwell with mankind—Jesus Christ.

  • Read Isaiah 7:14. How was Jesus prophesied to come? Read Isaiah 9:6-7. Does this description sound like a ‘normal’ child to you? Are there other impossibilities in these two passages? Read Micah 5:2.
  • Read 11:1-5, Numbers 24:17, and Hos. 11:1 for more prophecies of His birth.

Fulfilled prophecies Restore our faith in God’s provision:

  • Read 53. What are some of the prophecies of Jesus’ crucifixion? Read Acts 4:12. How many people do you know that reject this truth? Why do they?
  • As we enter Passion Week, do you know the meaning or activity of the days prior to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection? Also, note how often they refer to Him being a sacrifice. Discuss as many of these that you have time for. Palm Sunday. Zech. 9:9. The arrival of the King; Holy Monday. 8:13, Jer. 7:3-4, Isa. 56:7-8. Holy Tuesday. Jesus antagonizes the religious leaders: Isa. 49:1-7.  Spy Wednesday. His betrayal: Psa. 41:9, Mark 14:10-11.  Maundy Thursday. Love one another. The Messiah would be cut off: Daniel, and John 11:50-52. Jesus was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver: Zech. 11:12: Forsaken by His followers: Zech. 13:7, Mark 14:50. Jesus suffers: Matt. 26:66. Condemned: Psa. 69:9, 19-20. Jesus tells Peter he will deny Him: Luke 22:54-62. All of those happened on Thursday!
  • Good Friday: 1) Isaiah prophesied Jesus Christ would be sacrificed as the Passover Lamb of God: 1 Cor. 5:7, 1 Pet, 1:18-20, Isa. 53:7. 2) Scourging and mocking: Matt. 27:26-30, Isa. 50:6. 3) Jesus mutilated: John 19:1, Psa. 22:17. 4) False witnesses: Mark 14:55-57, Psa. 35:11. 5) Jesus gives no defense: Matt. 27:13-14, Isa. 53:7. 6) Sin offering for the world: John 19:16-19, Isa. 53:4-6, 10-11. 7) Numbered with transgressors: Luke 23:32-33, Isa. 53:12. 8) Jesus would be pierced: John 20:25-27, Psa. 22:16. 9) Parting His garments: John 19:24, Psa. 22:18. 10) Vinegar to drink: Matt. 27:34, Psa. 69:21. 11) Many watching: Luke 23:48, Psa. 22:17. 12) Jesus’ family and friends would watch: Luke 23:49, Psa. 38:11. 13) People shake their heads: Matt. 27:39-40, Psa. 109:25. 14) Specific words prophesied: Matt. 27:43-44, Psa. 22:8. 15) Intercession for sinners: Luke 23:34, Isa. 53:12. 16) Jesus’ thoughts: Matt. 27:46, Psa. 22:1. 17) Jesus pierced with spear: John 19:34, 37, Zech. 12:10. 18) Jesus commits His spirit to God: Luke 23:46, Psa. 31:5. 19) Jesus’ last words: Psa. 22:31, Luke 19:30. 20) No bones broken: Ex. 12:46, John 19:32-33, 36, Psa. 34:20. 21) Rich man’s tomb: Matt. 27:57-60, Isa. 53:8-9. 22) Betrayal money: Matt. 27:3-7.
  • Saturday: Jesus lay in the tomb Sunday: HE IS RISEN!!!

Fulfilled prophecies Return us to God’s paradise: there is only one way to be in a right relationship with God—through His Son, Jesus Christ.

  • Read Luke 22:19-20 and Phil. 2:8-11. As we close this time of reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, discuss the many moments throughout the Passion Week that impress you, knowing no-one in your circle would have suffered as Jesus did, for people who don’t care, those who have wicked agendas, or who work evil plans, yet He still died so they could have life.
  • PRAISE HIM as you prepare your heart for Resurrection Sunday!

By Sandy Day

April 13, 2025

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