#16) GETTING TO KNOW HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST

INTRODUCTION

We know that Jesus Christ existed before He was made incarnate in the flesh at Bethlehem. The writer of the book of Hebrews points out that Jesus was revealed in the Old Testament in different ways:

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by His Son. (Hebrews 1:1-2)

Sometimes the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus are obvious and straightforward. However, Jesus Himself pointed out that not all of the prophecies are obvious. Some require a special revelation:

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. (Luke 24:44-45)

EXAMPLE: Isaiah 49 – Isaiah 53

Most Christians understand that Isaiah 53 is a prophecy of Jesus Christ, for example:

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

Some passages from this same chapter shed some light on the “silent years” of Jesus’ life:

He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. (Isaiah 53:2)

QUESTIONS

Is it not apparent that Isaiah 49 is also a prophecy of Jesus?

If so, is it possible that the entire passage from Isaiah 49 through Isaiah 53 represents an extended prophecy of Jesus?

Since much of this passage appears to be a record of someone’s thoughts and internal dialogue, is it possible that here we are seeing glimpses of Jesus’ thoughts?

Is it then possible that we are seeing a record of the life of Jesus, revealing some of His innermost thoughts, including thoughts he might have had during His childhood?

Can you match the following New Testament passages with the corresponding passages from Isaiah 49 through Isaiah 53?

Matthew 13:53-58
Luke 2:41-52
John 6:14-15
Matthew 16:13-17
Mark 15:1-5

If we compare the Isaiah passage with these New Testament passages, are we seeing what Jesus was thinking at these points in His life and ministry?

Do the following Psalms chapters also provide us with a record of Jesus’ thoughts?

Psalm 17
Psalm 22
Psalm 2
Psalm 18

APPLICATION

What is the benefit to us of obtaining a deeper knowledge of Jesus?

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:1-3)

To: Isaiah 49 through Isaiah 53

New Testament Passages (MT 13:53-58; LK 2:41-52; JN 6:14-15; MT 16:13-17; MK 15:1-5)

Psalms, Chapters 17, 22, 2, 18

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