The Promise of a Savior

Long ago, God made a promise to save the world, and it all started in the Old Testament. Prophets like Isaiah and Micah shared messages from God about a Savior who would fix the brokenness caused by sin. Isaiah said the Messiah would be “pierced through for our wrongdoings” (Isaiah 53:5), meaning He would suffer to take away our sins. Micah added that this Savior would be born in Bethlehem, a small town in Israel (Micah 5:2). Isaiah also promised a virgin would give birth to a son called Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). These promises, part of Prophecy Fulfilled, gave the Jewish people hope. They waited for centuries, believing God would send a king to rescue them. The Old Testament also hinted that this Savior wouldn’t just save the Jews—He would bring light to all nations (Isaiah 49:6). This was a big deal because it meant God’s love was for everyone, not just one group of people. The Old Testament set the stage for Jesus, showing how God’s plan was always bigger than anyone expected.

A King Born in Bethlehem
When Jesus arrived, He was exactly who the prophets had talked about. The Gospel of Matthew tells us Jesus’ birth to the virgin Mary fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy (Matthew 1:22-23). In Luke 1:34, Mary asked, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” and the angel explained God’s power would make it happen (Luke 1:35). Luke 2:4-7 shows Jesus was born in Bethlehem, just as Micah said. His parents, Mary and Joseph, traveled there for a census, and Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room at the inn. This humble start didn’t look like what the Jews expected for a king—they wanted a powerful ruler to fight their enemies, like the Romans. But God had a different plan. Isaiah had also promised a forerunner, a “voice in the wilderness” to prepare the way for the Messiah (Isaiah 40:3). Luke 3:4-6 shows this was John the Baptist, who called people to repent and get ready for Jesus. John’s job was to point everyone to the Savior, and he did it by preaching in the desert and baptizing people.

Good News for the Broken
Jesus’ life showed He was the Messiah the Old Testament promised. In Luke 4:18-19, He read from Isaiah 61:1-2, saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me… to preach the gospel to the poor.” He told everyone this promise was happening right then—through Him! Jesus helped people who were hurting: the poor, the sick, and those who felt left out (Luke 7:22). He healed people, like the blind man in Luke 18:35-43, and forgave sins, like the woman in Luke 7:48. But not everyone accepted Him. Some leaders rejected Him, just as Psalm 118:22 said, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.” Luke 20:17 shows Jesus quoting this verse, pointing out that He was the cornerstone—the most important part of God’s plan—even if some didn’t see it.

The Messiah’s Triumphal Entry
The Old Testament also said the Messiah would come as a humble king. Zechariah 9:9 promised, “Your king comes to you… humble, and mounted on a donkey.” Luke 19:35-38 tells how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, with crowds shouting, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” This triumphal entry was a big moment—Jesus was showing everyone He was the Messiah-King they’d been waiting for. The people waved palm branches and praised Him, fulfilling Zechariah’s words. But this moment also set the stage for what was coming. Soon, some of those same crowds would turn against Him, leading to His arrest and death.

A Friend’s Betrayal
The Old Testament warned that the Messiah would face betrayal. Psalm 41:9 says, “Even my close friend in whom I trusted… has lifted up his heel against me.” This sad prophecy came true in Luke 22:47-48. Judas, one of Jesus’ own disciples, betrayed Him with a kiss, leading soldiers to arrest Him. Judas had been with Jesus for years, but he chose to turn against Him for 30 pieces of silver (Luke 22:3-6). This betrayal broke Jesus’ heart, but it was part of God’s plan to save us. The Old Testament showed that the Messiah would suffer, and Jesus knew this had to happen.

The Suffering Messiah
Isaiah 53:5 says the Messiah would be “pierced through for our wrongdoings.” This came true when Jesus was crucified, as Luke 23:33-34 describes. Soldiers nailed Him to a cross between two criminals, fulfilling Isaiah 53:12, which says He would be “numbered with transgressors.” During His trial, Jesus fulfilled Isaiah 53:7, staying silent before His accusers, like when Herod questioned Him (Luke 23:8-9). Psalm 22:18 adds, “They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” Luke 23:34 notes the soldiers did just that, casting lots for Jesus’ clothes. Even in His pain, Jesus forgave those who hurt Him, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

A Victory Over Death
The Old Testament promised the Messiah’s victory. Psalm 16:10 says, “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.” Luke 24:6-7 tells us that on the third day, angels at Jesus’ tomb said, “He is not here, but He has risen.” Jesus’ resurrection showed He was stronger than death, fulfilling God’s promise. It proved He was the Savior the Old Testament had been pointing to, giving hope to everyone who believes in Him.

A Mission for the World
Finally, Isaiah 49:6 says the Messiah would be “a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Luke 24:47 shows Jesus fulfilling this by telling His disciples, “Repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in His name to all the nations.” Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection opened the door for everyone to be part of God’s family. The Old Testament’s promises were now coming true in a big way, and Jesus was at the center of it all, leading the way to a new chapter in God’s plan.