Thursday, September 18, 2008

Proof Christ was the Jewish Messiah

Judaism commonly uses the term Tanakh to refer to its canon, which was later adopted as the Christian Old Testament. In academic circles, the term Hebrew Bible is commonly used to refer to the Tanakh or Old Testament.

With the above in mind, I will use the Old Testament to prove Christ is being spoken of and cross reference the New Testament.  The most notable section of scripture in the Old Testament that speaks of Christ's crucifixion is Psalm 22.

VIRGIN BIRTH
Isaiah 7:14 - Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:  The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Matthew 1:23 - "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"  - which means, "God with us."

CRUCIFIXION
Psalm 22:1
- My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.
Matthew 27:46 - About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" - which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Psalm 22:7 - All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads
Matthew 27:39 - Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads

Psalm 22:8 - "He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him.  Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."
Matthew 27:43 - He trusts in God.  Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, "I am the Son of God."

Psalm 22:16 - Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
John 20:27 - Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into my side.  Stop doubting and believe."

Psalm 22:18 - They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
Mark 15:24 - And they crucified him.  Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.

SACRIFICIAL DEATH
Isaiah 53:5 - 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.
Romans 4:25 - He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Luke 23:33 - When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals - one on his right, the other on his left.

RESURRECTION
Psalm 16:10 - because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay
Matthew 28:5-6 - The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.  Come and see the place where he lay.