Billy Myron teaches on Messianic prophecy, focusing on Old Testament predictions of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and ascension. He contrasts these with the more detailed prophecies about Christ’s death (e.g., Psalm 22, Isaiah 53) and notes that resurrection prophecies are fewer but clear.
Key points include:
Rejection of the Messiah — Reiterated from Isaiah 53:2-3 (despised, rejected, no beauty) and Isaiah 8:14 (stumbling stone), fulfilled in Jewish leaders’ rejection and crucifixion of Jesus.
Sign of Jonah (Matthew 12:38-40) — Jesus predicts his death and resurrection as “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth,” mirroring Jonah’s time in the fish, serving as the ultimate sign for an unbelieving generation.
Disciples’ misunderstanding — Despite Jesus repeatedly foretelling his suffering, death, and resurrection on the third day (e.g., Luke 9:18-22; Matthew 16:13-23, where Peter rebukes Jesus and is called “Satan” for opposing God’s plan), the disciples focused only on the glorious kingdom aspects. They expected a political deliverer who would immediately set up a throne (e.g., James and John’s mother requesting seats of honor in Matthew 20:20-28). Even after the crucifixion, they were devastated and confused.
Resurrection accounts —
John 20: Mary Magdalene finds the empty tomb; Peter and John see linen cloths and believe, though they did not yet fully understand the Scriptures.
Luke 24: Women encounter angels announcing Jesus is risen; disciples on the road to Emmaus (Cleopas and another) express dashed hopes that Jesus would redeem Israel; Jesus explains how the Scriptures (from Moses and prophets) foretold the Messiah must suffer and enter glory. Later, Jesus appears to the gathered disciples, proves his physical resurrection by eating, and opens their minds to see fulfillment in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms.
Old Testament prophecies highlighted:
Psalm 16:8-11 — God will not abandon His Holy One to Sheol/Hades or allow corruption (decay); Peter’s Pentecost sermon (Acts 2) applies this to Jesus’ resurrection, noting David died and decayed, but Jesus did not.
Psalm 68:18 — Ascension: “You have ascended on high, led captivity captive.”
Psalm 110:1 — “The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand” — quoted by Peter to show Jesus exalted at God’s right hand.
Isaiah 26:19 — General resurrection imagery (”Your dead shall live... the earth will cast out the dead”), tied to Messiah’s victory over death.
New Testament fulfillment and teaching — In Acts 2 (Pentecost), Peter declares Jesus’ resurrection and ascension as prophesied, using Psalm 16 and Psalm 110 to prove Jesus is Lord and Christ. The disciples shift from doubt to bold witness after understanding these Scriptures.
More to Come — Billy notes unfulfilled Messianic prophecies remain, particularly regarding the future kingdom (millennial reign), to be covered later. The resurrection and ascension complete the suffering phase but point to future glory.
