Section 2–A Jewish Perspective on the Scriptures
Class 3: Messianic Prophecy Part II
Teacher: Dr. Dominick Hernández
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Class Notes
The Identity of the Messiah
- The Hebrew Scriptures provide:
- Genealogical background
- Place of birth
- Timeframe of arrival
- Other identifying characteristics of the Messiah
- These “credentials” help identify the true Messiah and recognize imposters.
- Early Jewish sages recognized these key passages as referring to the Messiah:
- He would be from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10).
- He would be a descendant of King David (2 Samuel 7:12–16).
- He was to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
- He would arrive before the destruction of the Second Temple (Daniel 9:24–27).
- He would present himself by riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).
- He would be tortured to death (Psalm 22).
Isaiah 53—A Key Messianic Passage
- It is one of the most well-known Messianic prophecies.
- It describes specific characteristics of the Messiah’s life:
- Suffering Servant
- Silence at his arrest and trial
- Death, burial in a rich man’s tomb, and resurrection (Isaiah 52:13–53:12)
Common Questions About the Messiah
- If these “credentials” in the Hebrew Scriptures are so clear, why didn’t people recognize Jesus as the Messiah?
- Did Jesus claim to be the Messiah?
- What makes Jesus different from others who have claimed to be the Messiah?
- He fulfilled the prophecies.
- He rose from the dead.
- Faith in Him has stood the test of time.
- He transforms people’s lives.
For Further Reading
Learn more about a Messianic Jewish perspective on this topic.