Tag Archives: Messiah the Prince

A CHRISTMAS STORY OF THE WISEMEN’S JOURNEY

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet

“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

Mathew 2:1-6

Wise men journey

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The following is based primarily on Matthew 2:1-18 and Luke 2: 1-20

Inspiration and Timing for Our Journey

Our journey from Persia, where the great Hebrew prophet Daniel resided many years ago, has been difficult.   It was the Hebrew prophets like Isaiah, Micah, and others who inspired our journey. We carefully studied their prophecies about the coming Messiah, but it was the prophet Daniel who wrote of the timing of the Savior’s arrival. It was going to be very soon! Micah disclosed the city of Bethlehem as our destination. But Daniel gave us the time of his arrival:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” Micah 5:2

Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; Daniel 9: 25

We had a place and a start time for the clock of prophecy. We knew from the book of Ezra that the decree to restore and build Jerusalem was given by Artaxerxes, the king of Persia to Ezra, the priest, in the fall of 457 BC. Our careful calculation to the Messiah starts here and moves forward 69 weeks. This is 483 days or years by applying the day-to-year principle as indicated by the other Hebrew prophets. The timing was tantalizing close to our time. To encourage us even more, we saw a star in the east that beaconed us to start our journey.

The People and Sights Along the Way

We have fought sandstorms, cold, and that never-ending heat! My back aches from the monotonous rocking of my camel’s steps.  It is like riding on a slow-moving boat pushed back and forth continually by repetitive ocean waves; perhaps another reason they call them ships of the desert. Despite all this, I am sure our inconvenience will be rewarded! We have put our hearts and time into this journey. We are certain the prophecies from the ancient scrolls are accurate.

The camels have done well, but like us, they enjoy the breaks we often take and the people we meet along the way.  When we pass through the many villages, the beasts become the center of attention for the children who try to feed them hay and anything else they can find. (**See note at the end regarding the number of Wisemen)

The adults are filled with questions about our journey and our destination.  They want to know where we come from.  Their wide eyes reveal they are impressed with the distance we have traveled.  We are glad to share with them the news of the Messiah and what we know from the ancient scrolls.  Some consider us crazy, but many listen and wish they could go with us.  They call it an adventure, but we know it is more…so much more.

Nighttime is my favorite part of the day because of the star’s brightness guiding us and the peace that comes from the quiet, disturbed only by the crackling fire and the occasional snort of a tired camel. Our conversation around the fire is pleasant and lulls me into a deep sleep. 

The star is a constant reminder of the accuracy of the scrolls and a confirmation of our journey.  Many people we have met have seen the unusually bright star and wondered.  They don’t know what it means but are comforted by its beauty and marvel that its magnificence is not diminished by the light of day.  When we started, it was low on the horizon, but it is rising and becoming brighter as we have drawn nearer to our destination, Bethlehem!

I lean back on the saddle I have used as a pillow and enjoy the warmth of the fire.  I am warm and content.  My journal and mind are filling up with my notes.  I make this entry under the light from the twinkling star-lit night.

Now, we are only one day out from Jerusalem.  We hope to visit King Herod and celebrate with him the coming of the Messiah.  The town is surely busy with activity and celebration even though it has taken us many months to get this far.

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The Shepherds

Our anticipation grows so much that we wake in the star-lit clearness of the approaching new day. We desire to arrive in Jerusalem early in the sunlit morning to seek an audience with the king before we head off to Bethlehem, only about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to the south of the capital city.

So I rise with the others, full of energy and anticipation of the journey ahead of us.  We mount our ships of the desert, which match our excitement to start moving again.  This is going to be a good day! I can feel it!

The early morning air is cold, and the star is brighter than ever!  We hear music in the distance!  As we approach the outskirts of Jerusalem, we are greeted by shepherds watching over their sheep.  With wonder in their eyes, they run up to our caravan and ask us the usual questions: our destination and where we come from.

I tell them the story of our journey and our wish to see the new baby king.  They are polite and respectful and let us speak first. When I pause my story, they begin to talk fast and together as if they will burst if their words are not heard.  Wonder and curiosity force us to dismount our camels and gather around them.  They calm themselves and begin to talk one at a time.   Then begins their beautiful story of the events when the Messiah was born.

We were in the field at night when we heard the sound of singing and joy, and there was light all around us that lit up the countryside like it was daytime….only brighter.

Then the next one speaks with equal intensity.“We were afraid! I turned my eyes toward the ground.”

A third young man, a little older, says, The brightness was coming from an angel who told us to

” fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

Luke 2:10

The angel told us to go to the city of David where we would find Christ the Lord, and we would find a baby wrapped in *swaddling clothes lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:12 (**See note at the end.)

Another one talks before the older one finishes, “The music continued, and many more angels appeared high in the night sky!”

It all is starting to come together for me.  The older boy exclaims confidently, “That star you have followed are angels.  They began to sing again as your caravan approached us.”

The youngest one blurts, “After the angels appeared to us, we left our flocks and raced towards Bethlehem.  There we found a woman named Mary and her husband Joseph, and there in a manger was the baby they call Jesus.”

My heart pounds faster as I realize we now know the king’s name!  His name is Jesus! In Greek, it means “Jehovah is Salvation.” The Hebrew name is Joshua. His mission is in His Name!

Their eyes are bright, and they all nod their heads in agreement when the older shepherd boy slows down his words and says with tears in his eyes. “Our hearts are changed! We can’t stop talking about that night and the baby Jesus.  We have told everyone!  Even Mary rejoiced at our story!”

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Disappointment in Jerusalem

The visit with the young men has inspired and energized us!  We have also learned the name of the mother and father! It is an easier climb back on my camel.  Our strength has been renewed, as well as our urgency to get to Bethlehem.  The music and praise in the heavens grow louder and brighter even as the yellow and orange of the sunrise pushes us toward Jerusalem and King Herod.

We arrive in Jerusalem by mid-morning. The angel star is quiet. The smell of food awakens our hunger. But, we greatly desire to see the king as soon as possible. It overrides all our growing hunger and thirst.

There is a crowd to meet us.  It is easy to notice they are not like the excited shepherds.  They are curious and seem afraid and worried.  Maybe it is our large caravan and the way we look.  Our skin and clothes are different.

We finally arrive at the king’s palace and request an audience with him.  To my surprise, we are immediately invited in.  A few of us go, and the others mix with the growing crowd outside, telling them of our journey and the new story from the shepherds that they had already heard.  And, of course, the children ask many questions and try to feed the camels.

We wait for a long time before we are welcomed into the king’s presence. King Herod reflects the same aura as the people outside.  He looks concerned.  For a moment, I wonder if we made a mistake coming here.

I am the first one to speak. Excitedly, I blurted out words without considering that I was talking to a king.

“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him.”

Although we knew of Jesus’ birthplace, surely He is somewhere in the big city by now. I began to think this was not a good question and statement…asking a reigning king about a king that would rule the Jews in the future.  The king struggles to stay polite and excuses himself.  We can hear him calling all his wise men and priests together, standing nearby.  He tries to whisper so we can’t hear, but the cold palace lets his voice carry easily through its halls. Well, we didn’t get off to a good start.

He is angry and demands they tell him where this Christ would be born.  We hear them quote the same scrolls we studied before and after we left on our long journey.  We hear the Scribes read from the Prophet Micah. The same place that the scroll of the prophet told us where He would be born:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”

Michah 5:2

We look at each other with the same surprise.  They have taken the words of their ancient prophets so lightly.  I feel foreboding and regretfulness rising up within me as the king invites us back into his private chambers.

A forced smile appears on his troubled face. He apologizes for not being more hospitable and invites us to have some food and something to drink.  I am uncomfortable.  The meeting is uncomfortable.  We politely eat some of the food even though our hunger is different.

He asks about our trip, and we tell him about our long journey, the star in the east, and the shepherds we met just outside town.  We sense we should not tell the king anything more and look for an excuse to leave quickly.

Then, he asked us a question he was eager to know.  It seemed to be the main reason for his talking with us, which hinged on this question.

“When was it you first saw the star and began the journey ?”

Reluctantly, I tell him it has been almost two years. The king is attempting to determine the age of the Child.  He then says in almost a whisper and an evil voice,

“Go and search for him, and when you find him, bring him here to the palace that I might worship him too.”

With a jump and quick turn around, he immediately leaves us and disappears into the palace. He is no doubt trying to use us to locate the Child.

The attendant escorted us back to our caravan and the growing crowd. We never expected to have such a greeting.  I, along with my friends, have become suspicious and concerned.  We are glad to get back on our camels and back to following the star, which has turned us south towards the sleepy little village of Bethlehem.

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Bethlehem

The sun has risen fast.  It waits for no one.  We continue our journey toward Bethlehem.  It is a short distance, but we travel slowly, enjoying the final leg of our journey.  It will be starting to get dark before we arrive.

The excitement of seeing the new king of the Jews returns to our hearts as we travel along silently, contemplating the events of last night and this morning.  The crowds have disappeared.

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There before us lies the twinkling lights of the little city of Bethlehem!  The star is just above the peaceful town, shining its clear light and casting shadows on the surrounding hillside. How beautiful it is! We feel great joy and express our congratulations to each other.  A journey of hundreds of miles has brought us to this moment! A small group of citizens comes to greet us at the entrance to the village.  We ask for Mary and Joseph.

The star is almost directly overhead as a sweet girl escorts us to a tiny house near the edge of town.

Dismounting our camels, we hear the music again far up in the night sky. Mary greets us at the door as we crowd into the small, clean home.

Jesus!

We feel the presence of royalty as the young toddler Jesus walks into the room.  Emotions overcome us, and we fall on our knees and worship the child we know to be the fulfillment of thousands of years of prophecy.  We have seen Him in all the scrolls of the Jews many times.  The face of God is in his brown eyes! We can sense a power that searches our hearts. Many of us weep and then gather ourselves to give our gifts.

We bring in our offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and we celebrate our gift of time with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.  They make our visit enjoyable and pleasant.  We spent the night laughing and playing with little Jesus.  I take him up in my arms and show him the camels. They are calm and peaceful as Jesus reaches out and touches them.  He wants to touch all of them!  Never before have I seen such a face as the One who looks at me.  The others demand their time to hold Him, so  I pass Him to the other men.  I still feel his warmth in my arms and on my chest.  The journey has been worth every step and more.  My heart wants to burst with joy!  I feel alive!

The rest of the night is spent talking and eating. Too soon,  our time with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus is finished. Before we leave, we ask for permission to anoint Jesus with more gifts we brought. It is a special moment when we place the sweet smell upon the head of Jesus as he sits in his mother’s lap.  We are content and feel the presence of God in the room and in the sparkling eyes of the Little King.

No Ordinary Child

I wonder why more people do not understand that here before us is Immanuel (God with us)!

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call His name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

This little boy will grow up to save the world from eternal death!  He will pay the penalty we deserve and teach us spiritual things about the kingdom of God!  It is all in the ancient scrolls! My mind goes to the scroll of Isaiah 6:9

For unto us, a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 6:9

He is “Mighty God,” Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!” My breath is taken as I consider who we stand before! This is no ordinary child!

We wish to stay but feel we must begin our journey back.  We promise to return when the child is older.  We know from the writings of the prophet Daniel that the young child will live to be only about 33 years old, and then he will sacrifice himself for the people’s sins and rise on the third day to show his power over the clutches of the grave and death.

Our wish is to return when he is older, but in the meantime, we pledge among ourselves to share, in our homeland, the good news of the birth of Jesus. The beginning of eternity and our hope are standing right behind those innocent brown eyes! We will begin to tell our story with those we will meet along the way back to our home in the West.

We say our goodbyes to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and head north through back through the city.

A Detour Home-Danger!

I am stopped in my tracks as I begin to consider our strange visit with King Herod.

A man appears to me and tells me to take a different path home and head east instead of retracing our journey.  The king is up to some evil, and we don’t want to help him in any way.  We probably made a mistake visiting him and giving him information about the approximate age of the baby Jesus.  It is an unfortunate turn of events. We are going to miss the young shepherd boys on the way back.  I was looking forward to telling them of our visit.

The star is gone as we begin our travel home.  We stop to rest when we feel we have put some distance between King Herod and us.  Around the fire, we talk about our great journey and look again at scripture.  We come across a disturbing message from the prophet Jeremiah:

“Thus says the Lord:
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
    lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
    she refuses to be comforted for her children,
    because they are no more.”

Jeremiah 31:15

Soon, the voices and the fire go out, and we sleep…exhausted from excitement and the sleep we missed, I can feel the warmth of my camel next to me. The trip home will be long, but it will go fast as we tell the wonderful story of Jesus along the way.

Later, the next day, we hear the news and fulfillment of that passage in Jeremiah that troubled us.  King Herod had all the male children 2 years old and younger killed.  What a cruel and foolish man!

We also got the news that Joseph was warned of Herod’s intention, and our friends Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus escaped to the safety of Egypt.

Later, we would learn Joseph took his family to a little town called Nazareth after Herod died.

More fulfillment of the ancient scrolls:

“And out of Egypt, I called my son.”

Hosea 11:1

Our journey to find Jesus was long and difficult, but we have been transformed by it. The scrolls, the star, the shepherds, and even the evil King Herod have made us wiser. But most of all, it has made us believers in Jesus.

We will continue to study the ancient scrolls because now that we have seen Jesus ourselves, we can see Him in every story told there.

So many scrolls to read, so little time.

And ye shall seek me, and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

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My friends, join me in a Christmas worship of the One who gave all that we might have all.  Let us fall on our knees this night as we think about the birth of Jesus and the visit of men who were seeking Him.  They found Him!  Have you?

Click here for a beautiful video and song:

Oh, Holy Night!

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Footnotes:

*Only three Wisemen are traditional and unverifiable. The number is likely based on the three main gifts given to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (  gold, frankincense, and myrrh.-Matt. 2: 11). For such a long journey and the importance of the journey, there was likely a caravan of camels and support people. But, again, unverifiable. )

**Swaddling clothes were strips that were often used to prepare the body for burial. They would wrap (swath) them in linen and then add strips around the head and feet (See John 20:7- Jesus and John 11:44- Lazarus). Jesus, at birth, was wrapped in the cloth for dead people. His mission from the start was to die!

Meaning of the Three Gifts of the Wisemen

Gold is associated with royalty and was a gift given to kings around the time of Christ’s birth. The wise men’s first gift of gold symbolized Jesus’ role as the King of Kings. Jesus’ family may have used the gift of gold in their flight to Egypt and after leaving that region to return home.

Frankincense was a type of incense burned as a sacrifice and used by priests during the sanctuary services at the time of Christ’s birth. The wise men’s gift of frankincense symbolized Jesus’ priesthood. Jesus’ family may have used the gift of frankincense for practical purposes, such as during prayer, or given some to the temple priests as a sacrifice.

Myrrh: During Christ’s birth, myrrh was used as an embalming ointment when preparing bodies for burial. The wise men’s gift of myrrh prophetically signified that Jesus was born to suffer and die while also symbolizing his burial. The gift of myrrh also had a practical use, as Mary, Jesus’s mother, may have used the myrrh for both Joseph’s and Jesus’s burials.

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For additional study:

Jesus’  first coming was predicted in hundreds of Old Testament writings!

The one prophecy that pinpoints the exact time of His coming, which helped in the wise men’s timing of their journey, and a brief outline of his life, death, and ministry is found in Daniel 9.  To know more about this prophecy, click here:  https://www.answersfromscriptureonline.com/2017/11/19/daniel-revelation-part-6-longest-time-prophecy/

353 prophecies about the first coming of Christ are below. Much more concerning his second coming…will discuss it in future posts.

Scripture Prophecy Fulfillment
1. Gen. 3:15Seed of a woman (virgin birth)Galatians 4:4-5Matthew 1:18
2. Gen. 3:15He will bruise Satan’s headHebrews 2:14, 1 John 3:8
3. Gen. 3:15Christ’s heel would be bruised with nails on the crossMatthew 27:35Luke 24:39-40
4. Gen. 5:24The bodily ascension to heaven illustratedMark 16:19, Rev. 12:5
5. Gen. 9:26, 27The God of Shem will be the Son of ShemLuke 3:23-36
6. Gen. 12:3Seed of Abraham will bless all nationsGalatians 3:8Acts 3:2526
7. Gen. 12:7The Promise made to Abraham’s SeedGalatians 3:16
8. Gen. 14:18A priest after the order of MelchizedekHebrews 6:20
9. Gen. 14:18King of Peace and RighteousnessHebrews 7:2
10. Gen. 14:18The Last Supper foreshadowedMatthew 26:26-29
11. Gen. 17:19Seed of Isaac (Gen. 21:12)Romans 9:7
12. Gen. 22:8The Lamb of God promisedJohn 1:29
13. Gen. 22:18As Isaac’s seed, will bless all nationsGalatians 3:16
14. Gen. 26:2-5The Seed of Isaac promised as the RedeemerHebrews 11:18
15. Gen. 28:12The Bridge to heavenJohn 1:51
16. Gen. 28:14The Seed of JacobLuke 3:34
17. Gen. 49:10The time of His comingLuke 2:1-7; Galatians 4:4
18. Gen. 49:10The Seed of JudahLuke 3:33
19. Gen. 49:10Called Shiloh or One SentJohn 17:3
20. Gen. 49:10Messiah to come before Judah lost identityJohn 11:47-52
21. Gen. 49:10Unto Him shall the obedience of the people beJohn 10:16
22. Ex. 3:13-15The Great “I AM”John 4:268:58
23. Ex. 12:3-6The Lamb presented to Israel 4 days before PassoverMark 11:7-11
24. Ex. 12:5A Lamb without blemishHebrews 9:141Peter 1:19
25. Ex. 12:13The blood of the Lamb saves from wrathRomans 5:8
26. Ex. 12:21-27Christ is our Passover1Corinthians 5:7
27. Ex. 12:46Not a bone of the Lamb to be brokenJohn 19:31-36
28. Ex. 15:2His exaltation predicted as YeshuaActs 7:5556
29. Ex. 15:11His Character-HolinessLuke 1:35Acts 4:27
30. Ex. 17:6The Spiritual Rock of Israel1Corinthians 10:4
31. Ex. 33:19His Character-MercifulLuke 1:72
32. Lev. 1:2-9His sacrifice a sweet smelling savor unto GodEphesians 5:2
33. Lev. 14:11The leper cleansed-Sign to priesthoodLuke 5:12-14Acts 6:7
34. Lev. 16:15-17Prefigures Christ’s once-for-all deathHebrews 9:7-14
35. Lev. 16:27Suffering outside the CampMatthew 27:33Heb. 13:1112
36. Lev. 17:11The Blood-the life of the fleshMatthew 26:28Mark 10:45
37. Lev. 17:11It is the blood that makes atonementRom. 3:23-241John 1:7
38. Lev. 23:36-37The Drink-offering: “If any man thirst”John 7:37
39. Num. 9:12Not a bone of Him brokenJohn 19:31-36
40. Num. 21:9The serpent on a pole-Christ lifted upJohn 3:14-1812:32
41. Num. 24:17Time: “I shall see him, but not now.”John 1:14Galatians 4:4
42. Deut. 18:15“This is of a truth that prophet.”John 6:14
43. Deut. 18:15-16“Had ye believed Moses, ye would believe me.”John 5:45-47
44. Deut. 18:18Sent by the Father to speak His wordJohn 8:2829
45. Deut. 18:19Whoever will not hear must bear his sinActs 3:22-23
46. Deut. 21:23Cursed is he that hangs on a treeGalatians 3:10-13
47. Joshua 5:14-15The Captain of our salvationHebrews 2:10
48. Ruth 4:4-10Christ, our kinsman, has redeemed usEphesians 1:3-7
49. 1 Sam. 2:35A Faithful PriestHeb. 2:173:1-367:24-25
50. 1 Sam. 2:10Shall be an anointed King to the LordMt. 28:18John 12:15
51. 2 Sam. 7:12David’s SeedMatthew 1:1
52. 2 Sam. 7:13His Kingdom is everlasting2Peter 1:11
53. 2 Sam. 7:14The Son of GodLuke 1:32Romans 1:3-4
54. 2 Sam. 7:16David’s house established foreverLuke 3:31Rev. 22:16
55. 2 Ki. 2:11The bodily ascension to heaven illustratedLuke 24:51
56. 1 Chr. 17:11David’s SeedMatthew 1:19:27
57. 1 Chr. 17:12-13To reign on David’s throne foreverLuke 1:3233
58. 1 Chr. 17:13“I will be His Father, He…my Son.”Hebrews 1:5
59. Job 9:32-33Mediator between man and God1 Timothy 2:5
60. Job 19:23-27The Resurrection predictedJohn 5:24-29
61. Psa. 2:1-3The enmity of kings foreordainedActs 4:25-28
62. Psa. 2:2To own the title, Anointed (Christ)John 1:41Acts 2:36
63. Psa. 2:6His Character-HolinessJohn 8:46Revelation 3:7
64. Psa. 2:6To own the title KingMatthew 2:2
65. Psa. 2:7Declared the Beloved SonMatthew 3:17Romans 1:4
66. Psa. 2:78The Crucifixion and Resurrection intimatedActs 13:29-33
67. Psa. 2:89Rule the nations with a rod of ironRev. 2:2712:519:15
68. Psa. 2:12Life comes through faith in HimJohn 20:31
69. Psa. 8:2The mouths of babes perfect His praiseMatthew 21:16
70. Psa. 8:56His humiliation and exaltationHebrews 2:5-9
71. Psa. 9:7-10Judge the world in righteousnessActs 17:31
72. Psa. 16:10Was not to see corruptionActs 2:3113:35
73. Psa. 16:9-11Was to arise from the deadJohn 20:9
74. Psa. 17:15The resurrection predictedLuke 24:6
75. Psa. 18:2-3The horn of salvationLuke 1:69-71
76. Psa. 22:1Forsaken because of sins of others2 Corinthians 5:21
77. Psa. 22:1“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”Matthew 27:46
78. Psa. 22:2Darkness upon Calvary for three hoursMatthew 27:45
79. Psa. 22:7They shoot out the lip and shake the headMatthew 27:39-44
80. Psa. 22:8“He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him”Matthew 27:43
81. Psa. 22:9-10Born the SaviourLuke 2:7
82. Psa. 22:12-13They seek His deathJohn 19:6
83. Psa. 22:14His blood poured out when they pierced His sideJohn 19:34
84. Psa. 22:1415Suffered agony on CalvaryMark 15:34-37
85. Psa. 22:15He thirstedJohn 19:28
86. Psa. 22:16They pierced His hands and His feetJohn 19:343720:27
87. Psa. 22:1718Stripped Him before the stares of menLuke 23:3435
88. Psa. 22:18They parted His garmentsJohn 19:2324
89. Psa. 22:2021He committed Himself to GodLuke 23:46
90. Psa. 22:2021Satanic power bruising the Redeemer’s heelHebrews 2:14
91. Psa. 22:22His Resurrection declaredJohn 20:17
92. Psa. 22:27-28He shall be the governor of the nationsColossians 1:16
93. Psa. 22:31“It is finished”John 19:30Heb. 10:10121418
94. Psa. 23:1“I am the Good Shepherd”John 10:111Peter 2:25
95. Psa. 24:3His exaltation predictedActs 1:11Philippians 2:9
96. Psa. 30:3His resurrection predictedActs 2:32
97. Psa. 31:5“Into thy hands I commit my spirit”Luke 23:46
98. Psa. 31:11His acquaintances fled from HimMark 14:50
99. Psa. 31:13They took counsel to put Him to deathMt. 27:1John 11:53
100. Psa. 31:1415“He trusted in God, let Him deliver him”Matthew 27:43
101. Psa. 34:20Not a bone of Him brokenJohn 19:31-36
102. Psa. 35:11False witnesses rose up against HimMatthew 26:59
103. Psa. 35:19He was hated without a causeJohn 15:25
104. Psa. 38:11His friends stood afar offLuke 23:49
105. Psa. 38:12Enemies try to entangle Him by craftMark 14:1Mt. 22:15
106. Psa. 38:12-13Silent before His accusersMatthew 27:12-14
107. Psa. 38:20He went about doing goodActs 10:38
108. Psa. 40:2-5The joy of His resurrection predictedJohn 20:20
109. Psa. 40:6-8His delight-the will of the FatherJohn 4:34Heb. 10:5-10
110. Psa. 40:9He was to preach the Righteousness in IsraelMatthew 4:17
111. Psa. 40:14Confronted by adversaries in the GardenJohn 18:4-6
112. Psa. 41:9Betrayed by a familiar friendJohn 13:18
113. Psa. 45:2Words of Grace come from His lipsJohn 1:17Luke 4:22
114. Psa. 45:6To own the title, God or ElohimHebrews 1:8
115. Psa. 45:7A special anointing by the Holy SpiritMt. 3:16Heb. 1:9
116. Psa. 45:78Called the Christ (Messiah or Anointed)Luke 2:11
117. Psa. 45:17His name remembered foreverEphesians 1:20-21Heb. 1:8
118. Psa. 55:12-14Betrayed by a friend, not an enemyJohn 13:18
119. Psa. 55:15Unrepentant death of the BetrayerMatthew 27:3-5Acts 1:16-19
120. Psa. 68:18To give gifts to menEphesians 4:7-16
121. Psa. 68:18Ascended into HeavenLuke 24:51
122. Psa. 69:4Hated without a causeJohn 15:25
123. Psa. 69:8A stranger to own brethrenJohn 1:117:5
124. Psa. 69:9Zealous for the Lord’s HouseJohn 2:17
125. Psa. 69:14-20Messiah’s anguish of soul before crucifixionMatthew 26:36-45
126. Psa. 69:20“My soul is exceeding sorrowful.”Matthew 26:38
127. Psa. 69:21Given vinegar in thirstMatthew 27:34
128. Psa. 69:26The Saviour given and smitten by GodJohn 17:418:11
129. Psa. 72:1011Great persons were to visit HimMatthew 2:1-11
130. Psa. 72:16The corn of wheat to fall into the GroundJohn 12:24-25
131. Psa. 72:17Belief on His name will produce offspringJohn 1:1213
132. Psa. 72:17All nations shall be blessed by HimGalatians 3:8
133. Psa. 72:17All nations shall call Him blessedJohn 12:13Rev. 5:8-12
134. Psa. 78:1-2He would teach in parablesMatthew 13:34-35
135. Psa. 78:2To speak the Wisdom of God with authorityMatthew 7:29
136. Psa. 80:17The Man of God’s right handMark 14:61-62
137. Psa. 88The Suffering and Reproach of CalvaryMatthew 27:26-50
138. Psa. 88:8They stood afar off and watchedLuke 23:49
139. Psa. 89:27FirstbornColossians 1:1518
140. Psa. 89:27Emmanuel to be higher than earthly kingsLuke 1:3233
141. Psa. 89:35-37David’s Seed, throne, kingdom endure foreverLuke 1:3233
142. Psa. 89:36-37His character-FaithfulnessRevelation 1:519:11
143. Psa. 90:2He is from everlasting (Micah 5:2)John 1:1
144. Psa. 91:1112Identified as Messianic; used to tempt ChristLuke 4:1011
145. Psa. 97:9His exaltation predictedActs 1:11Ephesians 1:20
146. Psa. 100:5His character-GoodnessMatthew 19:1617
147. Psa. 102:1-11The Suffering and Reproach of CalvaryJohn 19:16-30
148. Psa. 102:25-27Messiah is the Preexistent SonHebrews 1:10-12
149. Psa. 109:25RidiculedMatthew 27:39
150. Psa. 110:1Son of DavidMatthew 22:42-43
151. Psa. 110:1To ascend to the right-hand of the FatherMark 16:19
152. Psa. 110:1David’s son called LordMatthew 22:4445
153. Psa. 110:4A priest after Melchizedek’s orderHebrews 6:20
154. Psa. 112:4His character-Compassionate, Gracious, et alMatthew 9:36
155. Psa. 118:1718Messiah’s Resurrection assuredLuke 24:5-71Cor. 15:20
156. Psa. 118:2223The rejected stone is Head of the cornerMatthew 21:4243
157. Psa. 118:26The Blessed One presented to IsraelMatthew 21:9
158. Psa. 118:26To come while Temple standingMatthew 21:12-15
159. Psa. 132:11The Seed of David (the fruit of His Body)Luke 1:32Act 2:30
160. Psa. 129:3He was scourgedMatthew 27:26
161. Psa. 138:1-6The supremacy of David’s Seed amazes kingsMatthew 2:2-6
162. Psa. 147:36The earthly ministry of Christ describedLuke 4:18
163. Prov. 1:23He will send the Spirit of GodJohn 16:7
164. Prov. 8:23Foreordained from everlastingRev. 13:81Peter 1:19-20
165. Song. 5:16The altogether lovely OneJohn 1:17
166. Isa. 2:3He shall teach all nationsJohn 4:25
167. Isa. 2:4He shall judge among the nationsJohn 5:22
168. Isa. 6:1When Isaiah saw His gloryJohn 12:40-41
169. Isa. 6:8The One Sent by GodJohn 12:38-45
170. Isa. 6:9-10Parables fall on deaf earsMatthew 13:13-15
171. Isa. 6:9-12Blinded to Christ and deaf to His wordsActs 28:23-29
172. Isa. 7:14To be born of a virginLuke 1:35
173. Isa. 7:14To be Emmanuel-God with usMatthew 1:18-231Tim. 3:16
174. Isa. 8:8Called EmmanuelMatthew 28:20
175. Isa. 8:14A stone of stumbling, a Rock of offense1Peter 2:8
176. Isa. 9:12His ministry to begin in GalileeMatthew 4:12-17
177. Isa. 9:6A child born-HumanityLuke 1:31
178. Isa. 9:6A Son given-DeityLuke 1:32John 1:141Tim. 3:16
179. Isa. 9:6Declared to be the Son of God with powerRomans 1:34
180. Isa. 9:6The Wonderful One, PelehLuke 4:22
181. Isa. 9:6The Counsellor, YaatzMatthew 13:54
182. Isa. 9:6The Mighty God, El Gibor1Cor. 1:24Titus 2:13
183. Isa. 9:6The Everlasting Father, Avi AdthJohn 8:5810:30
184. Isa. 9:6The Prince of Peace, Sar ShalomJohn 16:33
185. Isa. 9:7Inherits the throne of DavidLuke 1:32
186. Isa. 9:7His Character-JustJohn 5:30
187. Isa. 9:7No end to his Government, Throne, and kingdomLuke 1:33
188. Isa. 11:1Called a Nazarene-the Branch, NetzerMatthew 2:23
189. Isa. 11:1A rod out of Jesse-Son of JesseLuke 3:2332
190. Isa. 11:2Anointed One by the SpiritMatthew 3:1617Acts 10:38
191. Isa. 11:2His Character-Wisdom, Knowledge, et alColossians 2:3
192. Isa. 11:3He would know their thoughtsLuke 6:8John 2:25
193. Isa. 11:4Judge in righteousnessActs 17:31
194. Isa. 11:4Judges with the sword of His mouthRev. 2:1619:1115
195. Isa. 11:5Character: Righteous & FaithfulRev. 19:11
196. Isa. 11:10The Gentiles seek HimJohn 12:18-21
197. Isa. 12:2Called Jesus-YeshuaMatthew 1:21
198. Isa. 22:22The One given all authority to governRevelation 3:7
199. Isa. 25:8The Resurrection predicted1Corinthians 15:54
200. Isa. 26:19His power of Resurrection predictedMatthew 27:50-54
201. Isa. 28:16The Messiah is the precious corner stoneActs 4:1112
202. Isa. 28:16The Sure Foundation1Corinthians 3:11Mt. 16:18
203. Isa. 29:13He indicated hypocritical obedience to His WordMatthew 15:7-9
204. Isa. 29:14The wise are confounded by the Word1Corinthians 1:18-31
205. Isa. 32:2A Refuge-A man shall be a hiding placeMatthew 23:37
206. Isa. 35:4He will come and save youMatthew 1:21
207. Isa. 35:5-6To have a ministry of miraclesMatthew 11:2-6
208. Isa. 40:34Preceded by forerunnerJohn 1:23
209. Isa. 40:9“Behold your God.”John 1:3619:14
210. Isa. 40:10.He will come to rewardRevelation 22:12
211. Isa. 40:11A shepherd-compassionate life-giverJohn 10:10-18
212. Isa. 42:1-4The Servant-as a faithful, patient redeemerMatthew 12:18-21
213. Isa. 42:2Meek and lowlyMatthew 11:28-30
214. Isa. 42:3He brings hope for the hopelessMt. 12:14-21John 4:1-54
215. Isa. 42:4The nations shall wait on His teachingsJohn 12:20-26
216. Isa. 42:6The Light (salvation) of the GentilesLuke 2:32
217. Isa. 42:16His is a worldwide compassionMatthew 28:1920
218. Isa. 42:7Blind eyes opened.John 9:25-38
219. Isa. 43:11He is the only Saviour.Acts 4:12
220. Isa. 44:3He will send the Spirit of GodJohn 16:713
221. Isa. 45:21-25He is Lord and SaviourPhilippians 3:20Titus 2:13
222. Isa. 45:23He will be the JudgeJohn 5:22Romans 14:11
223. Isa. 46:910Declares things not yet doneJohn 13:19
224. Isa. 48:12The First and the LastJohn 1:30Revelation 1:817
225. Isa. 48:1617He came as a TeacherJohn 3:2
226. Isa. 49:1Called from the womb-His humanityMatthew 1:18
227. Isa. 49:5A Servant from the womb.Luke 1:31Philippians 2:7
228. Isa. 49:6He will restore IsraelActs 3:19-2115:16-17
229. Isa. 49:6He is Salvation for IsraelLuke 2:29-32
230. Isa. 49:6He is the Light of the GentilesJohn 8:12Acts 13:47
231. Isa. 49:6He is Salvation unto the ends of the earthActs 15:7-18
232. Isa. 49:7He is despised of the NationJohn 1:118:48-4919:14-15
233. Isa. 50:3Heaven is clothed in black at His humiliationLuke 23:4445
234. Isa. 50:4He is a learned counselor for the wearyMatthew 7:2911:2829
235. Isa. 50:5The Servant bound willingly to obedienceMatthew 26:39
236. Isa. 50:6“I gave my back to the smiters.”Matthew 27:26
237. Isa. 50:6He was smitten on the cheeksMatthew 26:67
238. Isa. 50:6He was spat uponMatthew 27:30
239. Isa. 52:7Published good tidings upon mountainsMatthew 5:1215:2928:16
240. Isa. 52:13The Servant exaltedActs 1:8-11Eph. 1:19-22Php. 2:5-9
241. Isa. 52:14The Servant shockingly abusedLuke 18:31-34Mt. 26:6768
242. Isa. 52:15Nations startled by message of the ServantLuke 18:31-34Mt. 26:6768
243. Isa. 52:15His blood shed sprinkles nationsHebrews 9:13-14Rev. 1:5
244. Isa. 53:1His people would not believe HimJohn 12:37-38
245. Isa. 53:2Appearance of an ordinary manPhilippians 2:6-8
246. Isa. 53:3DespisedLuke 4:28-29
247. Isa. 53:3RejectedMatthew 27:21-23
248. Isa. 53:3Great sorrow and griefMatthew 26:37-38Luke 19:41Heb. 4:15
249. Isa. 53:3Men hide from being associated with HimMark 14:50-52
250. Isa. 53:4He would have a healing ministryMatthew 8:16-17
251. Isa. 53:4Thought to be cursed by GodMatthew 26:6627:41-43
252. Isa. 53:5Bears penalty for mankind’s iniquities2Cor. 5:21Heb. 2:9
253. Isa. 53:5His sacrifice provides peace between man and GodColossians 1:20
254. Isa. 53:5His sacrifice would heal man of sin1Peter 2:24
255. Isa. 53:6He would be the sin-bearer for all mankind1John 2:24:10
256. Isa. 53:6God’s will that He bear sin for all mankindGalatians 1:4
257. Isa. 53:7Oppressed and afflictedMatthew 27:27-31
258. Isa. 53:7Silent before his accusersMatthew 27:12-14
259. Isa. 53:7Sacrificial lambJohn 1:291Peter 1:18-19
260. Isa. 53:8Confined and persecutedMatthew 26:47-7527:1-31
261. Isa. 53:8He would be judgedJohn 18:13-22
262. Isa. 53:8KilledMatthew 27:35
263. Isa. 53:8Dies for the sins of the world1John 2:2
264. Isa. 53:9Buried in a rich man’s graveMatthew 27:57
265. Isa. 53:9Innocent and had done no violenceLuke 23:41John 18:38
266. Isa. 53:9No deceit in his mouth1Peter 2:22
267. Isa. 53:10God’s will that He die for mankindJohn 18:11
268. Isa. 53:10An offering for sinMatthew 20:28Galatians 3:13
269. Isa. 53:10Resurrected and live foreverRomans 6:9
270. Isa. 53:10He would prosperJohn 17:1-5
271. Isa. 53:11God fully satisfied with His sufferingJohn 12:27
272. Isa. 53:11God’s servant would justify manRomans 5:8-918-19
273. Isa. 53:11The sin-bearer for all mankindHebrews 9:28
274. Isa. 53:12Exalted by God because of his sacrificeMatthew 28:18
275. Isa. 53:12He would give up his life to save mankindLuke 23:46
276. Isa. 53:12Numbered with the transgressorsMark 15:27-28Luke 22:37
277. Isa. 53:12Sin-bearer for all mankind1Peter 2:24
278. Isa. 53:12Intercede to God in behalf of mankindLuke 23:34Rom. 8:34
279. Isa. 55:3Resurrected by GodActs 13:34
280. Isa. 55:4A witnessJohn 18:37
281. Isa. 55:4He is a leader and commanderHebrews 2:10
282. Isa. 55:5God would glorify HimActs 3:13
283. Isa. 59:16aIntercessor between man and GodMatthew 10:32
284. Isa. 59:16bHe would come to provide salvationJohn 6:40
285. Isa. 59:20He would come to Zion as their RedeemerLuke 2:38
286. Isa. 60:1-3He would shew light to the GentilesActs 26:23
287. Isa. 61:1The Spirit of God upon himMatthew 3:16-17
288. Isa. 61:1The Messiah would preach the good newsLuke 4:16-21
289. Isa. 61:1Provide freedom from the bondage of sinJohn 8:31-36
290. Isa. 61:1-2Proclaim a period of graceGalatians 4:4-5
291. Jer. 11:21Conspiracy to kill JesusJohn 7:1, Matthew 21:38
292. Jer. 23:5-6Descendant of DavidLuke 3:23-31
293. Jer. 23:5-6The Messiah would be both God and ManJohn 13:131Ti 3:16
294. Jer. 31:22Born of a virginMatthew 1:18-20
295. Jer. 31:31The Messiah would be the new covenantMatthew 26:28
296. Jer. 33:14-15Descendant of DavidLuke 3:23-31
297. Eze.34:23-24Descendant of DavidMatthew 1:1
298. Eze.37:24-25Descendant of DavidLuke 1:31-33
299. Dan. 2:44-45The Stone that shall break the kingdomsMatthew 21:44
300. Dan. 7:13-14He would ascend into heavenActs 1:9-11
301. Dan. 7:13-14Highly exaltedEphesians 1:20-22
302. Dan. 7:13-14His dominion would be everlastingLuke 1:31-33
303. Dan. 9:24To make an end to sinsGalatians 1:3-5
304. Dan. 9:24To make reconciliation for iniquityRomans 5:102Cor. 5:18-21
305. Dan. 9:24He would be holyLuke 1:35
306. Dan. 9:25His announcementJohn 12:12-13
307. Dan. 9:26Cut offMatthew 16:2121:38-39
308. Dan. 9:26Die for the sins of the worldHebrews 2:9
309. Dan. 9:26Killed before the destruction of the templeMatthew 27:50-51
310. Dan. 10:5-6Messiah in a glorified stateRevelation 1:13-16
311. Hos. 11:1He would be called out of EgyptMatthew 2:15
312. Hos. 13:14He would defeat death1Corinthians 15:55-57
313. Joel 2:32Offer salvation to all mankindRomans 10:9-13
314. Jonah 1:17Death and resurrection of ChristMatthew 12:4016:4
315. Mic. 5:2Born in BethlehemMatthew 2:1-6
316. Mic. 5:2Ruler in IsraelLuke 1:33
317. Mic. 5:2From everlastingJohn 8:58
318. Hag. 2:6-9He would visit the second TempleLuke 2:27-32
319. Hag. 2:23Descendant of ZerubbabelLuke 2:27-32
320. Zech. 3:8God’s servantJohn 17:4
321. Zech. 6:12-13Priest and KingHebrews 8:1
322. Zech. 9:9Greeted with rejoicing in JerusalemMatthew 21:8-10
323. Zech. 9:9Beheld as KingJohn 12:12-13
324. Zech. 9:9The Messiah would be justJohn 5:30
325. Zech. 9:9The Messiah would bring salvationLuke 19:10
326. Zech. 9:9The Messiah would be humbleMatthew 11:29
327. Zech. 9:9Presented to Jerusalem riding on a donkeyMatthew 21:6-9
328. Zech. 10:4The cornerstoneEphesians 2:20
329. Zech. 11:4-6At His coming, Israel to have unfit leadersMatthew 23:1-4
330. Zech. 11:4-6Rejection causes God to remove His protectionLuke 19:41-44
331. Zech. 11:4-6Rejected in favor of another kingJohn 19:13-15
332. Zech. 11:7Ministry to “poor,” the believing remnantMatthew 9:35-36
333. Zech. 11:8Unbelief forces Messiah to reject themMatthew 23:33
334. Zech. 11:8DespisedMatthew 27:20
335. Zech. 11:9Stops ministering to those who rejected HimMatthew 13:10-11
336. Zech. 11:10-11Rejection causes God to remove protectionLuke 19:41-44
337. Zech. 11:10-11The Messiah would be GodJohn 14:7
338. Zech. 11:12-13Betrayed for thirty pieces of silverMatthew 26:14-15
339. Zech. 11:12-13RejectedMatthew 26:14-15
340. Zech. 11:12-13Thirty pieces of silver cast in the house of the LordMatthew 27:3-5
341. Zech. 11:12-13The Messiah would be GodJohn 12:45
342. Zech. 12:10The Messiah’s body would be piercedJohn 19:34-37
343. Zech. 12:10The Messiah would be both God and manJohn 10:30
344. Zech. 12:10The Messiah would be rejectedJohn 1:11
345. Zech. 13:7God’s will He die for mankindJohn 18:11
346. Zech. 13:A violent deathMark 14:27
347. Zech. 13:7Both God and manJohn 14:9
348. Zech. 13:7Israel scattered as a result of rejecting HimMatthew 26:31-56
349. Zech. 14:4He would return to the Mt. of OlivesActs 1:11-12
350. Mal. 3:1Messenger to prepare the way for MessiahMark 1:1-8
351. Mal. 3:1Sudden appearance at the templeMark 11:15-16
352. Mal. 3:1Messenger of the new covenantLuke 4:43
353. Mal. 3:6The God who changes notHebrews 13:8
354. Mal. 4:5Forerunner in spirit of ElijahMt. 3:1-311:10-1417:11-13
355. Mal. 4:6Forerunner would turn many to righteousnessLuke 1:16-17

A CHRISTMAS STORY OF THE WISEMEN’S JOURNEY

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet

“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

Mathew 2:1-6

Wise men journey

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The following is based pirimarily on Matthew 2:1-18 and Luke 2: 1-18

Inspiration and Timing for our Journey

Our journey from Persia where the great Hebrew prophet Daniel resided many years ago has been difficult.   It was the Hebrew prophets like Isaiah , Micah, and others who inspired our journey. We carefully studied their prophecies about the coming Messiah, but it was Daniel, who wrote of the timing of the Savior’s arrival. It was going to be very soon! Micah disclosed the city of Bethlehem as our destination. But Daniel gave us the time of his arrival:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” Micah 5:2

Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; Daniel 9: 25

We had a place and a start time for the clock of prophecy. We knew from the book of Ezra that the decree to restore and build Jerusalem was given by Artaxerxes the king of Persia to Ezra the priest in the fall of 457 BC. Our careful calculation to the Messiah starts here and moves forward 69 weeks. This is 483 days or years by applying the day to year principal as indicated by the other Hebrew prophets. The timing was tantalizing close to our time. To encourage us even more, we saw a star in the east that beaconed us to start our journey.

The People and Sights Along the Way

We have fought sandstorms, cold, and that never-ending heat! My back aches from the monotonous rocking of my camel’s steps.  It is like riding on a slow-moving boat pushed back and forth continually by repetitive ocean waves; perhaps another reason they call them ships of the desert. Despite all this, I am sure our inconveniences will be rewarded! We have put our hearts and time into this journey. We are certain the prophecies from the ancient scrolls are accurate.

The camels have done well, but like us, they enjoy the breaks we often take and the people we meet along the way.  When we pass through the many villages, the beasts become the center of attention for the children who try to feed them hay and anything else they can find.

The adults are filled with questions about our journey and our destination.  They want to know where we come from.  Their wide eyes reveal they are impressed with the distance we have traveled.  We are glad to share with them the news of the Messiah and what we know from the ancient scrolls.  Some consider us crazy, but many listen and wish they could go with us.  They call it an adventure, but we know it is more…so much more.

Night time is my favorite part of the day because of the brightness of the star guiding us and the peace that comes from the quiet; disturbed only by the crackling fire and the occasional snort of a tired camel. Our conversation around the fire is pleasant and lulls me into a deep sleep. 

The star is a constant reminder of the accuracy of the scrolls and a confirmation of our journey.  Many people we have met have seen the unusually bright star and wondered.  They don’t know what it means but are comforted by its beauty and marvel that its magnificence is not diminished by the light of day.  When we started, it was low on the horizon, but it is rising and become brighter as we have drawn nearer to our destination, Bethlehem!

I lean back on the saddle I have used as a pillow and enjoy the warmth of the fire.  I am warm and content.  My journal and mind are filling up with my notes.  I make this entry under the light from the twinkling star-lit night.

Now, we are only one day out from Jerusalem.  We hope to visit King Herod and celebrate with him the coming of the Messiah.  The town is surely busy with activity and celebration even though it has taken us many months to get this far.

_______________________________________________________

The Shepherds

Our anticipation grows so much that we wake in the clearness of the so we can arrive in Jerusalem early in the morning to seek audience with the king before we head off to Bethlehem only about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to the south of the capital city.

So I rise with the others, full of energy and anticipation of the day ahead of us.  We mount our ships of the desert, who match our excitement to start moving again.  This is going to be a good day! I can feel it!

The early morning air is cold and the star brighter than ever!  We hear music in the distance!  As we approach the outskirts of Jerusalem, we are greeted by shepherds watching over their sheep.  With wonder in their eyes, they run up to our caravan and ask us the usual questions about us: our destination and home.

I tell them the story of our journey and our wish to see the new baby king.  They are polite and respectful and let us speak first. When we have a pause, they begin to talk fast and together as if they will burst if their words are not heard.  Wonder and curiosity force us to quickly dismount our camels and gather around them.  They calm themselves and begin to talk one at a time.   Then begins their beautiful story of the events when the Messiah was born.

We were in the field at night when we heard the sound of singing and joy and there was light all around us that lit up the countryside like it was daytime….only brighter.

Then the next one speaks with equal intensity.“We were afraid! I turned my eyes toward the ground”

A third young man, a little older, says, “The brightness was coming from an angel who told us to fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

The angel told us to go to the city of David where we would find Christ the Lord and we would find a baby wrapped in *swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” (*See note at the end.)

Another one talks before the older one finishes,”The music continued and many more angels appeared high in the night sky!”

It is starting to come all together for me.  The older boy exclaims with confidence, “That star you have followed are angels.  They began to sing again as your caravan approached us.”

The youngest one blurts out, “After the angels appeared to us, we left our flocks and raced towards Bethlehem.  There we found a woman by the name of Mary and her husband Joseph and there in a manger was the baby they call Jesus.”

My heart pounds faster as I realize we now know the name of the king!  His name is Jesus! In the Greek, it means “Jehovah is Salvation.” The Hebrew name is Joshua. His mission is in His Name!

Their eyes are bright and they all nod their heads in agreement when the older shepherd boy slows down his words and says with tears in his eyes. “Our hearts are changed! We can’t stop talking about that night and the baby Jesus.  We have told everyone!  Even Mary rejoiced at our story!”

_______________________________________________________

Disappointment in Jerusalem

The visit with the young men has inspired and energized us!  We have also learned the name of the mother and father! It is an easier climb back on my camel.  Our strength has been renewed as well as our urgency to get to Bethlehem.  The music and praise in the heavens grow louder and brighter even as the yellow and orange of the sunrise pushes us toward Jerusalem and King Herod.

We arrive in Jerusalem by mid-morning. The angel star is quiet. The smell of food awakens our hunger. But, our great desire to see the king as soon as possible overrides all our other senses.

There is a crowd to meet us.  It is easy to notice they are not like the excited shepherds.  They are curious and seem afraid and worried.  Maybe it is our large caravan and the way we look.  Our skin and clothes are different.

We finally arrive at the king’s palace and request an audience with him.  To my surprise, we are immediately invited in.  A few of us go and the others mix with the growing crowd outside telling them of our journey and the new story from the shepherds which they had already heard.  And of course, the children ask many questions and try to feed the camels.

We wait for a long time before we are welcomed into the king’s presence. King Herod reflects the same aura as the people outside.  He looks concerned.  For a moment I wonder if we made a mistake coming here.

I am the first one to speak. In my excitement, I blurt out words without considering that I am talking to a king.

“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

I begin to think this was not a good question and statement…asking a reigning king about a king that will rule the Jews in the future.  The king struggles to stay polite and excuses himself.  We can hear him calling all his wise men and priests together, who were standing close by.  He tries to whisper so we can’t hear, but the cold palace lets his voice carry easily through its halls. Well, we didn’t get off to a good start.

He is angry and demands they tell him where this Christ would be born.  We hear them quote the same scrolls we studied before and after we left on our long journey.  The word “Bethlehem of Judea” is heard clearly.

We look at each other with the same surprise.  They have taken the words of their ancient prophets so lightly.  I feel foreboding and regret rising up within me as the king invites us back into his private chambers.

A forced smile appears on his troubled face. He apologizes for not being more hospitable and invites us to have some food and something to drink.  I am uncomfortable.  The meeting is uncomfortable.  We politely eat some of the food even though our hunger is of a different sort.

He asks about our trip and we tell him about our long journey, the star in the east, and the shepherds we met just outside of town.  We sense we should not be telling the king anything and look for an excuse to leave quickly.

Then he asks us a question he was eager to know.  It seemed to be the main reason for his talking with us hinged on this question.

“When was it you first saw the star and began the journey ?”

Reluctantly, I tell him it has been almost two years.  He then says in almost a whisper and an evil voice,

“Go and search for him and when you find him, bring him here to the palace that I might worship him too.”

With a jump and quick turn around, he immediately leaves us and disappears back into the palace.

The attendant escorts us back to our caravan and the crowd that has gathered. We never expected to have such a greeting.  I along with my friends have become suspicious and concerned.  We are glad to get back on our camels and back to following the star which has turned us south towards the sleepy little village of Bethlehem.

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Bethlehem

The sun has risen fast.  It waits for no one.  We continue our journey south towards Bethlehem.  It is a short distance, but we travel slowly enjoying the final leg of our journey.  It will be dark before we arrive.

The excitement of seeing the new king of the Jews comes back to our hearts as we travel along silently contemplating the events of last night and this morning.  The crowds have disappeared.

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There before us, lies the twinkling lights of the little city of Bethlehem!  The star is just above the peaceful town shining its clear light and casting shadows on the surrounding hillside. How beautiful it is! We feel happiness and express our joy and congratulations to each other.  A journey of hundreds of miles has brought us to this moment! A small group of people come to greet us at the entrance to the village.  We ask for Mary and Joseph.

The star is almost directly overhead, as a sweet girl escorts us to a tiny house near the edge of town.

Dismounting our camels, we hear the music again far up in the night sky. Mary greets us at the door as we crowd into the small clean home.

Jesus!

We feel the presence of royalty as the young toddler Jesus walks into the room.  Emotions overcome us and we fall down and worship the child we know to be the fulfillment of thousands of years of prophecy.  We have seen him in all the scrolls of the Jews many times.  The face of God is in his! We can sense a power that searches our hearts. Many of us weep and then gather ourselves so we can give our gifts.

We bring in our offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and we celebrate our time with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.  They make our visit enjoyable and pleasant.  We spend the night laughing and playing with little Jesus.  I take him up in my arms and show him the camels.  They are calm and peaceful as Jesus reaches out and touches them.  He wants to touch all of them!  Never before have I see such a face as the One who looks at me.  The others demand their time to hold him, so  I pass him to the other men.  I still feel his warmth in my arms and on my chest.  The journey has been worth every step and more.  My heart wants to burst with joy!  I feel alive!

The rest of the night is spent talking and eating. Too soon,  our time with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus is finished. Before we leave we ask for permission to anoint Jesus with more gifts we brought. It is a special moment when we place the sweet smell upon the head of Jesus as he sits in his mother’s lap.  We are content and feel the presence of God in the room and in the sparkling eyes of the little king.

I am in wonder about why more people do not understand, that here before us is Immanuel (God with us)! This little boy will grow up to save the world from eternal death!  He will pay the penalty that we deserve and teach us spiritual things about the kingdom of God!  It is all in the ancient scrolls!

We wish to stay, but feel we must begin our journey back.  We promise to return when the child is older.  We know from the writings of the prophet Daniel, that the young child will live to be only about 30 years old and then he will sacrifice himself for the sins of the people and rise on the third day to show his power over the clutches of the grave and death.

Our wish is to return when he is older, but in the meantime, we pledge among ourselves to share, in our homeland, the good news of the birth of Jesus.  We will begin to tell our story with those we will meet along the way back to our home in the west.

We say our good-byes to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and begin to head back north through the city.

A Detour Home-Danger!

I am stopped in my tracks as I begin to consider our strange visit with King Herod.

An man appears to me and tells me to  take a different path home and head due east instead of retracing our journey.  The king is up to some evil and we don’t want to help him in any way.  We probably made a mistake visiting him and giving him information about the approximate age of the baby Jesus.  It is an unfortunate turn of events. We are going to miss the young shepherd boys on the way back.  I was looking forward to telling them of our visit.

The star is gone as we begin our travel home.  We stop to rest when we feel we have put some distance between us and King Herod.  Around the fire, we talk about our great journey and look again at scripture.  We come across a disturbing message from the prophet Jeremiah:

“Thus says the Lord:
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
    lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
    she refuses to be comforted for her children,
    because they are no more.”

Jeremiah 31:15

Soon the voices and the fire go out and we sleep…exhausted from excitement and the sleep we missed,I can feel the warmth of my camel next to me. The trip home will be long, but it will go fast as we tell the wonderful story of Jesus along the way.

Later, the next day, we hear the news and fulfillment of that passage in Jeremiah that troubled us.  King Herod had all the male children 2 years old and younger killed.  What a cruel and foolish man!

We also got news that Joseph was warned of Herod’s intention and our friends Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus escaped to the safety of Egypt.

Later, we would learn Joseph took his family to a little town called Nazareth after Herod died.

More fulfillment of the ancient scrolls:

“And out of Egypt, I called my son.”

Hosea 11:1

Our journey to find Jesus was long and difficult, but we have been transformed by it. The scrolls, the star, the shepherds even the evil king Herod has made us wiser. But most of all, it has made us a believer in Jesus.

We will continue to study the ancient scrolls because now that we have seen Jesus ourselves, we can see Him in every story told there.

So many scrolls to read, so little time.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

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My friends, join me in a Christmas worship of the One who gave all that we might have all.  Let us fall on our knees this night as we think about the birth of Jesus and the visit of men who were seeking Him.  They found Him!  Have you?

*Swaddling clothes were strips that were often used to prepare the body for burial. They would wrap (swath) them in linen and then add strips around the head and feet (See John 20:7-Jesus and John 11:44-Lazarus). Jesus at birth was wrapped in the cloth for dead people. His mission from the start was to die!

Click here for a beautiful video and song:

Oh Holy Night!

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For additional study:

Jesus’  first coming was predicted in hundreds of Old Testament writings!

The one prophecy that pinpoints the exact time of His coming which helped in the wise men’s timing of their journey and a brief outline of his life, death, and ministry is found in Daniel 9.  To know more about this prophecy, click here:  https://www.answersfromscriptureonline.com/2017/11/19/daniel-revelation-part-6-longest-time-prophecy/

353 prophecies about the first coming of Christ are below. Much more concerning his second coming…will discuss in future posts.

Scripture Prophecy Fulfillment
1. Gen. 3:15Seed of a woman (virgin birth)Galatians 4:4-5Matthew 1:18
2. Gen. 3:15He will bruise Satan’s headHebrews 2:141John 3:8
3. Gen. 3:15Christ’s heel would be bruised with nails on the crossMatthew 27:35Luke 24:39-40
4. Gen. 5:24The bodily ascension to heaven illustratedMark 16:19, Rev. 12:5
5. Gen. 9:26, 27The God of Shem will be the Son of ShemLuke 3:23-36
6. Gen. 12:3Seed of Abraham will bless all nationsGalatians 3:8Acts 3:2526
7. Gen. 12:7The Promise made to Abraham’s SeedGalatians 3:16
8. Gen. 14:18A priest after the order of MelchizedekHebrews 6:20
9. Gen. 14:18King of Peace and RighteousnessHebrews 7:2
10. Gen. 14:18The Last Supper foreshadowedMatthew 26:26-29
11. Gen. 17:19Seed of Isaac (Gen. 21:12)Romans 9:7
12. Gen. 22:8The Lamb of God promisedJohn 1:29
13. Gen. 22:18As Isaac’s seed, will bless all nationsGalatians 3:16
14. Gen. 26:2-5The Seed of Isaac promised as the RedeemerHebrews 11:18
15. Gen. 28:12The Bridge to heavenJohn 1:51
16. Gen. 28:14The Seed of JacobLuke 3:34
17. Gen. 49:10The time of His comingLuke 2:1-7; Galatians 4:4
18. Gen. 49:10The Seed of JudahLuke 3:33
19. Gen. 49:10Called Shiloh or One SentJohn 17:3
20. Gen. 49:10Messiah to come before Judah lost identityJohn 11:47-52
21. Gen. 49:10Unto Him shall the obedience of the people beJohn 10:16
22. Ex. 3:13-15The Great “I AM”John 4:268:58
23. Ex. 12:3-6The Lamb presented to Israel 4 days before PassoverMark 11:7-11
24. Ex. 12:5A Lamb without blemishHebrews 9:141Peter 1:19
25. Ex. 12:13The blood of the Lamb saves from wrathRomans 5:8
26. Ex. 12:21-27Christ is our Passover1Corinthians 5:7
27. Ex. 12:46Not a bone of the Lamb to be brokenJohn 19:31-36
28. Ex. 15:2His exaltation predicted as YeshuaActs 7:5556
29. Ex. 15:11His Character-HolinessLuke 1:35Acts 4:27
30. Ex. 17:6The Spiritual Rock of Israel1Corinthians 10:4
31. Ex. 33:19His Character-MercifulLuke 1:72
32. Lev. 1:2-9His sacrifice a sweet smelling savor unto GodEphesians 5:2
33. Lev. 14:11The leper cleansed-Sign to priesthoodLuke 5:12-14Acts 6:7
34. Lev. 16:15-17Prefigures Christ’s once-for-all deathHebrews 9:7-14
35. Lev. 16:27Suffering outside the CampMatthew 27:33Heb. 13:1112
36. Lev. 17:11The Blood-the life of the fleshMatthew 26:28Mark 10:45
37. Lev. 17:11It is the blood that makes atonementRom. 3:23-241John 1:7
38. Lev. 23:36-37The Drink-offering: “If any man thirst”John 7:37
39. Num. 9:12Not a bone of Him brokenJohn 19:31-36
40. Num. 21:9The serpent on a pole-Christ lifted upJohn 3:14-1812:32
41. Num. 24:17Time: “I shall see him, but not now.”John 1:14Galatians 4:4
42. Deut. 18:15“This is of a truth that prophet.”John 6:14
43. Deut. 18:15-16“Had ye believed Moses, ye would believe me.”John 5:45-47
44. Deut. 18:18Sent by the Father to speak His wordJohn 8:2829
45. Deut. 18:19Whoever will not hear must bear his sinActs 3:22-23
46. Deut. 21:23Cursed is he that hangs on a treeGalatians 3:10-13
47. Joshua 5:14-15The Captain of our salvationHebrews 2:10
48. Ruth 4:4-10Christ, our kinsman, has redeemed usEphesians 1:3-7
49. 1 Sam. 2:35A Faithful PriestHeb. 2:173:1-367:24-25
50. 1 Sam. 2:10Shall be an anointed King to the LordMt. 28:18John 12:15
51. 2 Sam. 7:12David’s SeedMatthew 1:1
52. 2 Sam. 7:13His Kingdom is everlasting2Peter 1:11
53. 2 Sam. 7:14The Son of GodLuke 1:32Romans 1:3-4
54. 2 Sam. 7:16David’s house established foreverLuke 3:31Rev. 22:16
55. 2 Ki. 2:11The bodily ascension to heaven illustratedLuke 24:51
56. 1 Chr. 17:11David’s SeedMatthew 1:19:27
57. 1 Chr. 17:12-13To reign on David’s throne foreverLuke 1:3233
58. 1 Chr. 17:13“I will be His Father, He…my Son.”Hebrews 1:5
59. Job 9:32-33Mediator between man and God1 Timothy 2:5
60. Job 19:23-27The Resurrection predictedJohn 5:24-29
61. Psa. 2:1-3The enmity of kings foreordainedActs 4:25-28
62. Psa. 2:2To own the title, Anointed (Christ)John 1:41Acts 2:36
63. Psa. 2:6His Character-HolinessJohn 8:46Revelation 3:7
64. Psa. 2:6To own the title KingMatthew 2:2
65. Psa. 2:7Declared the Beloved SonMatthew 3:17Romans 1:4
66. Psa. 2:78The Crucifixion and Resurrection intimatedActs 13:29-33
67. Psa. 2:89Rule the nations with a rod of ironRev. 2:2712:519:15
68. Psa. 2:12Life comes through faith in HimJohn 20:31
69. Psa. 8:2The mouths of babes perfect His praiseMatthew 21:16
70. Psa. 8:56His humiliation and exaltationHebrews 2:5-9
71. Psa. 9:7-10Judge the world in righteousnessActs 17:31
72. Psa. 16:10Was not to see corruptionActs 2:3113:35
73. Psa. 16:9-11Was to arise from the deadJohn 20:9
74. Psa. 17:15The resurrection predictedLuke 24:6
75. Psa. 18:2-3The horn of salvationLuke 1:69-71
76. Psa. 22:1Forsaken because of sins of others2 Corinthians 5:21
77. Psa. 22:1“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”Matthew 27:46
78. Psa. 22:2Darkness upon Calvary for three hoursMatthew 27:45
79. Psa. 22:7They shoot out the lip and shake the headMatthew 27:39-44
80. Psa. 22:8“He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him”Matthew 27:43
81. Psa. 22:9-10Born the SaviourLuke 2:7
82. Psa. 22:12-13They seek His deathJohn 19:6
83. Psa. 22:14His blood poured out when they pierced His sideJohn 19:34
84. Psa. 22:1415Suffered agony on CalvaryMark 15:34-37
85. Psa. 22:15He thirstedJohn 19:28
86. Psa. 22:16They pierced His hands and His feetJohn 19:343720:27
87. Psa. 22:1718Stripped Him before the stares of menLuke 23:3435
88. Psa. 22:18They parted His garmentsJohn 19:2324
89. Psa. 22:2021He committed Himself to GodLuke 23:46
90. Psa. 22:2021Satanic power bruising the Redeemer’s heelHebrews 2:14
91. Psa. 22:22His Resurrection declaredJohn 20:17
92. Psa. 22:27-28He shall be the governor of the nationsColossians 1:16
93. Psa. 22:31“It is finished”John 19:30Heb. 10:10121418
94. Psa. 23:1“I am the Good Shepherd”John 10:111Peter 2:25
95. Psa. 24:3His exaltation predictedActs 1:11Philippians 2:9
96. Psa. 30:3His resurrection predictedActs 2:32
97. Psa. 31:5“Into thy hands I commit my spirit”Luke 23:46
98. Psa. 31:11His acquaintances fled from HimMark 14:50
99. Psa. 31:13They took counsel to put Him to deathMt. 27:1John 11:53
100. Psa. 31:1415“He trusted in God, let Him deliver him”Matthew 27:43
101. Psa. 34:20Not a bone of Him brokenJohn 19:31-36
102. Psa. 35:11False witnesses rose up against HimMatthew 26:59
103. Psa. 35:19He was hated without a causeJohn 15:25
104. Psa. 38:11His friends stood afar offLuke 23:49
105. Psa. 38:12Enemies try to entangle Him by craftMark 14:1Mt. 22:15
106. Psa. 38:12-13Silent before His accusersMatthew 27:12-14
107. Psa. 38:20He went about doing goodActs 10:38
108. Psa. 40:2-5The joy of His resurrection predictedJohn 20:20
109. Psa. 40:6-8His delight-the will of the FatherJohn 4:34Heb. 10:5-10
110. Psa. 40:9He was to preach the Righteousness in IsraelMatthew 4:17
111. Psa. 40:14Confronted by adversaries in the GardenJohn 18:4-6
112. Psa. 41:9Betrayed by a familiar friendJohn 13:18
113. Psa. 45:2Words of Grace come from His lipsJohn 1:17Luke 4:22
114. Psa. 45:6To own the title, God or ElohimHebrews 1:8
115. Psa. 45:7A special anointing by the Holy SpiritMt. 3:16Heb. 1:9
116. Psa. 45:78Called the Christ (Messiah or Anointed)Luke 2:11
117. Psa. 45:17His name remembered foreverEphesians 1:20-21Heb. 1:8
118. Psa. 55:12-14Betrayed by a friend, not an enemyJohn 13:18
119. Psa. 55:15Unrepentant death of the BetrayerMatthew 27:3-5Acts 1:16-19
120. Psa. 68:18To give gifts to menEphesians 4:7-16
121. Psa. 68:18Ascended into HeavenLuke 24:51
122. Psa. 69:4Hated without a causeJohn 15:25
123. Psa. 69:8A stranger to own brethrenJohn 1:117:5
124. Psa. 69:9Zealous for the Lord’s HouseJohn 2:17
125. Psa. 69:14-20Messiah’s anguish of soul before crucifixionMatthew 26:36-45
126. Psa. 69:20“My soul is exceeding sorrowful.”Matthew 26:38
127. Psa. 69:21Given vinegar in thirstMatthew 27:34
128. Psa. 69:26The Saviour given and smitten by GodJohn 17:418:11
129. Psa. 72:1011Great persons were to visit HimMatthew 2:1-11
130. Psa. 72:16The corn of wheat to fall into the GroundJohn 12:24-25
131. Psa. 72:17Belief on His name will produce offspringJohn 1:1213
132. Psa. 72:17All nations shall be blessed by HimGalatians 3:8
133. Psa. 72:17All nations shall call Him blessedJohn 12:13Rev. 5:8-12
134. Psa. 78:1-2He would teach in parablesMatthew 13:34-35
135. Psa. 78:2To speak the Wisdom of God with authorityMatthew 7:29
136. Psa. 80:17The Man of God’s right handMark 14:61-62
137. Psa. 88The Suffering and Reproach of CalvaryMatthew 27:26-50
138. Psa. 88:8They stood afar off and watchedLuke 23:49
139. Psa. 89:27FirstbornColossians 1:1518
140. Psa. 89:27Emmanuel to be higher than earthly kingsLuke 1:3233
141. Psa. 89:35-37David’s Seed, throne, kingdom endure foreverLuke 1:3233
142. Psa. 89:36-37His character-FaithfulnessRevelation 1:519:11
143. Psa. 90:2He is from everlasting (Micah 5:2)John 1:1
144. Psa. 91:1112Identified as Messianic; used to tempt ChristLuke 4:1011
145. Psa. 97:9His exaltation predictedActs 1:11Ephesians 1:20
146. Psa. 100:5His character-GoodnessMatthew 19:1617
147. Psa. 102:1-11The Suffering and Reproach of CalvaryJohn 19:16-30
148. Psa. 102:25-27Messiah is the Preexistent SonHebrews 1:10-12
149. Psa. 109:25RidiculedMatthew 27:39
150. Psa. 110:1Son of DavidMatthew 22:42-43
151. Psa. 110:1To ascend to the right-hand of the FatherMark 16:19
152. Psa. 110:1David’s son called LordMatthew 22:4445
153. Psa. 110:4A priest after Melchizedek’s orderHebrews 6:20
154. Psa. 112:4His character-Compassionate, Gracious, et alMatthew 9:36
155. Psa. 118:1718Messiah’s Resurrection assuredLuke 24:5-71Cor. 15:20
156. Psa. 118:2223The rejected stone is Head of the cornerMatthew 21:4243
157. Psa. 118:26The Blessed One presented to IsraelMatthew 21:9
158. Psa. 118:26To come while Temple standingMatthew 21:12-15
159. Psa. 132:11The Seed of David (the fruit of His Body)Luke 1:32Act 2:30
160. Psa. 129:3He was scourgedMatthew 27:26
161. Psa. 138:1-6The supremacy of David’s Seed amazes kingsMatthew 2:2-6
162. Psa. 147:36The earthly ministry of Christ describedLuke 4:18
163. Prov. 1:23He will send the Spirit of GodJohn 16:7
164. Prov. 8:23Foreordained from everlastingRev. 13:81Peter 1:19-20
165. Song. 5:16The altogether lovely OneJohn 1:17
166. Isa. 2:3He shall teach all nationsJohn 4:25
167. Isa. 2:4He shall judge among the nationsJohn 5:22
168. Isa. 6:1When Isaiah saw His gloryJohn 12:40-41
169. Isa. 6:8The One Sent by GodJohn 12:38-45
170. Isa. 6:9-10Parables fall on deaf earsMatthew 13:13-15
171. Isa. 6:9-12Blinded to Christ and deaf to His wordsActs 28:23-29
172. Isa. 7:14To be born of a virginLuke 1:35
173. Isa. 7:14To be Emmanuel-God with usMatthew 1:18-231Tim. 3:16
174. Isa. 8:8Called EmmanuelMatthew 28:20
175. Isa. 8:14A stone of stumbling, a Rock of offense1Peter 2:8
176. Isa. 9:12His ministry to begin in GalileeMatthew 4:12-17
177. Isa. 9:6A child born-HumanityLuke 1:31
178. Isa. 9:6A Son given-DeityLuke 1:32John 1:141Tim. 3:16
179. Isa. 9:6Declared to be the Son of God with powerRomans 1:34
180. Isa. 9:6The Wonderful One, PelehLuke 4:22
181. Isa. 9:6The Counsellor, YaatzMatthew 13:54
182. Isa. 9:6The Mighty God, El Gibor1Cor. 1:24Titus 2:13
183. Isa. 9:6The Everlasting Father, Avi AdthJohn 8:5810:30
184. Isa. 9:6The Prince of Peace, Sar ShalomJohn 16:33
185. Isa. 9:7Inherits the throne of DavidLuke 1:32
186. Isa. 9:7His Character-JustJohn 5:30
187. Isa. 9:7No end to his Government, Throne, and kingdomLuke 1:33
188. Isa. 11:1Called a Nazarene-the Branch, NetzerMatthew 2:23
189. Isa. 11:1A rod out of Jesse-Son of JesseLuke 3:2332
190. Isa. 11:2Anointed One by the SpiritMatthew 3:1617Acts 10:38
191. Isa. 11:2His Character-Wisdom, Knowledge, et alColossians 2:3
192. Isa. 11:3He would know their thoughtsLuke 6:8John 2:25
193. Isa. 11:4Judge in righteousnessActs 17:31
194. Isa. 11:4Judges with the sword of His mouthRev. 2:1619:1115
195. Isa. 11:5Character: Righteous & FaithfulRev. 19:11
196. Isa. 11:10The Gentiles seek HimJohn 12:18-21
197. Isa. 12:2Called Jesus-YeshuaMatthew 1:21
198. Isa. 22:22The One given all authority to governRevelation 3:7
199. Isa. 25:8The Resurrection predicted1Corinthians 15:54
200. Isa. 26:19His power of Resurrection predictedMatthew 27:50-54
201. Isa. 28:16The Messiah is the precious corner stoneActs 4:1112
202. Isa. 28:16The Sure Foundation1Corinthians 3:11Mt. 16:18
203. Isa. 29:13He indicated hypocritical obedience to His WordMatthew 15:7-9
204. Isa. 29:14The wise are confounded by the Word1Corinthians 1:18-31
205. Isa. 32:2A Refuge-A man shall be a hiding placeMatthew 23:37
206. Isa. 35:4He will come and save youMatthew 1:21
207. Isa. 35:5-6To have a ministry of miraclesMatthew 11:2-6
208. Isa. 40:34Preceded by forerunnerJohn 1:23
209. Isa. 40:9“Behold your God.”John 1:3619:14
210. Isa. 40:10.He will come to rewardRevelation 22:12
211. Isa. 40:11A shepherd-compassionate life-giverJohn 10:10-18
212. Isa. 42:1-4The Servant-as a faithful, patient redeemerMatthew 12:18-21
213. Isa. 42:2Meek and lowlyMatthew 11:28-30
214. Isa. 42:3He brings hope for the hopelessMt. 12:14-21John 4:1-54
215. Isa. 42:4The nations shall wait on His teachingsJohn 12:20-26
216. Isa. 42:6The Light (salvation) of the GentilesLuke 2:32
217. Isa. 42:16His is a worldwide compassionMatthew 28:1920
218. Isa. 42:7Blind eyes opened.John 9:25-38
219. Isa. 43:11He is the only Saviour.Acts 4:12
220. Isa. 44:3He will send the Spirit of GodJohn 16:713
221. Isa. 45:21-25He is Lord and SaviourPhilippians 3:20Titus 2:13
222. Isa. 45:23He will be the JudgeJohn 5:22Romans 14:11
223. Isa. 46:910Declares things not yet doneJohn 13:19
224. Isa. 48:12The First and the LastJohn 1:30Revelation 1:817
225. Isa. 48:1617He came as a TeacherJohn 3:2
226. Isa. 49:1Called from the womb-His humanityMatthew 1:18
227. Isa. 49:5A Servant from the womb.Luke 1:31Philippians 2:7
228. Isa. 49:6He will restore IsraelActs 3:19-2115:16-17
229. Isa. 49:6He is Salvation for IsraelLuke 2:29-32
230. Isa. 49:6He is the Light of the GentilesJohn 8:12Acts 13:47
231. Isa. 49:6He is Salvation unto the ends of the earthActs 15:7-18
232. Isa. 49:7He is despised of the NationJohn 1:118:48-4919:14-15
233. Isa. 50:3Heaven is clothed in black at His humiliationLuke 23:4445
234. Isa. 50:4He is a learned counselor for the wearyMatthew 7:2911:2829
235. Isa. 50:5The Servant bound willingly to obedienceMatthew 26:39
236. Isa. 50:6“I gave my back to the smiters.”Matthew 27:26
237. Isa. 50:6He was smitten on the cheeksMatthew 26:67
238. Isa. 50:6He was spat uponMatthew 27:30
239. Isa. 52:7Published good tidings upon mountainsMatthew 5:1215:2928:16
240. Isa. 52:13The Servant exaltedActs 1:8-11Eph. 1:19-22Php. 2:5-9
241. Isa. 52:14The Servant shockingly abusedLuke 18:31-34Mt. 26:6768
242. Isa. 52:15Nations startled by message of the ServantLuke 18:31-34Mt. 26:6768
243. Isa. 52:15His blood shed sprinkles nationsHebrews 9:13-14Rev. 1:5
244. Isa. 53:1His people would not believe HimJohn 12:37-38
245. Isa. 53:2Appearance of an ordinary manPhilippians 2:6-8
246. Isa. 53:3DespisedLuke 4:28-29
247. Isa. 53:3RejectedMatthew 27:21-23
248. Isa. 53:3Great sorrow and griefMatthew 26:37-38Luke 19:41Heb. 4:15
249. Isa. 53:3Men hide from being associated with HimMark 14:50-52
250. Isa. 53:4He would have a healing ministryMatthew 8:16-17
251. Isa. 53:4Thought to be cursed by GodMatthew 26:6627:41-43
252. Isa. 53:5Bears penalty for mankind’s iniquities2Cor. 5:21Heb. 2:9
253. Isa. 53:5His sacrifice provides peace between man and GodColossians 1:20
254. Isa. 53:5His sacrifice would heal man of sin1Peter 2:24
255. Isa. 53:6He would be the sin-bearer for all mankind1John 2:24:10
256. Isa. 53:6God’s will that He bear sin for all mankindGalatians 1:4
257. Isa. 53:7Oppressed and afflictedMatthew 27:27-31
258. Isa. 53:7Silent before his accusersMatthew 27:12-14
259. Isa. 53:7Sacrificial lambJohn 1:291Peter 1:18-19
260. Isa. 53:8Confined and persecutedMatthew 26:47-7527:1-31
261. Isa. 53:8He would be judgedJohn 18:13-22
262. Isa. 53:8KilledMatthew 27:35
263. Isa. 53:8Dies for the sins of the world1John 2:2
264. Isa. 53:9Buried in a rich man’s graveMatthew 27:57
265. Isa. 53:9Innocent and had done no violenceLuke 23:41John 18:38
266. Isa. 53:9No deceit in his mouth1Peter 2:22
267. Isa. 53:10God’s will that He die for mankindJohn 18:11
268. Isa. 53:10An offering for sinMatthew 20:28Galatians 3:13
269. Isa. 53:10Resurrected and live foreverRomans 6:9
270. Isa. 53:10He would prosperJohn 17:1-5
271. Isa. 53:11God fully satisfied with His sufferingJohn 12:27
272. Isa. 53:11God’s servant would justify manRomans 5:8-918-19
273. Isa. 53:11The sin-bearer for all mankindHebrews 9:28
274. Isa. 53:12Exalted by God because of his sacrificeMatthew 28:18
275. Isa. 53:12He would give up his life to save mankindLuke 23:46
276. Isa. 53:12Numbered with the transgressorsMark 15:27-28Luke 22:37
277. Isa. 53:12Sin-bearer for all mankind1Peter 2:24
278. Isa. 53:12Intercede to God in behalf of mankindLuke 23:34Rom. 8:34
279. Isa. 55:3Resurrected by GodActs 13:34
280. Isa. 55:4A witnessJohn 18:37
281. Isa. 55:4He is a leader and commanderHebrews 2:10
282. Isa. 55:5God would glorify HimActs 3:13
283. Isa. 59:16aIntercessor between man and GodMatthew 10:32
284. Isa. 59:16bHe would come to provide salvationJohn 6:40
285. Isa. 59:20He would come to Zion as their RedeemerLuke 2:38
286. Isa. 60:1-3He would shew light to the GentilesActs 26:23
287. Isa. 61:1The Spirit of God upon himMatthew 3:16-17
288. Isa. 61:1The Messiah would preach the good newsLuke 4:16-21
289. Isa. 61:1Provide freedom from the bondage of sinJohn 8:31-36
290. Isa. 61:1-2Proclaim a period of graceGalatians 4:4-5
291. Jer. 11:21Conspiracy to kill JesusJohn 7:1, Matthew 21:38
292. Jer. 23:5-6Descendant of DavidLuke 3:23-31
293. Jer. 23:5-6The Messiah would be both God and ManJohn 13:131Ti 3:16
294. Jer. 31:22Born of a virginMatthew 1:18-20
295. Jer. 31:31The Messiah would be the new covenantMatthew 26:28
296. Jer. 33:14-15Descendant of DavidLuke 3:23-31
297. Eze.34:23-24Descendant of DavidMatthew 1:1
298. Eze.37:24-25Descendant of DavidLuke 1:31-33
299. Dan. 2:44-45The Stone that shall break the kingdomsMatthew 21:44
300. Dan. 7:13-14He would ascend into heavenActs 1:9-11
301. Dan. 7:13-14Highly exaltedEphesians 1:20-22
302. Dan. 7:13-14His dominion would be everlastingLuke 1:31-33
303. Dan. 9:24To make an end to sinsGalatians 1:3-5
304. Dan. 9:24To make reconciliation for iniquityRomans 5:102Cor. 5:18-21
305. Dan. 9:24He would be holyLuke 1:35
306. Dan. 9:25His announcementJohn 12:12-13
307. Dan. 9:26Cut offMatthew 16:2121:38-39
308. Dan. 9:26Die for the sins of the worldHebrews 2:9
309. Dan. 9:26Killed before the destruction of the templeMatthew 27:50-51
310. Dan. 10:5-6Messiah in a glorified stateRevelation 1:13-16
311. Hos. 11:1He would be called out of EgyptMatthew 2:15
312. Hos. 13:14He would defeat death1Corinthians 15:55-57
313. Joel 2:32Offer salvation to all mankindRomans 10:9-13
314. Jonah 1:17Death and resurrection of ChristMatthew 12:4016:4
315. Mic. 5:2Born in BethlehemMatthew 2:1-6
316. Mic. 5:2Ruler in IsraelLuke 1:33
317. Mic. 5:2From everlastingJohn 8:58
318. Hag. 2:6-9He would visit the second TempleLuke 2:27-32
319. Hag. 2:23Descendant of ZerubbabelLuke 2:27-32
320. Zech. 3:8God’s servantJohn 17:4
321. Zech. 6:12-13Priest and KingHebrews 8:1
322. Zech. 9:9Greeted with rejoicing in JerusalemMatthew 21:8-10
323. Zech. 9:9Beheld as KingJohn 12:12-13
324. Zech. 9:9The Messiah would be justJohn 5:30
325. Zech. 9:9The Messiah would bring salvationLuke 19:10
326. Zech. 9:9The Messiah would be humbleMatthew 11:29
327. Zech. 9:9Presented to Jerusalem riding on a donkeyMatthew 21:6-9
328. Zech. 10:4The cornerstoneEphesians 2:20
329. Zech. 11:4-6At His coming, Israel to have unfit leadersMatthew 23:1-4
330. Zech. 11:4-6Rejection causes God to remove His protectionLuke 19:41-44
331. Zech. 11:4-6Rejected in favor of another kingJohn 19:13-15
332. Zech. 11:7Ministry to “poor,” the believing remnantMatthew 9:35-36
333. Zech. 11:8Unbelief forces Messiah to reject themMatthew 23:33
334. Zech. 11:8DespisedMatthew 27:20
335. Zech. 11:9Stops ministering to those who rejected HimMatthew 13:10-11
336. Zech. 11:10-11Rejection causes God to remove protectionLuke 19:41-44
337. Zech. 11:10-11The Messiah would be GodJohn 14:7
338. Zech. 11:12-13Betrayed for thirty pieces of silverMatthew 26:14-15
339. Zech. 11:12-13RejectedMatthew 26:14-15
340. Zech. 11:12-13Thirty pieces of silver cast in the house of the LordMatthew 27:3-5
341. Zech. 11:12-13The Messiah would be GodJohn 12:45
342. Zech. 12:10The Messiah’s body would be piercedJohn 19:34-37
343. Zech. 12:10The Messiah would be both God and manJohn 10:30
344. Zech. 12:10The Messiah would be rejectedJohn 1:11
345. Zech. 13:7God’s will He die for mankindJohn 18:11
346. Zech. 13:A violent deathMark 14:27
347. Zech. 13:7Both God and manJohn 14:9
348. Zech. 13:7Israel scattered as a result of rejecting HimMatthew 26:31-56
349. Zech. 14:4He would return to the Mt. of OlivesActs 1:11-12
350. Mal. 3:1Messenger to prepare the way for MessiahMark 1:1-8
351. Mal. 3:1Sudden appearance at the templeMark 11:15-16
352. Mal. 3:1Messenger of the new covenantLuke 4:43
353. Mal. 3:6The God who changes notHebrews 13:8
354. Mal. 4:5Forerunner in spirit of ElijahMt. 3:1-311:10-1417:11-13
355. Mal. 4:6Forerunner would turn many to righteousnessLuke 1:16-17

Daniel & Revelation-Part 6- Longest Time Prophecy

Then I heard a holy one speaking;…“How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?”

And he said to me, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.”

Daniel 8:13-14

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Recap from the last study

See: Daniel and Revelation-Part 5-Longest Time Prophecy-Ram and Goat

In Daniel’s vision, he saw a vicious battle between a ram and a goat.  The two animals are easily identified as the kingdoms of Media-Persia and Greece:

The ram which you saw, having the two horns—they are the kings of  Media and Persia. And the male goat is the kingdom of Greece. The large horn that is between its eyes is the first king.

Daniel 8:20-21

So, there can be no doubt who these animals represent. History has proved the succession of these nations to be absolutely correct. The large horn of the kingdom of Greece is the first king who history has shown to be Alexander the Great.

As the prophecy predicted, Alexander’s great kingdom of Greece was divided into “four notable” generals: Ptolemy Lysimachus, Cassander, and Seleucus.

Then “from out of one of them came a little horn.”  This little horn power represented pagan Rome, the next kingdom in the succession of conquering kingdoms. This power corresponded to the iron legs in the metal image of Daniel 2 and the “dreadful beast” of Daniel 7.

These prophecies of Daniel 2, 7, and 9 are clearly interpreted from God’s own word within each chapter and further confirmed by the historians looking back on that time period.

This little horn now becomes the center of attention of Daniel.  He understood the rise and fall of the nations, but his main focus is on the little horn power and the destructive events at its hand.

The battles and events have been on a horizontal plane up to this point, but now it turns vertical and a spiritual war against the host of heaven.

 And it grew up to the host of heaven, and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground and trampled them. He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host, and by him, the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast downBecause of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered

Daniel 8: 10-12

This little horn power that “grew up” greatly concerned Daniel.  At this point in his vision, Daniel heard a conversation between the two attending angels:

 Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, “How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?

 And he said to me, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.”

Daniel 8: 13-14

Even the attending angels wanted to know how long this little horn power would rule and wage its war against God’s people and even Jesus Himself (Prince of the host). The chapter ends leaving us in suspense because even though the question about “how long” has been answered as “two thousand three hundred days” we have no idea as to the starting point. Daniel is so troubled by this little horn power that he faints and becomes sick. This time period is the only part of this prophecy not interpreted….at least at this point.

And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward, I arose and went about the king’s business. I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it.

Daniel 8:27

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Daniel’s Prayer

Chapter 8 ends with the words “no one understood it.”  The ram, the goat, the horns were all explained and everyone understood this part, because the angel interpreted the beasts to represent coming kingdoms that would rise and fall.   But the little horn and its time of rule remained mysterious.

Chapter 9 opens with Daniel studying another prophet-Jeremiah. We must remember that Daniel and the Jews were in captivity, but Daniel understood from the book of Jeremiah that their captivity would last 70 years and those 70 years were coming to a close:

“I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”

Daniel 9: 2

Starting in verse 3, Daniel begins to pray to God in a state of great humility and confession for himself and his people (Jews) who have sinned against God.  Because of this, they did not enjoy the benefits, mercy, and protection God offers to those who keep His covenant and obey His commandments. They were in captivity!

Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.  And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments,..

Daniel 9: 3-4

(Note: God’s covenant can be either conditional or unconditional based on the context. In the previous passage, we see that those who love Him and keep His commandments are recipients of His covenant of mercy.)

“As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not made our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand Your truth.

Daniel 9: 13

Such a great truth!  When we separate ourselves from Him and fail to follow His will, disaster is sure to come. But, through connecting back with this merciful God through prayer and turning from “our iniquities” we can find the path of righteousness and protection for our souls!

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As Daniel is praying, Gabriel appears.  He was the angel who interpreted the dream in Chapter 8.  This messenger of God has returned to continue the explanation of the part of the prophecy that concerned Daniel in Chapter 8.

 Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God, yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. 

Daniel 9: 20-22

 The context of the following time prophecy is with the 2,300 days until the sanctuary will be cleansed. (Daniel 8:14).  Gabriel has come to help him understand the vision.  What vision?  It was the mysterious part of Chapter 8.  All of it was explained except for the little horn that concerned Daniel and the time part of the vision i.e. 2,300 days. We know this to be true because this is what Gabriel explains.

(Note: In our previous study, we determined through comparing Bible passages about time prophecy that a day represents a year. (e.g Numbers 14:34, etc). So we are talking about 2,300 years.

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God’s Mercy – Daniel’s People Given Time

Seventy weeks are determined
For your people and for your holy city,
To finish the transgression,
To make an end of sins,
To make reconciliation for iniquity,
To bring in everlasting righteousness,
To seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy.”

Daniel 9: 24

Th Greek word chathak word is translated “determined” which means “cut-off” or “marked out” Out of the 2,300 years, 70 weeks are cut-off or marked out for Daniel’s people (Jews). Using the day-year principle of interpretation, The 70 weeks are 490 years (70 X 7).  So out of the 2,300 years, 490 are given to the Jews to complete their purpose as God’s chosen people.  Their purpose was to follow and believe God.  To obey His laws within their heart rather than through legalism. Equally important was to bring in everlasting righteousness and end the vision and prophecy via anointing the Most Holy (Jesus)

But when was the time period to start?  When did the 2,300 days begin as well as these 70 weeks (490 years)? The answer is found in the next verse:

“Know therefore and understand,
That from the going forth of the command
To restore and build Jerusalem
Until Messiah the Prince,
There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks;
The streetshall be built again, and the wall,
Even in troublesome times.”

Daniel 9:29

Here is our starting point for the 2,300 days.  A portion of this time period is allotted or “marked out” for Daniel’s people the Jewish nation.

The starting point is the “command to restore and build Jerusalem.” This was a command still future to Daniel, but we can easily find the time and date of this command from the Bible and history!

This command to restore and build Jerusalem can be found in Ezra Chapter 7 when Artaxerxes gave the commandment in 457 BC. (See the notes at the end)

The Arrival Time of Jesus the Messiah Predicted

Starting with this date, the prophecy is unlocked.  From 457 BC until “Messiah the Prince” would be 69 weeks.  There are 483 days in 69 weeks, but using the day/year principal, we discover that 483 years after 457 BC brings us to 27 AD.  This was the date Jesus was baptized and began his ministry.  The Messiah had arrived right on time! He was “anointed” by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and Hesaw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3: 16-17

Jesus also announced at the beginning of His ministry this message:

“Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Mark 1: 14, 15

The time of Daniel’s prophecy had been fulfilled. The Messiah the prince came right on schedule…483 years after the commandment to “restore and rebuild Jerusalem.” 

This time prophecy is further confirmed by the words of Paul (A great student of God’s word):

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son

Galatians 4: 4

But the prophecy continues

Jesus Ministry Confirms the Covenant

Jesus’ direct ministry would cover the space of 3 1/2 years. That is half of 7 years or the midst of the week. in 31  AD Jesus died on a cruel cross for us and not for Himself, but Jesus indirect ministry would continue through His disciples for an additional 3 1/2 years.

And after the sixty-two weeks
Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself...

…Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.

Daniel 9: 26

Jesus’ message was primarily to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” first and foremost.  There are many parables and direct statements of Jesus.  He was “confirming the covenant” as predicted in this Daniel 9 prophecy.  Here is one example:

But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Matthew 15: 24

To continue with the confirmation of the covenant  God made with “Daniel’s people” (Israel) even after the “Messiah the Prince” had been “cut off,” Jesus gave specific instruction to His disciples before they “preached the gospel in all the world

These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: Do not go into the way of the Gentiles and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel

Matthew 10: 5,6

They obeyed the resurrected and ascended Christ by doing this very thing for an additional 3 1/2 years to complete the prophecy to “confirm the covenant for one week” (7 years).

In 34 AD, Stephen was stoned marking the end of the 70 weeks (490 years) cut off from the 2,300 years before the sanctuary would be cleansed.

After that point, the gospel burden went to the Gentiles and those who accepted Christ as the Messiah became the new Israel. Listen to the words of Paul confirming this understanding of the mission of Christ and the fulfillment of the 70-week prophecy:

Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 13:46

Paul would go on to describe the real nation of Israel and how it is identified:

And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3: 29

 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

Romans 2:29

Let’s review the 70 weeks (490 years) through this simple chart:

 

 

Here are the important dates:

  • 457 BC-The commandment by Artaxerxes (Ezra 7: 12-26) to “restore and rebuild Jerusalem
  • 483 years later, “Messiah the Prince” appeared right on time. This was in 27 AD when Jesus was anointed and began his ministry primarily to the nation of Israel
  • In 31 AD, Jesus was crucified (3 1/2 years after his ministry to the house of Israel began)
  • 34 AD marked the end of the 70 weeks (490 years) allotted to the nation of Israel to turn to their God. In this year,  Stephen was stoned and the disciples began to be persecuted. Shortly after, Paul would begin his ministry to the Gentiles. He called himself a preacher to the Gentiles:

 I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles

2 Timothy 1:11

  • 70 weeks (490 years) of the 2300 days (years) are used in this section of the prophecy.  1810 years remains.

1810 years from 34 AD leads us to the year 1844. Daniel was told in the longest time prophecy that at the end of the 2300 days (years) the sanctuary would be “cleansed.”  What doe this mean?  We will let the bible interpreted itself in our next study, but here is a short introduction.

The sanctuary services were instituted by God Himself.  The pattern was given to Moses.  This design is a copy of the heavenly sanctuary. Some might think there is nothing applicable to the Christian since these services ended when Jesus was “cut off” and,

“(brought) an end to sacrifice and offering.

Daniel 9:27

But, as we shall understand next time, Paul dedicated a whole book to the study of the sanctuary and its comparison to the ministry of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary.  It is the book of Hebrews. If the earthly sanctuary and its services is a shadow of the heavenly sanctuary, then it must foreshadow the work of Jesus there in heaven.  He has gone to “prepare a place for us.”  Does this mean He is a carpenter and building mansions or is He a priest doing a service of preparation for His people?

The old sanctuary service of “cleansing” is a type of resolution and end of the sin issue. By studying closely the sanctuary services, we will see a picture of what God has planned for the return of Jesus and an end of sin which includes the conquering of the last enemy, death.

Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

Hebrews 8:5

And for this reason, He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 9:15

Until next time, may the Lord bless and keep you and your family.

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Notes on the Ezra dates:

*Notes about the dates described above:

Ezra has three decrees with different dates that could be used.  Nehemiah has a date also.  But the decision as to which one to use, you must keep in mind the key words of the prophecy: “the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.”

The four decrees are :
The decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4)
The decree of Darius I (Ezra 6:1-12)
The decree of Artaxerxes I (Longimanuus) (Ezra 7: 12-26)
The decree of Artaxerxes (Nehemiah Chapters 1 and 2)
Let’s eliminate some of the dates  based on the guiding verse of Daniel 9:25
Ezra 1-gave instruction only for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Said nothing about the whole city.  We can eliminate this date.
Ezra 6-simply the endorsement by Darius of the decree of Cyrus.  Only mentions the building of the “house of God.” We can eliminate this date.
Ezra 7 makes provision for complete restoration of the Jewish state, including the right to appoint magistrates and judges, hold trials, and pass and execute sentence upon violators of the own national laws. This is the date that fits the idea of “restoring and rebuilding Jerusalem.” 
Nehemiah 2-Wording has not been preserved but was simply a reinstatement of Artaxerxes original authorization to Ezra recorded in Ezra chapter 7.
Determination of the date of the decree: It was in the seventh year of Artaxerxes’ reign (Ezra 7:7,8)
Biblical evidence for the 457 BC start date:
The dates for Artaxerxes reign are well documented in the ancient sources: Greek historians, Ptolemy’s Canon
The Babylonian business tablets
Elephantine papyri from Egypt
From the above documents, we know that Xerxes was killed in late December of 465 B.C. and the reign of Artaxerxes began at the time.

Artaxerxes Reign

Fall to Fall

First year 464/463 B.C.
Second year 463/462 B.C.
Third year 462/461 B.C.
Fourth year 461/460 B.C.
Fifth year 460/459 B.C.
Sixth year 459/458 B.C.
Seventh year 458/457 B.C.

 

Therefore, the seventh year of Artaxerxes, according to Jewish reckoning, extended from the fall of 458 to the fall of 457 B. C.