Spiritual Fasting

 In the Old Testament, God commanded Israel to observe several set times of fasting. For New Testament believers, fasting was neither commanded nor forbidden in the Bible. While early Christians were not required to fast, many practiced prayer and fasting regularly. Jesus himself affirmed in Luke 5:35 that after his death fasting would be appropriate for his followers. Spiritual fasting clearly has a place and a purpose for God's people today.

What is Spiritual Fasting?

In most cases, a spiritual fast involves abstaining from food while focusing on prayer. This can mean refraining from snacks between meals, skipping one or two meals a day, abstaining only from certain foods, or a total fast from all food for an entire day or longer.

For medical reasons, some people may not be able to fast from food altogether. They may choose to abstain only from certain foods, like sugar or chocolate, or from something other than food. In truth, believers can fast from anything. Doing without something temporarily, such as sweets, coffee, or soda, etc… that redirect our focus from earthly things toward God, can also be considered a spiritual fast.

The Purpose of Spiritual Fasting
Fasting provides unique spiritual benefits in the life of the believer. Fasting requires self-control and discipline as one denies the natural desires of the flesh. During spiritual fasting, the believer's focus is removed from the physical things of this world and intensely concentrated on God. Put differently, fasting directs our hunger toward God. It clears the mind and body of earthly attentions and draws us close to God. So, as we gain spiritual clarity of thought while fasting, it allows us to hear God more clearly. Fasting also demonstrates a profound need for God's help and guidance through complete dependence upon him.

What Spiritual Fasting Is Not
Spiritual fasting is not a way to earn God's favor by getting him to do something for us. Rather, the purpose is to produce a transformation in us—a clearer, more focused attention and dependence upon God. Fasting changes us, not God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ.

Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude. Fasting is never to be a public display of spirituality—it is between you and God alone. In fact, Jesus specifically instructed us in Matthew 6:16-18 to let our fasting be done privately and in humility, else we forfeit the benefits.  “(Vs 16) Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. (Vs 17) But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; (Vs 18) That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

Fasting should not be done with a bad attitude.  Clearly Isaiah rebuked those for that very reason in Isaiah 58:3-7 (NIV), (Vs 3) ”Why have we fasted, they say, and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves and you have not noticed? Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.” (Vs 4) “Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.” (Vs 5) “Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” (Vs 6) “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Vs 7)  “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

A fast is a day to afflict the soul; if it does not express true sorrow for sin, and does not promote the putting away of sin, it is not a fast.

Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” or done for the sole purpose to lose weight. The purpose of a biblical fast is not to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God.

Lastly, it should be understood, spiritual fasting is never for the purpose of punishing or harming the body. Fasting, especially from food, should be limited to a determined length of time. Fasting for too long can cause harm to the body.                                   

While I hesitate to state the obvious, your decision to fast   should be guided by the Hoy Spirit. In addition, I highly recommend, especially if you've never fasted, that you seek both medical and spiritual counsel before embarking on any type of prolonged fast. While Jesus and Moses both fasted for 40 days without food and water, this was clearly an impossible human achievement, only accomplished through the Holy Spirit's empowerment.                                                           

(Important Note: Fasting without water is extremely dangerous, seek spiritual guidance.)

Fasting and Prayer 
Although the connection between prayer and fasting is not specifically explained in Scripture, a common thread connecting the two seems to run through all the instances of prayer and fasting recorded in the Bible. In the Old Testament, it appears that fasting with prayer had to do with a sense of need and dependence, and/or of abject helplessness in the face of actual or anticipated calamity. Prayer and fasting are combined in the Old Testament in times of mourning, repentance, and/or deep spiritual need.

The first chapter of Nehemiah describes Nehemiah praying and fasting, because of his deep distress over the news that Jerusalem had been desolated. His many days of prayer were characterized by tears, fasting, confession on behalf of his people, and pleas to God for mercy. So intense was the outpouring of his concerns that it’s almost inconceivable he could “take a break” in the middle of such prayer to eat and drink. The devastation that befell Jerusalem also prompted Daniel to adopt a similar posture: Daniel 9:3, “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.” Like Nehemiah, Daniel fasted and prayed that God would have mercy upon the people, saying, “(Vs 5) We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments.”

In several instances in the Old Testament, fasting is linked with intercessory prayer. David prayed and fasted over his sick child (2 Samuel 12:16), weeping before the Lord in earnest intercession (Vs 21-22). Esther urged Mordecai and the Jews to fast for her as she planned to appear before her husband the king (Esther 4:16). Clearly, fasting and petition are closely linked.

There are instances of prayer and fasting in the New Testament, but they are not connected with repentance or confession. The prophetess Anna “never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37). At age 84, her prayer and fasting were part of her service to the Lord in His temple as she awaited the promised Savior of Israel. Also in the New Testament, the church at Antioch was fasting in connection with their worship when the Holy Spirit spoke to them about commissioning Saul and Barnabas to the Lord’s work. At that point, they prayed and fasted, placed their hands on the two men and sent them off. So, we see in these examples that prayer and fasting are components of worshipping the Lord and seeking His favor. Nowhere, however, is there any indication that the Lord is more likely to answer prayers if they are accompanied by fasting. Rather, fasting along with prayer seems to indicate the sincerity of the people praying and the critical nature of the situations in which they find themselves.

The more critical the situation, the more appropriate the fasting and prayer. In Mark 9, Jesus casts a demon from a boy. The disciples had been unable to perform the exorcism, although they had previously been given authority over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7). Later, the disciples asked Jesus why they failed in their attempts to free the boy from the demon, and Jesus said, “This kind can come out only by prayer” (Mark 9:29). Matthew’s account adds the phrase “and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). In this particular case, the demon was exceptionally malicious and obdurate (Mark 9:21-22). Jesus seems to be saying that a determined foe must be met with an equally determined faith. Prayer is a ready weapon in the spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:18), and fasting helps to focus prayer and give it resolve.

Our “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19), whether fasting or not fasting, is one of the most delightful parts of that “better thing” which is ours in Christ. Prayer and fasting should not be a burden or a duty, but rather a celebration of God's goodness and mercy to His children.

New Testament Christians practiced prayer and fasting regularly. Since there is no biblical command to fast, believers should be led by God through prayer concerning when and how often to fast.

Physical Benefits of Fasting

Antiaging effects

Better attitude

Better resistance to disease

Better sleep

Change of habits

Clearer planning

Clearer skin

Creativity

Diet changes

Drug detoxification

Improved senses

(vision, hearing, taste)

Inspiration

More clarity

(mentally and emotionally)

More energy

More relaxation

New ideas

Purification

Reduction of allergies

Rejuvenation

Rest for digestive organs

Revitalization

Right use of will

Spiritual awareness

Weight loss

Six Different Types of Fasts in the Bible    
1. Normal - abstaining from food. 
Example: Jesus “ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them was hungry” (Luke 4:2).                                                                                                              

2. Absolute - abstaining from food and water; normally no more than 3 days. 
Examples: For three days Paul was blind, and did not eat or drink anything” (Acts 9:9), Moses (Deut. 9:9), Israel (Ezra 10:6), Israel (Esther 4:16).                                   

3. Partial - restricting diet of certain foods or a meal a day. 
Examples: Daniel “so the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead” (Daniel 1:16), (Daniel 10:3).                                                

4. Regular - fast days that commemorate an event or weekly fasts on a regular day. 
Examples: Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27; Ps. 35:13; Is. 58:5), a fast day (Jer. 36:6); four separate festivals (Zech 8:19); twice a week (Luke 18:11-12).                      

5. Public - fasts called to times of special need and emergency. Almost all regular fasts were public fasts, but all public fasts are not necessarily regular ones. 
Examples: King Jehoshaphat when Judah was invaded (2 Chron. 20:1-4), Ezra returning the exiles (Ezra 8:21-23) Nineveh, as a result of Jonah’s preaching (Jonah 3:5,10).                                                                                           

6. Involuntary -no desire for food because of anxiety, sorrow, or mental distress (Dan. 6:18), and where a person finds themselves in a situation where no food is available (Matt. 15:32; 2 Cor. 6:5, 11:27)

Some Examples of Fasting in the Bible                                     
Old Testament                                                                                 
Moses fasted 40 days on behalf of Israel’s sin: 
Deuteronomy 9:9,18,25-29; 10:10.
David fasted and mourned the death of Saul: 2 Samuel 1:12.    

David fasted and mourned the death of Abner: 2 Samuel 3:35.       

David fasted and mourned the death of his child: 2 Samuel 12:16.                                                                                                    
Elijah fasted 40 days after fleeing from Jezebel: 1 Kings 19:7-18.                                                                                                           
Ahab fasted and humbled himself before God: 1 Kings 21:27-29.                                                                                                            
Darius fasted in concern for Daniel: Daniel 6:18-24.            
Daniel fasted on behalf of Judah's sin while reading Jeremiah’s prophecy: Daniel 9:1-19.                                                                
Daniel fasted regarding a mysterious vision from God: Daniel 10:3-13.
Esther fasted on behalf of her people: Esther 4:13-16.        
Ezra fasted and wept for the sins of the returning remnant: Ezra 10:6-17.                                                                             
Nehemiah fasted and mourned over the broken walls of Jerusalem: Nehemiah 1:4-2:10. 

The people of Nineveh fasted after hearing the message of Jonah: Jonah 3.

New Testament

Anna fasted for the redemption of Jerusalem through the coming Messiah: Luke 2:37.

Jesus fasted 40 days before his temptation and the beginning of his ministry: Matthew 4:1-11.

The disciples of John the Baptist fasted: Matthew 9:14-15.

The elders in Antioch fasted before sending off Paul and Barnabas: Acts 13:1-5.

Cornelius fasted and sought God’s plan of salvation: Acts 10:30.

Paul fasted three day fast after his Damascus Road encounter: Acts 9:9.

Paul fasted 14 days while at sea on a sinking ship: Acts 27:33-34.

Scriptures About Fasting

Mark 9:29 “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

Psalms 69:10 “When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.”

Psalms 109:24 “My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.”

Joel 2:12 “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:”

Daniel 9:3 “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:”

Acts 14:23 “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”

Acts 27:33  “And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.”

Daniel 6:18 “Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.”

1 Corinthians 7:5 “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting

and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.”

Psalms 35:13 “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”

Acts 10:30 “And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,”

Kim Howard

email: kimlovesjesus@icloud.com

Sin What Is It?

God’s definition of sin, and his way of deliverance.

Sin What Is It?

This question is of vital importance because of the fearful judgment against those who commit sin.  “The soul that sinneth, it shall die,” thunders the Old Testament (Ezekiel 18:20).  In like tones, the New Testament declares:  “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  The one who lives in sin throughout his earthly life and faces God without having obtained divine forgiveness will be sentenced to eternal perdition.

Sin sprang full-grown among men.  Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God.  The first boy born on this earth grew to manhood and murdered the second—his own brother!  And sin has existed in every generation since.

In our time, however, there is one difference: many no longer know what sin actually is.  Things evil are sometimes designated as good; things good, as evil, Isaiah condemned such a practice, declaring,  “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).

Since this confusion exists, and since a person will not seek forgiveness for sin until he knows what sin is, a clear-cut definition, both negative and positive, is urgently needed.

Sin Is Not Necessarily Crime

Some equate sin with crime, feeling that to commit sin one must be a murderer, robber, rapist, or the like.  Once, an evangelist passing out revival circulars was told that he should go to the local jail and try to convert a woman who had recently murdered her father.  Certainly this woman needed forgiveness, but no more so than other sinners who had not committed a crime.

A crime is a sin, but not every sin is a crime.  Crimes are committed against people; sin is committed against God.  As an example, David wronged Bathsheba, and committed the crime of murder against Uriah her husband, but he affirmed, “Against thee {God}, thee only, have I sinned” (Psalm 51:4).

Sin Is Not Unbelief Alone

Near the end of His ministry, Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Ghost would “reprove the world of sin… because they believe not on me” (John 16:8-9).  Misinterpreting His meaning, some have concluded that sin is nothing more than unbelief.  Bur Jesus meant that unbelief would form the basis of sin.  People sin because they do not believe on Jesus Christ.  Unbelief is sin, but it leads to further sin.

“Sin Is the Transgression of the Law”

This definition is given in I John 3:4, By law, the apostle meant the Word of God, which originally was the Old Testament but which now includes the New Testament as well.  Sin, then, is the transgression (breaking) of a commandment found in the Bible.

Sins of commission.  Someone is guilty of such a sin when he does something that the Word of God forbids.

Sins of omission.  He who fails to do what he knows God has commanded is guilty of a sin of omission.  “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

“All Unrighteousness Is Sin”

I John 5:17 declares this truth.  A person is unrighteous when he does what is wrong.  According to this verse, then, when someone does wrong, he commits sin.

We should note that all unrighteousness is sin.  Men are prone to classify sin as little or great, black or gray, mortal or venial.  But to God, all sin is offensive and objectionable.  As an example of the difference between man’s and God’s judgment of sin, man classifies the sin of lying as one of the lesser evils, but God places “all liars” in the same category as the abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, and idolaters (Revelation 21:8).  Moreover, He pronounces the same judgment upon all of these sinners—eternal perdition in the lake of fire and brimstone.

What, then is sin?  Simply put, sin is doing what God forbids or failing to do what He commands.

Is There a Remedy for Sin?

The Bible declares, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”  Then it adds, “For all have sinned.”  These two verses place everyone under the sentence of eternal death.

But Jesus did not sin (I Peter 2:22).  Thus He, not being under condemnation for sins of His own, could die for the sins of others.  Therefore, Isaiah could proclaim, “All we like sheep have gone astray… and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

The only remedy for sin is found in Jesus’ expiatory death upon Calvary’s cross, “Without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22), and Christ “we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14).

Must a person respond in any way to obtain this remedy for sin?  Yes!  The Bible says, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth [to God] and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).  And these encouraging words are found in I John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

In Acts 2:36-37, sinners who had rejected Jesus as Lord and Messiah asked the apostles, “What shall we do?”  Acts 2:28 records the answer: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remissions of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

If you want to learn more about how to repent from a life of sin read my post "Repentance".

email: kimlovesjesus@icloud.com

Contending for Modesty

Contending for Modesty

We are living in a time of moral confusion, and our generation's immorality is reflected in many of today's styles.  Today's fashion industry has little regard for modesty, and its products often project a look that is inappropriate for someone who wants to mirror Christ.

The marvelous grace of God in our hearts compels us to reflect His holiness in the part of our being that other people see.  When a person becomes a Christian, his experience changes every facet of his life -- not just the inward person but the outward person as well.

A Biblical Principle

The Bible instructs us to wear modest clothing, that is, clothing with a godly appearance.  Of course, our outward appearance cannot substitute for inward holiness.  Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves after they sinned, but God found their efforts inadequate.  By making clothing of animal skins for them, He confirmed that they indeed needed modest clothing, but He also revealed that holiness in appearance must be associated with God's provision for our sins.  Only by the death of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, do we obtain the righteousness of God that we seek to reflect outwardly.

God instructed Israel's high priest to wear "holy garments", for he represented a holy God (Exodus 28:2).  God also ordered the priests to wear clothing that covered their nakedness and forbad elevated altars upon which priests would walk and thereby expose their nakedness (Exodus 20:26; 28:42).

Deuteronomy 22:5 speaks of the moral principal of a clear distinction between male and female in outward appearance: one sex must not wear styles of clothing associated with the other.  “The woman shall not wear that which pertainteth unto a pan, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”

Proverbs 7:10 speaks of a woman with "the attire of an harlot."  Clearly, certain garments are associated with sin and are not suitable for godly people to wear.

The principle that God wants His people to reflect His holiness applies to the New Testament church (I Peter 1:15-16).  We are called to be living epistles read of all people, declaring to the world God's holy nature and His abiding presence (II Corinthians 3:3).

Our outward appearance is one way in which we are an unspoken witness of the transforming power of Christ.

I Timothy 2:9 admonishes "that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array."  I Peter 3:3 gives similar instructions.

I Corinthians 11:1-16 teaches that a woman should have long hair, for it is her glory, and that a man should not have long hair.  A person's hair serves as an important visible symbol of his or her submission to God's plan of authority and as a distinguishing mark between the sexes.

Revelation 16:15 uses clothing as a symbol to instruct the church to stay close to God: "Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."

Clearly, God puts emphasis on the outward appearance of a person.  To an extent, clothing reflects the condition of the heart, and it sends a message to others about a person's values.

A Response God's Grace

Advocating modesty of dress and outward dedication does not mean advocating salvation by works.  Wearing godly dress is not a deserving reward or praise to earning salvation; rather, it is a response to the saving grace of God.  The blood of Jesus is our only righteousness.  Our salvation comes from God, never from our good works.  To think that we could earn His marvelous grace by adhering to dress codes would be a terrible mistake.

But to accept the grace of God and then be indifferent of Christ's commandment for holy living would discredit His mercy.  If the church preaches Christ and His saving grace without teaching biblical guidelines to live by, it leaves people open to confusion and failure.  Deliberate and continuous disobedience of God's Word will lead to the loss of saving faith.

Who can view the Cross without wanting to conform to Christ?  Who would want to continue his or her old sinful patterns of living when Jesus Christ died to bring deliverance form those sins?  When people comprehend His holiness, they desire to become holy.  While it is true that the blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin, it is also true that genuine love for Him restrains a person from presuming upon His marvelous grace.

In our success- oriented society, no one considers it odd if a corporation requires its employees to conform to a dress code.  Why then should a church that teaches neatness and modesty for the purpose of honoring the holiness of God be considered narrow, restrictive, or legalistic?

If we are to honor God in our hearts, it is consistent to honor Him with an outward dedication.  I John 2:15 instruct us, "Love not the world"; surely, then, we would be foolish to mirror worldly values in our appearance.

The Protection of Modesty

Adhering to a modest, godly standard of dress and conduct offers protection from the surge of immorality that plagues our generation.  Clothes and appearance transmit nonverbal signals.  Christians who verbalize goodness and godliness but at the same time nonverbally declare sensuality ad ungodliness destroy the effectiveness of their gospel witness. 

The primary purpose of many fashion designs is to exalt the ego, attract undue attention to the flesh, stir desires, and ignite passion in others, thereby appealing to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, which the Bible condemns (I John 2:16).  If we are to honor the holiness of God, we must not dress in such styles and with such motives.

We must not naively ignore the complex causes of immorality and marital infidelity, but neither should we ignore the influence that sensual dress has on adultery and fornication.  If a man looks with lust upon a woman he commits adultery in his heart (Matthew 5:28).  If a woman provokes a lustful look by her appearance is she not partly responsible for the man's sin?  If people would dress in ways that do not provoke lust, the moral fiber of our society would be strengthened.

The danger of overemphasizing any discipline in the Christian life is that some people allow the discipline to become a legalistic code.  Some people who harbor unholy attitudes such as hatred, bitterness, envy, and strife falsely think they are spiritual because they wear modes clothes.

Such distortions are hypocritical and wrong.  But we cannot dismiss the need for modesty in dress because some distort it.  The biblical alternative to legalism is not permissiveness or license but self-discipline motivated by grace, faith, love, the Word of God, and the Holy Ghost.  (See John 14:15; I Corinthians 9:24-27; II Timothy 2:4-5; I John 2:3-6).

For the sake of our children, we must teach them to respect the holiness of God in all areas of life.  Allowing or encouraging preteens and teenagers to dress in many of today's fashions is an invitation to social and spiritual problems.

A dress code will not automatically remedy the decaying moral fiber among youth, but it does remind them of God's commandments.  We must begin somewhere to teach children and youth moral responsibility, and standards of modesty in dress offer us this opportunity. 

When we honor God and His Word in our hearts and in our outward appearance, He places an umbrella of protection over our families.  While moral decay sweeps modern society and many modern churches, we are able to remain relatively untouched.  The world may scoff at our modesty, but we dare not lay down our cloak of protection and our obedience to the Word of God.

email: kimlovesjesus@icloud.com

Prophecies Concerning Jesus Christ

John 5: 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Prophecies Concerning Jesus Christ

1.  The earliest specific prophecy concerning the Messiah, had predicted that He would be born of a woman.  This was fulfilled by His birth of Mary.

Seed of a Woman

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15 KJV)

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:20 KJV)

2.  Isaiah had foretold that the Messiah, Immanuel, would be born of a virgin.  This was specifically fulfilled by His birth of the virgin Mary, as recorded in Mathew.

Virgin Birth

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14 KJV)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:18 KJV)

3.  The exact tribe of Israel through which the Messiah would come was revealed in Genesis as the tribe of Judah.  This was precisely the case as seen in Luke.

Tribe of Judah

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. (Genesis 49:10 KJV)

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda, (Luke 3:23, 33 KJV)

4.  Micah had further predicted that the Messiah would be born in the obscure town of Bethlehem.  This is, of course, where Jesus was born.

Born at Bethlehem

But thou, Beth–lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2 KJV)

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, (Matthew 2:1 KJV)

5.  Even the visit of the wise men had been foretold in the Old Testament.

Presented with Gifts

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. (Psalm 72:10 KJV)

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1, 11 KJV)

6.  The cruel hatred of Herod was in the foreknowledge of God.

Herod Kills Children

Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. (Jeremiah 31:15 KJV)

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. (Matthew 2:16 KJV)

7.  It was no accident that His name was called Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.”  This had been predicted by the prophet Isaiah, and was fulfilled as seen in Matthew.

Shall Be Immanuel

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14 KJV)

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23 KJV)

8.  As we have already discovered, even the fact that the Messiah would be preceded by a forerunner, a messenger, was known to the students of Old Testament prophecy.

Preceded by a Messenger

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3 KJV)

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:1, 2 KJV)

9.  The wonderful ministry of miracles, the healing of the blind, the deaf, the lame, the dumb, had been foretold by Isaiah.  This was brought to pass in Jesus’ ministry.

Ministry of Miracles

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. (Isaiah 35:5, 6 KJV)

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. (Matthew 9:35 KJV)

10.  Zechariah had foreseen the fact that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem on a donkey.  Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus did just that.

Enter Jerusalem on a Donkey

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. (Zechariah 9:9 KJV)

And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; (Luke 19:35-37 KJV)

11.  David, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, had prophesied the resurrection of the Christ.  Peter, preaching the first sermon in the church, quoted this verse, and applied it to the resurrection.

Resurrection

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10 KJV)

He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. (Acts 2:31 KJV)

12.  David had also predicted the ascension of the Christ.  This is recorded in Acts.  The Apostle Paul, years later, applied Psalm 68:18 to the ascension of the Lord.

Ascension

Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. (Psalm 68:18 KJV)

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9 KJV)

13.  The betrayal of the Messiah by one who had been His friend was no surprise, for it was prophetically seen in Psalm 41:9.  Judas was this friend.

Betrayed by a Friend

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. (Psalm 41:9 KJV)

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. (John 13:21 KJV)

14.  Even the amount of money for which Jesus was betrayed had been specifically mentioned in the Old Testament.  It was thirty pieces of silver.

Sold for 30 Pieces of Silver

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12 KJV)

And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:15 KJV)

15.  Zechariah had further predicted that this same money would be thrown down in the temple at Jerusalem, which was – at that time – God’s house.  Judas did that very thing.

Money Thrown Down In God's House

And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord. (Zechariah 11:13 KJV)

And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. (Matthew 27:5 KJV)

16.  In prophetic language, Zechariah had pictured the forsaking of Jesus by His disciples.  Mark reveals the total, stark fulfillment of this tragic event.

Forsaken by His Disciples

Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. (Zechariah 13:7 KJV)

But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. (Matthew 26:56 KJV)

17.  That the Messiah would be accused by false witnesses is seen in Psalm 35:11.  That this actually occurred is recorded in Matthew.

Accused by False Witness

False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not. (Psalm 35:11 KJV)

Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, (Matthew 26:59, 60 KJV)

18.  Isaiah 53 is a touching and dramatic foretelling of the crucifixion of the Messiah, it stated that He would be dumb, or silent, before His accusers.  In keeping with this, Jesus answered nothing to the accusation.  Later, the Apostle Peter makes reference to this, as well.

Dumb Before Accusers

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7 KJV)

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. (Matthew 27:12 KJV)

19.  Isaiah 53 also foretold the bruising and wounding of the Messiah, in verse 5.  The fulfillment is recorded in Matthew.

Wounded and Bruised

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 KJV)

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. (Matthew 27:26 KJV)

20.  Isaiah had recorded a prediction of the smiting of the Messiah, and even the plucking of the hair from his cheeks, and pitting in His face.  Luke tells of the smiting of Jesus.

Smitten and Spit Upon

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. (Isaiah 50:6 KJV)

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. (Matthew 27:30 KJV)

21.  Psalm 22:7-8 describes the mocking that was done at the Messiah; the actual event is seen in Matthew 27:31.

Mocked

All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. (Psalm 22:7, 8 KJV)

And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. (Matthew 27:31 KJV)

22.  The piercing of the Messiah’s hands and feet was foretold in both Psalm and Zechariah.  John records the fulfillment.

Hand and Feet Pierced

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. (Psalm 22:16 KJV)

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. (John 20:25 KJV)

23.  Isaiah, the great predictive passage, said the Messiah would be “numbered with the transgressors.”  This came to pass as He was crucified with thieves.

Crucified With Thieves

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:12 KJV)

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. (Matthew 27:38 KJV)

24.  Psalm 22, to which we have already referred, is another chapter which deals specifically with the crucifixion of the Messiah.  Verse 18 foretold that His garments would be parted and lots cast for His robe.  This was brought to pass by the actions of the Roman soldiers as Jesus hung on the cross.

Garments Parted and Lots Cast

They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. (Psalm 22:18 KJV)

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. (John 19:23, 24 KJV)

25.  The first verse of Psalm 22 had even recorded the Messiah’s forsaken cry, many hundreds of years in advance.  His actual words at this desperate moment are found in Matthew 27:46.

His Forsaken Cry

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? (Psalm 22:1 KJV)

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46 KJV)

26.  The Roman soldiers, though they broke the bones of the thieves on either side of Jesus, did not break His.  This was no accident, but had been foreseen in Psalm 34:20.  The New Testament account is given in John 19:31-36.

Bones Not Broken

They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it. (Numbers 9:12 KJV)

But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. (John 19:33-36 KJV)

27.  Zechariah did not limit the piercing of the Messiah to that of His hands and feet.  As noted in John, He was also pierced in the side.

Side Pierced

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10 KJV)

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. (John 19:34 KJV)

28.  The unusual darkness which covered the land during the crucifixion of Christ, had been foretold in Amos.

Darkness Over the Land

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day: (Amos 8:9 KJV)

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. (Matthew 27:45 KJV)

29.  Returning to Isaiah, the burial of the Messiah in a rich man’s tomb had even been revealed.  The record of the event is found in Matthew.

Buried in Rich Man's Tomb

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. (Isaiah 53:9 KJV)

When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. (Matthew 27:57-60 KJV)

It is obvious to all sincere students of God’s Word that these amazing predictions and fulfillments can be nothing short of miraculous.  Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, when He came into the earth on God’s exact time schedule.