Introduction Paraphrasing C.S. Lewis in his book Mere Christianity , based upon the words Jesus spoke and who He claimed to be, Jesus Christ was either a lunatic or the Son of God. This is a very bold and provocative statement. But when you think about it…C.S. Lewis was right: it is one or the other. There’s no middle-of-the-road statement such as “Well, he was simply a prophet, or a good teacher, or a godly man.” The timeless words that Jesus Christ spoke (approximately 2,000 years ago…and to this day) will pierce the heart and soul. What’s more, His words will cause one to experience changes in their life…or will cause one to create internal protective walls to deflect truth. What’s more, His works and resurrection validated His words and divine appointment. As such, each person must make a decision: Is Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Messiah, the Anointed One, and Lord—or was he a fraud? Making a choice is not an option; it was not His intent; and each person’s decision has life -changing eternal consequences. Therefore, it is prudent to take a deeper look about what was foretold about Him (messianic prophecies), what He said and what He did. Messianic Prophecies Messianic prophecies are predictions in the Old Testament regarding the Messiah: God’s promised King and Anointed One who would save and deliver the Jewish nation. Messianic prophecies were recorded during a 1,000-year period before Jesus Christ was born. Some Bible scholars suggest there are more than 300 prophetic scriptures regarding the Messiah in the Old Testament. Forty-four are listed below. However, there is a very important point to consider as you read the prophecies. Peter Stoner approached messianic prophesy from a very unique perspective in his book Science Speaks (1958 Moody Press). Peter stoner was Chairman of the Departments of Mathematics and Astronomy at Pasadena City College; Chairman of the science division, Westmont College; Professor Emeritus of Science, Westmont College; and Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Astronomy, Pasadena City College. Peter Stoner applied a mathematical analysis of messianic prophecies based upon probabilities of occurrence. His findings were astounding. He selected eight of the best-known prophecies about the Messiah and calculated the odds of fulfillment by one person as being 1 in 1017, or 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000, or 1 in 100 quadrillion. Peter used an interesting analogy to enhance our understanding. The probability of occurrence with eight prophecies—fulfilled by one person—is the same as covering the state of Texas 2 ft. deep in silver dollars; writing a check mark on one silver dollar; hiding it somewhere in the vastness of Texas; then blindfolding a person and asking them to find the marked silver dollar…and they find it their first try. Source: http://sciencespeaks.dstoner.net/Christ_of_Prophecy.html#c9 The 8 messianic prophecies used by Peter Stoner in his probability analysis are preceded by an asterisk (*) and in bold italic text . When you consider the chance of all 44 prophecies being fulfilled by one person…the probability is beyond incomprehensible…and to the point where only God exists. Old Testament prophecy is in blue ; New Testament fulfillment is in red . Click on scripture references to read on BibleGateway.com . Jesus Christ said: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39 “Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’” Luke 24:44 His Declarative Words “Then Jesus cried out and said, ‘He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.’ ” John 12:44- 50 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 These are life-changing radical words! These are not words from a prophet! These are not words from a good teacher! These are not words from a “godly” man! Jesus Christ said: • Whoever believes in Him is equivalent to believing in God. • To see Him is the same as seeing God. • He came to save the world. • Those who believe in Him will not live in darkness. • Those who do not believe in Him will be judged by the words He has spoken. • The words that He speaks are from God…and not Him. • He is the Way. • He is the Truth. • He is Life. • He is the only way to reach God. Jesus Christ also said: “I and my Father are one.” John 10:30 “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58 Based upon His two declarations above and His revelation below, Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. “Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.’ ” John 14:9-10 However, due to human nature…words alone are insufficient proof. Anyone can make similar messianic claims; have throughout the ages; and will during the last days. Humans require a demonstration of divine power as proof. Miracles of Jesus “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.” John 14:11 As conclusive proof of His deity He: Thirty-seven miracles are recorded in the four Gospels. The closing words of John’s Gospel say the following: “This is the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.” John 21:24-25 Jesus and the Jewish Leaders Throughout time, man has a tendency to digress to religious forms based upon legalistic works—which creates a yoke of slavery to whatever rules have been defined, will harden the heart, and will solidify sin in the soul. For those who attain the human-defined standards of religious behavior, they will receive their earthly reward in the form of social recognition and respect. However, on the inside they will be full of pride, self-importance, and arrogance. This scenario defines the overall darkened spiritual state of Jewish leaders during the time and ministry of Jesus. The Pharisees, the scribes and the Sadducees had driven Judaism far from God’s desire for His people. God holds those who attain leadership in the body to a higher standard. Those who are called should become a living representative of His nature; and not a mirror of the darkened world. This is why Jesus confronted and rebuked the Jewish leaders. Their pseudo self- aggrandized wisdom was illuminated from darkness by the words of Jesus—for the power of God’s grace abolishes religious attitudes and practices. For example, Jesus entered the temple and expressed God’s displeasure in the misuse of religious authority for personal gain (greed). He drove out all who bought and sold in the temple, overturned the tables of the money changers, and declared “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” (Matthew 21:13) What’s more, even when He began to heal the blind and the lame who came to him in the temple, the chief priests and scribes were indignant as to what He was doing. The words spoken by Jesus, His miracles, and His demonstrated displeasure with Jewish leaders created deep animosity and chaotic disruption among the controlling religious elite; who misinterpreted the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament: The Anointed King. They were looking for someone who would defeat their enemies; and not a perfect sacrificial lamb who would cover their sins. They wanted great and miraculous signs; and not a humble servant; who’s wondrous miracles were disapproved and discounted by their deceptive lies. They wanted a person who would take a position of absolute power; and not someone who would associate with those who were considered socially repulsive and sinners. Their perception was based upon the physical realm, and not the spiritual realm. They missed the point of the law thinking strict adherence equated to salvation. But in reality, their self-centered behavior did nothing but deepen their sin and harden their hearts. As such, they became willing vessels for Satan to fulfill his darkened, clueless and oblivious desires—and yet, a means to fulfill prophesy—for it was God’s plan for His Son to die on the cross—exactly as it occurred almost 2,000 years ago. Jesus of Nazareth Jesus of Nazareth is a 1977 miniseries that wond erfully depicts the life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This 9-minute segment demonstrates Christ’s passion for the lost; his disdain for the religious leaders who don’t think they are lost; and the power of His words. Click on the graphic to view the video. Jesus Declared He Would Die and Rise Again Regardless of the radical nature of what He said and every miracle he performed…there was one proclamation He made that transcends everything ever said by every person throughout all time: He said He would die and rise from the dead. The fulfillment of His promise affirms His deity…but much more…it gives all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord hope in His promise we will be in His presence after we die. “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1-2 Three times Jesus warned His disciples of His pending suffering, death and resurrection. “From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” Matthew 16:21 “Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ‘The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.’ And they were exceedingly sorrowful.” Matthew 17:22-23 “Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.’ ” Matthew 20:17-19 After Jesus cast out the money changers from the Temple, He declared His resurrection to the world. “‘What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ Then the Jews said, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.” John 2:18-22 Jesus Stated the Temple Would Be Destroyed “Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, ‘ Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.’ ” Matthew 24:1-2; Luke 21:5-6 The Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. and has not been rebuilt to this day. Jesus Tried and Condemned for His Words “And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.” “Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward and said, ‘This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’’ And the high priest arose and said to Him, ‘Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?’ But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, ‘I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!’” “Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.’ Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, ‘He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! What do you think?’ They answered and said, ‘He is deserving of death.’” Matthew 26:57, 59-66 The Death of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ willingly (and obediently) gave his life as the perfect and complete sacrifice for sin—to all who believe—including Jew and Gentile (Christians). “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:8-10 Jesus said, “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. Therefore, My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” John 10:15-18 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ The resurrection of Jesus from the dead was confirmed by the testimony of Mary, Peter, the other Apostles, and more than five hundred people at one time. The majority of these witnesses were violently killed for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and their testimony—and none recanted—though doing so would have spared their lives. (Click here to read Fox’s Book of Martyrs for more information.) “To whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:3 “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 The Return of Jesus Christ God’s promise to the Jews—His chosen people—will be fulfilled. Jesus Christ—the Messiah and The Anointed King—will complete the messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. The King of kings and Lord of lords will lead the armies of heaven into battle and will destroy all enemies of the Jews by the absolute power of His spoken word—including the beast, the false prophet, and those who worshiped the beast and accepted his mark. “In that day the Lord will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; the one who is feeble among them in that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the Angel of the Lord before them. It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.” Zechariah 12:8-9 “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” “Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, ‘Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.’” “And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.” Revelation 19:11-21 He will lead the nations from His throne in Jerusalem. Jesus declared, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” Matthew 25:31-32 “He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:7 (also see Jer 23:5-6; Matt 19:28; Dan 7:13-14, 27; Isaiah 9:6-7, 24:23; Zech 14:9; Mic 4:3) The eyes of Israel will open and realize Jesus Christ was and is the Messiah. “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” Romans 11:25-27 Israelites will look upon Him whom they pierced and they will mourn. “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem.” Zechariah 12:1-11 The Words of Jesus Christ Created Two Choices When confronted with the words of Jesus, each person has a choice: believe Jesus Christ is the Messiah or disbelieve. One decision can lead to eternal life. The other requires delusional justification—for the long-term risks and consequences are monumental. “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:10, 27-28 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” Romans 10:9-13 If God is knocking on the door to your heart—your life, your sin, and your relationship with Him is being revealed to you by the Holy Spirit. What’s more, you are likely feeling a struggle (and even a fight) between accepting Jesus Christ and holding onto your sin. But be assured, this is more than a struggle between “your ears.” “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9 If you desire to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, simply confess your sins to God in prayer. An example is: Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, forgive me for my sins. Thank you for sending your Son into the world, allowing Him to be crucified for my sins and raising Him from the dead so that I may ask for, and receive Your forgiveness. Jesus, take control of my life and change me into the type of person you want me to be. Amen. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger forever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:8-12 How far is the east from the west? It is easy to determine the distance from the north to the south (no more than ½ around the world or 12,430 miles). But, how far is the east from west? There is no definable distance because it is infinite. And so is God’s forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ. You must then repent or turn away from your sin. Jesus preached repentance as soon as He began His ministry. "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Matthew 4:17). It involves a change in your heart from your sin toward God. Simply stated, there are four different aspects of repentance: • A genuine sorrow toward God because of your sin • An inward hatred toward the sin • A realization of the depth of your sin and the magnitude of God's compassion and grace • An actual forsaking of the sin Finally, you must humbly surrender your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. For every step that you make toward God, He will make 10 toward you. For every area in your life that you yield to God, He will keep his promise in that you may have and enjoy life and have it in abundance. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 Over time you will continue to grow and mature in Christ as you increasingly seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction in all that you do. You must also continue to pray (talk to God) and read His Word (the Bible) daily. In addition, seek fellowship and worship with like-minded believers. If you do not attend a Christian church you may consider listening to the recordings of Pastor Chuck Smith. Chuck Smith (who is now with Jesus) was a highly-regarded expository teacher of the Bible (verse-by-verse, Genesis to Revelation). Chuck’s teachings may be listened to on the following link: https://calvarychapel.com/posts/c2000/ . I highly recommend starting with 1st Jo hn 1-2:11. All for His Glory, Harold D. Thomas Thought-Provoking Questions The purpose of the questions is to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Bible, this Bible study topic and ourselves. The questions may be answered by each reader, or used by a Bible study group leader or church pastor. The following questions should be answered or discussed after reading the lesson. The following questions are designed to enhance learning via imaginative/interactive discussion and formation of opinions. As such, no answers are provided. In addition, these questions facilitate group discussions. C.S. Lewis was born in 1898, died in 1963, and lived in Belfast, Ireland. He was a scholar, novelist and author of numerous books, many of them on Christian apologetics (defense of Christianity against objections). Two of his works included The Screwtape Letters and Mere Christianity . O C.S. Lewis stated Jesus Christ was either a lunatic (a mad man, crazy, etc.), or the Son of God. • Can you discuss/reason/argue both sides of the equation? • What evidence would you use to support both sides? • Why do you think C.S. Lewis would make this declaration? O C.S. Lewis also said there is no middle-of-the-road statement such as “Jesus was simply a prophet, or a good teacher, or a godly man.” • Why do you think C.S. Lewis would make this statement? • What are some of the consequences of believing Jesus was only a prophet, or just a good teacher, or simply a godly man? O Multiple types of evidence were presented in the lesson that supports the claim that Jesus is the Messiah. • Can you categorize the different types of evidence? • Which one do you think is most important? Explain. • Did you learn anything new? Explain. The questions may be viewed and downloaded as a PDF file by clicking on this button. Can you think of someone who can benefit from this lesson? If yes…pass it on!