This sermon continues a series on Messianic prophecy, now entering a segment focused on the unexpected aspects of the Messiah’s mission—especially His death and resurrection, which were prophesied but not widely anticipated by the Jewish people, including the disciples.
Key themes explored:
🔍 1. Misunderstood Expectations of the Messiah
Early prophecies led people to expect a conquering Messiah, not one who would suffer and die.
The two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24) illustrate this misunderstanding—they were disheartened by Jesus’ death, not realizing it fulfilled prophecy.
📖 2. Jewish Leadership’s Rejection and Plot to Kill Jesus
John 5: Jesus healed a lame man on the Sabbath and claimed equality with God, prompting Jewish leaders to seek His death.
John 11: After Jesus raised Lazarus, leaders feared Roman retribution and loss of their authority. Caiaphas prophesied that it was better one man die for the nation.
John 12: The priests even plotted to kill Lazarus, because his resurrection led many to believe in Jesus.
📜 3. Prophecies of Betrayal
Psalm 41:9 and Psalm 55:12-14 speak of betrayal by a close friend—fulfilled by Judas Iscariot.
In John 13, Jesus directly quotes Psalm 41, identifying the betrayer as one who shares His bread.
Zechariah 11:12–13 foretells the exact price of betrayal (30 pieces of silver) and how it would be used to buy a potter’s field—fulfilled in Matthew 26–27.
🛡️ 4. Zechariah’s Additional Prophecy
Zechariah 13:6–7: Speaks of wounds “in the house of my friends” and the shepherd being struck, resulting in the scattering of the sheep—referenced by Jesus in Matthew 26:31.
Jesus was indeed betrayed by a kiss from Judas, arrested, and His disciples fled.
🧑⚖️ 5. The Unlawful Trial and Its Prophetic Fulfillment
Matthew 26: Jesus is brought before Caiaphas; false witnesses testify, and He is accused of threatening the temple.
He is spit upon, struck, and mocked—fulfilling Isaiah 50:4–6 and Isaiah 53:7, which describe the suffering servant.
In Matthew 27, Jesus appears before Pilate, remains largely silent, again fulfilling Isaiah 53:7.
👑 6. Micah’s Prophecy of the Messiah’s Smiting
Micah 5:1 predicts the ruler of Israel will be struck on the cheek, aligning with the mockery and abuse Jesus received.
🪓 7. Final Trial Details and Crucifixion Prelude
Despite Pilate’s reluctance, the crowd demands crucifixion. Jesus is scourged, mocked with a robe and crown of thorns, and beaten with a reed—all meticulously predicted in Old Testament texts.
📍 Conclusion
The speaker emphasizes that the precision of these Old Testament prophecies—centuries before Christ’s crucifixion—could only be orchestrated by God. This includes:
The betrayer’s identity and proximity to Jesus.
The exact sum of silver.
The use of the silver to purchase a potter’s field.
The mocking, silence, spitting, and other sufferings endured during the trial.
These are not vague or symbolic predictions but detailed, verifiable, prophetic fulfillments, pointing clearly to Jesus as the prophesied Messiah.
