Watchtower Study for: OCT 3-9

They Found The Messiah!

Songs to be used: 109, 5

Purpose of Study Article

The Hebrew Scriptures contain scores of
Messianic prophecies.  Examining some of
them will enable you to identify the promised
Messiah.  The information in this article should
prove useful to you as you engage in the ministry.
The material will also undoubtedly strengthen
your faith in Jehovah's prophetic word.

THEY FOUND THE MESSIAH!

“We have found the Messiah.”—JOHN 1:41.

1. What led up to the statement: “We have found the Messiah”?

‘+++’ JOHN THE BAPTIZER is standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus approaches, John exclaims: “See, the Lamb of God!” Andrew and the other disciple promptly follow Jesus and spend the day with him. Later, Andrew finds his brother, Simon Peter, and leads him to Jesus after making the dramatic announcement: “We have found the Messiah.”—John 1:35-41.

SCRIPTURES:

(John 1:35-41) Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he looked at Jesus walking he said: “See, the Lamb of God!” 37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned and, getting a view of them following, he said to them: “What are YOU looking for?” They said to him: “Rabbi, (which means, when translated, Teacher,) where are you staying?” 39 He said to them: “Come, and YOU will see.” Accordingly they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day; it was about the tenth hour. 40 Andrew the brother of Simon Peter was one of the two that heard what John said and followed [Jesus]. 41 First this one found his own brother, Simon, and said to him: “We have found the Mes•si′ah” (which means, when translated, Christ).

2. How will we benefit from further examination of Messianic prophecies?

   ‘+++’ 2 As time passes, Andrew, Peter, and others will have ample opportunity to delve into the Scriptures and will unreservedly declare that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah. Our own faith in God’s Word and his Anointed One will be bolstered as we now continue our examination of Messianic prophecies.

“Look! Your King Is Coming”

3. What prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem?

   ‘+++’ 3 The Messiah would make a triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Zechariah’s prophecy stated: “Be very joyful, O daughter of Zion. Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem. Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass, even upon a full-grown animal the son of a she-ass.” (Zech. 9:9) The psalmist wrote: “Blessed be the One coming in the name of Jehovah.” (Ps. 118:26) Jesus could not have manipulated the crowd’s actions. However, in fulfillment of prophecy, that throng spontaneously cried out with boundless joy. As you read the account, visualize the scene and hear the happy voices.—Read Matthew 21:4-9.

SCRIPTURES:

(Zechariah 9:9) “Be very joyful, O daughter of Zion. Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem. Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass, even upon a full-grown animal the son of a she-ass.

(Psalm 118:26) Blessed be the One coming in the name of Jehovah; We have blessed YOU people out of the house of Jehovah.

(Matthew 21:4-9) This actually took place that there might be fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet, saying: 5 “TELL the daughter of Zion, ‘Look! Your King is coming to you, mild-tempered, and mounted upon an ass, yes, upon a colt, the offspring of a beast of burden.’” 6 So the disciples got on their way and did just as Jesus ordered them. 7 And they brought the ass and its colt, and they put upon these their outer garments, and he seated himself upon them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their outer garments on the road, while others began cutting down branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. 9 As for the crowds, those going ahead of him and those following kept crying out: “Save, we pray, the Son of David! Blessed is he that comes in Jehovah’s name! Save him, we pray, in the heights above!”

4. Explain what happened in fulfillment of Psalm 118:22, 23.

    ‘+++’ 4 Although many would reject Jesus despite his Messianic credentials, he is precious to God. As foretold, Jesus ‘was despised and considered to be of no account’ by those who refused to believe the evidence. (Isa. 53:3;Mark 9:12) However, God had inspired the psalmist to say: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. This has come to be from Jehovah himself.” (Ps.118:22, 23) Jesus drew this passage to the attention of his religious opposers, and Peter said that it was fulfilled in Christ. (Mark 12:10, 11; Acts 4:8-11) Jesus did become the “foundation cornerstone” of the Christian congregation. Rejected by godless men, he is “chosen, precious, with God.”—1 Pet. 2:4-6.

SCRIPTURES:

(Isaiah 53:3) He was despised and was avoided by men, a man meant for pains and for having acquaintance with sickness. And there was as if the concealing of one’s face from us. He was despised, and we held him as of no account.

(Mark 9:12) He said to them: “E•li′jah does come first and restore all things; but how is it that it is written respecting the Son of man that he must undergo many sufferings and be treated as of no account?

(Psalm 118:22-23) The stone that the builders rejected Has become the head of the corner. 23 This has come to be from Jehovah himself; It is wonderful in our eyes.

(Mark 12:10-11) Did YOU never read this scripture, ‘The stone that the builders rejected, this has become the chief cornerstone. 11 From Jehovah this has come to be, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

(Acts 4:8-11) Then Peter, filled with holy spirit, said to them: “Rulers of the people and older men, 9 if we are this day being examined, on the basis of a good deed to an ailing man, as to by whom this man has been made well, 10 let it be known to all of YOU and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ the Naz•a•rene′, whom YOU impaled but whom God raised up from the dead, by this one does this man stand here sound in front of YOU. 11 This is ‘the stone that was treated by YOU builders as of no account that has become the head of the corner.’

(1 Peter 2:4-6) Coming to him as to a living stone, rejected, it is true, by men, but chosen, precious, with God, 5 YOU yourselves also as living stones are being built up a spiritual house for the purpose of a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it is contained in Scripture: “Look! I am laying in Zion a stone, chosen, a foundation cornerstone, precious; and no one exercising faith in it will by any means come to disappointment.”

Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem
fulfilled which prophecies?

Betrayed and Abandoned!

5, 6. What was foretold and fulfilled regarding the Messiah’s betrayal?

   ‘+++’ 5 It was foretold that the Messiah would be betrayed by a treacherous associate. David prophesied: “The man at peace with me, in whom I trusted, who was eating my bread, has magnified his heel against me.” (Ps. 41:9) A person who ate bread with someone was thought to be his friend. (Gen. 31:54) So the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot was treachery of the worst sort. Jesus called attention to the fulfillment of David’s prophetic words when He referred to his betrayer and told his apostles: “I am not talking about all of you; I Know the ones I have chosen. But it is in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, ‘He that used to feed on my bread has lifted up his heel against me.’”—John 13:18.

   ‘+++’ 6 The Messiah’s betrayer would receive 30 pieces of silver— the price of a slave! Drawing on Zechariah 11:12, 13, Matthew showed that Jesus was betrayed for such a paltry sum. But why did Matthew say that this had been foretold “through Jeremiah the prophet”? In Matthew’s day, Jeremiah may have been placed first in a group of Bible books that included Zechariah. (Compare Luke 24:44.) Judas never spent his ill-gotten sum, for he threw the money into the temple and went off and committed suicide.—Matt. 26:14-16; 27:3-10.

SCRIPTURES:

(Psalm 41:9) Also the man at peace with me, in whom I trusted, Who was eating my bread, has magnified [his] heel against me.

(Genesis 31:54) After that Jacob sacrificed a sacrifice in the mountain and invited his brothers to eat bread. Accordingly they ate bread and passed the night in the mountain.

(John 13:18) I am not talking about all of YOU; I know the ones I have chosen. But it is in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, ‘He that used to feed on my bread has lifted up his heel against me.’

(Zechariah 11:12-13) Then I said to them: “If it is good in YOUR eyes, give [me] my wages; but if not, refrain.” And they proceeded to pay my wages, thirty pieces of silver. 13 At that, Jehovah said to me: “Throw it to the treasury—the majestic value with which I have been valued from their standpoint.” Accordingly I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw it into the treasury at the house of Jehovah.

(Luke 24:44) He now said to them: “These are my words which I spoke to YOU while I was yet with YOU, that all the things written in the law of Moses and in the Prophets and Psalms about me must be fulfilled.”

(Matthew 26:14-16) Then one of the twelve, the one called Judas Is•car′i•ot, went to the chief priests 15 and said: “What will YOU give me to betray him to YOU?” They stipulated to him thirty silver pieces. 16 So from then on he kept seeking a good opportunity to betray him.

(Matthew 27:3-10) Then Judas, who betrayed him, seeing he had been condemned, felt remorse and turned the thirty silver pieces back to the chief priests and older men, 4 saying: “I sinned when I betrayed righteous blood.” They said: “What is that to us? You must see to that!” 5 So he threw the silver pieces into the temple and withdrew, and went off and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said: “It is not lawful to drop them into the sacred treasury, because they are the price of blood.” 7 After consulting together, they bought with them the potter’s field to bury strangers. 8 Therefore that field has been called “Field of Blood” to this very day. 9 Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying: “And they took the thirty silver pieces, the price upon the man that was priced, the one on whom some of the sons of Israel set a price, 10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, according to what Jehovah had commanded me.”

7. How did Zechariah 13:7 undergo fulfillment?

   ‘+++’ 7 Even the Messiah’s disciples would scatter. “Strike the shepherd,” wrote Zechariah, “and let those of the flock be scattered.” (Zech. 13:7) On Nisan 14, 33 C.E., Jesus told his disciples: “All of you will be stumbled in connection with me on this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered about.’” And that is exactly what happened, for Matthew reported that “all the disciples abandoned [Jesus] and fled.”—Matt. 26: 31, 56.

SCRIPTURES:

(Zechariah 13:7) “O sword, awake against my shepherd, even against the able-bodied man who is my associate,” is the utterance of Jehovah of armies. “Strike the shepherd, and let those of the flock be scattered; and I shall certainly turn my hand back upon those who are insignificant.”

(Matthew 26:31) Then Jesus said to them: “All of YOU will be stumbled in connection with me on this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered about.’

(Matthew 26:56) But all this has taken place for the scriptures of the prophets to be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples abandoned him and fled.

Accused and Smitten

8. Under what circumstances was Isaiah 53:8 fulfilled?

   ‘+++’ 8 The Messiah would be tried and condemned. (Read Isaiah 53:8.) At dawn on Nisan 14, the entire Sanhedrin met, had Jesus bound, and handed him over to Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. He questioned Jesus and found him guilty of nothing at all. When Pilate offered to release Jesus, however, the crowd shouted: “Impale him!” and called for the freeing of the criminal Barabbas. Wishing to satisfy the throng, Pilate released Barabbas, had Jesus whipped, and handed him over to be impaled.—Mark 15:1-15.

SCRIPTURES:

(Isaiah 53:8) Because of restraint and of judgment he was taken away; and who will concern himself even with [the details of] his generation? For he was severed from the land of the living ones. Because of the transgression of my people he had the stroke.

(Mark 15:1-15) And immediately at dawn the chief priests with the older men and the scribes, even the whole San′he•drin, conducted a consultation, and they bound Jesus and led him off and handed him over to Pilate. 2 So Pilate put the question to him: “Are you the king of the Jews?” In answer to him he said: “You yourself say [it].” 3 But the chief priests proceeded to accuse him of many things. 4 Now Pilate began questioning him again, saying: “Have you no reply to make? See how many charges they are bringing against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate began to marvel. 6 Well, from festival to festival he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they petitioned for. 7 At the time there was the so-called Bar•ab′bas in bonds with the seditionists, who in their sedition had committed murder. 8 So the crowd came on up and started to make petition according to what he used to do for them. 9 Pilate responded to them, saying: “Do YOU want me to release to YOU the king of the Jews?” 10 For he was aware that because of envy the chief priests had handed him over. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Bar•ab′bas to them, instead. 12 Again in reply Pilate was saying to them: “What, then, shall I do with him whom YOU call the king of the Jews?” 13 Once more they cried out: “Impale him!” 14 But Pilate went on to say to them: “Why, what bad thing did he do?” Still they cried out all the more: “Impale him!” 15 At that Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Bar•ab′bas to them, and, after having Jesus whipped, he handed him over to be impaled.

9. What happened in Jesus’ time as was foretold at Psalm 35:11?

   ‘+++’ 9 False witnesses would testify against the Messiah. “Violent witnesses rise up,” said the psalmist David. “What I have not known they ask me.” (Ps. 35:11) True to prophecy, “the chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin were looking for false witness against Jesus in order to put him to death.” (Matt. 26:59) In fact, “many, indeed, were giving false witness against him, but their testimonies were not in agreement.” (Mark 14:56) Lying testimony mattered little to Jesus’ rabid enemies, who sought his death.

SCRIPTURES:

(Psalm 35:11) Violent witnesses rise up; What I have not known they ask me.

(Matthew 26:59) Meantime the chief priests and the entire San′he•drin were looking for false witness against Jesus in order to put him to death,

(Mark 14:56) Many, indeed, were giving false witness against him, but their testimonies were not in agreement.

10. Explain how Isaiah 53:7 was fulfilled..

   ‘+++’ 10 The Messiah would be silent before his accusers. Isaiah prophesied: “He was hard pressed, and he was letting himself be afflicted; yet he would not open his mouth. He was being brought just like a sheep to the slaughtering; and like a ewe that before her shearers has become mute, he also would not open his mouth.” (Isa. 53:7) While Jesus “was being accused by the chief priests and older men, he made no answer.” Pilate asked: “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” Nevertheless, Jesus “did not answer him, no, not a word, so that the governor wondered very much.” (Matt. 27:12-14) Jesus did not revile his accusers.—Rom. 12:17-21; 1 Pet. 2:23

SCRIPTURES:

(Isaiah 53:7) He was hard pressed, and he was letting himself be afflicted; yet he would not open his mouth. He was being brought just like a sheep to the slaughtering; and like a ewe that before her shearers has become mute, he also would not open his mouth.

(Matthew 27:12-14) But, while he was being accused by the chief priests and older men, he made no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him: “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” 14 Yet he did not answer him, no, not a word, so that the governor wondered very much.

(Romans 12:17-21) Return evil for evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, as far as it depends upon YOU, be peaceable with all men. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.” 20 But, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals upon his head.” 21 Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.

(1 Peter 2:23) When he was being reviled, he did not go reviling in return. When he was suffering, he did not go threatening, but kept on committing himself to the one who judges righteously.

11. What took place in fulfillment of Isaiah 50:6 and Micah 5:1?

   ‘+++’ 11 Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be smitten. “My back I gave to the strikers, and my cheeks to those plucking off the hair,” wrote the prophet. “My face I did not conceal from humiliating things and spit.” (Isa. 50:6) Micah foretold: “With the rod they will strike upon the cheek the judge of Israel.” (Mic. 5:1) Confirming the fulfillment of these prophecies, the Gospel writer Mark said: “Some started to spit on [Jesus] and to cover his whole face and hit him with their fists and say to him: ‘Prophesy!’ And, slapping him in the face, the court attendants took him.” Mark states that soldiers “would hit him on the head with a reed and spit upon him and, bending their knees [in mockery], they would do obeisance to him.” (Mark 14:65; 15:19) Of course, Jesus did nothing to provoke such abuse.

SCRIPTURES:

(Micah 5:1) “At this time you make cuttings upon yourself, O daughter of an invasion; a siege he has laid against us. With the rod they will strike upon the cheek the judge of Israel.

(Mark 14:65) And some started to spit on him and to cover his whole face and hit him with their fists and say to him: “Prophesy!” And, slapping him in the face, the court attendants took him.

(Mark 15:19) Also, they would hit him on the head with a reed and spit upon him and, bending their knees, they would do obeisance to him.

(Isaiah 50:6) My back I gave to the strikers, and my cheeks to those plucking off [the hair]. My face I did not conceal from humiliating things and spit.

Jesus died for our sins,
but he now rules as Messianic King

Faithful to Death

12. How did Psalm 22:16 and Isaiah 53:12 apply to Jesus?

   ‘+++’ 12 Aspects of the Messiah’s impalement were foretold. “The assembly of evildoers themselves have enclosed me,” said the psalmist David. “Like a lion they are at my hands and my feet.” (Ps. 22:16) Reporting an event well-known to Bible readers, the Gospel writer Mark states: “It was now the third hour [about nine o’clock in the morning], and they impaled him.” (Mark 15:25) It had also been foretold that the Messiah would be numbered with sinners. “He poured out his soul to the very death,” wrote Isaiah, “and it was with the transgressors that he was counted in.” (Isa. 53:12) So it was that “two robbers were impaled with [Jesus], one on his right and one on his left.”—Matt. 27:38.

SCRIPTURES:

(Psalm 22:16) For dogs have surrounded me; The assembly of evildoers themselves have enclosed me. Like a lion [they are at] my hands and my feet.

(Mark 15:25) It was now the third hour, and they impaled him.

(Isaiah 53:12) For that reason I shall deal him a portion among the many, and it will be with the mighty ones that he will apportion the spoil, due to the fact that he poured out his soul to the very death, and it was with the transgressors that he was counted in; and he himself carried the very sin of many people, and for the transgressors he proceeded to interpose.

(Matthew 27:38) Then two robbers were impaled with him, one on his right and one on his left.

13. In what way was Psalm 22:7, 8 fulfilled in Jesus?

   ‘+++’ 13 David prophesied that the Messiah would be reviled. (Read Psalm 22:7, 8.) Jesus was reviled while suffering on the torture stake, for Matthew reports: “The passersby began speaking abusively of him, wagging their heads and saying: ‘O you would-be thrower-down of the temple and builder of it in three days, save yourself! If you are a son of God, come down off the torture stake!’ ” Similarly, the chief priests, scribes, and older men made fun of him and said: “Others he saved; himself he cannot save! He is King of Israel; let him now come down off the torture stake and we will believe on him. He has put his trust in God; let Him now rescue him if He wants him, for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” (Matt. 27:39-43) Yet, Jesus bore all of this with dignity. What a fine example for us!

SCRIPTURES:

(Psalm 22:7-8) As for all those seeing me, they hold me in derision; They keep opening their mouths wide, they keep wagging [their] head:  8 “He committed himself to Jehovah. Let Him provide him with escape! Let him deliver him, since he has taken delight in him!”

(Matthew 27:39-43) So the passersby began speaking abusively of him, wagging their heads 40 and saying: “O you would-be thrower-down of the temple and builder of it in three days, save yourself! If you are a son of God, come down off the torture stake!” 41 In like manner also the chief priests with the scribes and older men began making fun of him and saying: 42 “Others he saved; himself he cannot save! He is King of Israel; let him now come down off the torture stake and we will believe on him. 43 He has put his trust in God; let Him now rescue him if He wants him, for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’”

14, 15. Show how specific prophecies were fulfilled regarding the Messiah’s clothing and his being given vinegar.

   ‘+++’ 14 Lots were to be cast for the Messiah’s clothing. “They apportion my garments among themselves,” wrote the psalmist, “and upon my clothing they cast lots.” (Ps. 22:18) That is what occurred, for “when [the Roman soldiers] had impaled [Jesus] they distributed his outer garments by casting lots.”—Matt. 27:35; read John 19: 23, 24.

   ‘+++’ 15 The Messiah would be given vinegar and gall. “For food they gave me a poisonous plant,” said the psalmist, “and for my thirst they tried to make me drink vinegar.” (Ps. 69:21) Matthew tells us: “They gave [Jesus] wine Mixed with gall to drink; but, after tasting it, he refused to drink.” Later, “one of them ran and took a sponge and soaked it with sour wine and put it on a reed and went giving him a drink.”—Matt. 27:34, 48.

SCRIPTURES:

(Psalm 22:18) They apportion my garments among themselves, And upon my clothing they cast lots.

(Matthew 27:35) When they had impaled him they distributed his outer garments by casting lots,

(John 19:23-24) Now when the soldiers had impaled Jesus, they took his outer garments and made four parts, for each soldier a part, and the inner garment. But the inner garment was without a seam, being woven from the top throughout its length. 24 Therefore they said to one another: “Let us not tear it, but let us determine by lots over it whose it will be.” This was that the scripture might be fulfilled: “They apportioned my outer garments among themselves, and upon my apparel they cast lots.” And so the soldiers really did these things.

(Psalm 69:21) But for food they gave [me] a poisonous plant, And for my thirst they tried to make me drink vinegar.

(Matthew 27:34) they gave him wine mixed with gall to drink; but, after tasting it, he refused to drink.

(Matthew 27:48) And immediately one of them ran and took a sponge and soaked it with sour wine and put it on a reed and went giving him a drink.

16. Explain how the prophetic words of Psalm 22:1 were fulfilled.

   ‘+++’ 16 The Messiah would seem forsaken by God. (Read Psalm 22:1.) In accord with prophecy, “at the ninth hour [about three o’clock in the afternoon] Jesus called out with a loud voice: ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ which means, when translated: ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Mark 15:34) Jesus had not lost faith in his heavenly Father. God abandoned Jesus to his enemies by taking away His protection so that Christ’s integrity might be fully tested. And by crying out as he did, Jesus fulfilled Psalm 22:1.

SCRIPTURES:

(Psalm 22:1) My God, my God, why have you left me? [Why are you] far from saving me, [From] the words of my roaring?

(Mark 15:34) And at the ninth hour Jesus called out with a loud voice: “E′li, E′li, la′ma sa•bach•tha′ni?” which means, when translated: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

17. How were Zechariah 12:10 and Psalm 34:20 fulfilled?

   ‘+++’ 17 The Messiah would be pierced, but his Bones would not be broken. Inhabitants of Jerusalem would “look to the One whom they pierced through.” (Zech. 12:10) And Psalm 34:20 states: “[God] is guarding all the bones of that one; not one of them has been broken.” Confirming these points, the apostle John wrote: “One of the soldiers jabbed his [Jesus’] side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he that has seen it [John] has borne witness, and his witness is true . . . These things took place in order for the scripture to be fulfilled: ‘Not a bone of his will be crushed.’ And, again, a different scripture says: ‘They will look to the One whom they pierced.’ ”—John 19:33-37.

SCRIPTURES:

(Zechariah 12:10) “And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of favor and entreaties, and they will certainly look to the One whom they pierced through, and they will certainly wail over Him as in the wailing over an only [son]; and there will be a bitter lamentation over him as when there is bitter lamentation over the firstborn [son].

(Psalm 34:20) He is guarding all the bones of that one; Not one of them has been broken.

(John 19:33-37) But on coming to Jesus, as they saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Yet one of the soldiers jabbed his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he that has seen [it] has borne witness, and his witness is true, and that man knows he tells true things, in order that YOU also may believe. 36 In fact, these things took place in order for the scripture to be fulfilled: “Not a bone of his will be crushed.” 37 And, again, a different scripture says: “They will look to the One whom they pierced.”

18. How did Jesus come to be buried with the rich?

   ‘+++’ 18 The Messiah would be buried with the rich. (Read Isaiah 53:5, 8, 9.) Late in the afternoon of Nisan 14, “a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph,” asked Pilate for Jesus’ body, and the request was granted. Matthew’s account adds: “Joseph took the body, wrapped it up in clean fine linen, and laid it in his new memorial tomb, which he had quarried in the rock-mass. And, after rolling a big stone to the door of the memorial tomb, he left.”—Matt. 27:57-60.

SCRIPTURES:

(Isaiah 53:5) But he was being pierced for our transgression; he was being crushed for our errors. The chastisement meant for our peace was upon him, and because of his wounds there has been a healing for us.

(Isaiah 53:8-9) Because of restraint and of judgment he was taken away; and who will concern himself even with [the details of] his generation? For he was severed from the land of the living ones. Because of the transgression of my people he had the stroke. 9 And he will make his burial place even with the wicked ones, and with the rich class in his death, despite the fact that he had done no violence and there was no deception in his mouth.

(Matthew 27:57-60) Now as it was late in the afternoon, there came a rich man of Ar•i•ma•the′a, named Joseph, who had also himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went up to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded it to be given over. 59 And Joseph took the body, wrapped it up in clean fine linen, 60 and laid it in his new memorial tomb, which he had quarried in the rock-mass. And, after rolling a big stone to the door of the memorial tomb, he left.

Hail the Messianic King!

19. What happened in keeping with the prophetic words of Psalm 16:10?

   ‘+++’ 19 The Messiah would be resurrected. David wrote: “You [Jehovah] will not leave my soul in Sheol.” (Ps. 16:10) Imagine the surprise of the women who came to the tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid. There they encountered a materialized angel, who told them: “Stop being stunned. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was impaled. He was raised up, he is not here. See! The place where they laid him.” (Mark 16:6) To the crowd present in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost 33C.E., the apostle Peter declared: “[David] saw beforehand and spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in Hades nor did his flesh see corruption.” (Acts 2:29-31) God did not allow the physical body of his beloved Son to decay. Moreover, Jesus was miraculously raised to life in the spirit!—1 Pet. 3:18.

SCRIPTURES:

(Psalm 16:10) For you will not leave my soul in She′ol. You will not allow your loyal one to see the pit.

(Mark 16:6) He said to them: “Stop being stunned. YOU are looking for Jesus the Naz•a•rene′, who was impaled. He was raised up, he is not here. See! The place where they laid him.

(Acts 2:29-31) “Men, brothers, it is allowable to speak with freeness of speech to YOU concerning the family head David, that he both deceased and was buried and his tomb is among us to this day. 30 Therefore, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that he would seat one from the fruitage of his loins upon his throne, 31 he saw beforehand and spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in Ha′des nor did his flesh see corruption.

(1 Peter 3:18) Why, even Christ died once for all time concerning sins, a righteous [person] for unrighteous ones, that he might lead YOU to God, he being put to death in the flesh, but being made alive in the spirit.

20. How was the foretold rulership of the Messiah fulfilled?

    ‘+++’ 20 As foretold, God declared that Jesus is his Son. (Read Psalm 2:7; Matthew 3:17.) Also, crowds hailed Jesus and the coming Kingdom, and we joyfully speak about him and his blessed rule. (Mark 11:7-10) Christ will soon destroy his foes as he ‘rides in the cause of truth, humility, and righteousness.’ (Ps. 2:8, 9; 45:1-6) His kingship will then bring about earth-wide peace and prosperity. (Ps. 72:1, 3, 12, 16; Isa. 9:6, 7) How privileged we are to proclaim these truths as Witnesses of Jehovah, whose beloved Son already reigns in heaven as the Messianic King!

SCRIPTURES:

(Psalm 2:7) Let me refer to the decree of Jehovah; He has said to me: “You are my son; I, today, I have become your father.

(Matthew 3:17) Look! Also, there was a voice from the heavens that said: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.”

(Mark 11:7-10) And they brought the colt to Jesus, and they put their outer garments upon it, and he sat on it. 8 Also, many spread their outer garments on the road, but others cut down foliage from the fields. 9 And those going in front and those coming behind kept crying out: “Save, we pray! Blessed is he that comes in Jehovah’s name! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Save, we pray, in the heights above!”

(Psalm 2:8-9) Ask of me, that I may give nations as your inheritance And the ends of the earth as your own possession.  9 You will break them with an iron scepter, As though a potter’s vessel you will dash them to pieces.”

(Psalm 45:1-6) My heart has become astir with a goodly matter. I am saying: “My works are concerning a king.” May my tongue be the stylus of a skilled copyist.  2 You are indeed more handsome than the sons of men. Charm has been poured out upon your lips. That is why God has blessed you to time indefinite.  3 Gird your sword upon [your] thigh, O mighty one, [With] your dignity and your splendor.  4 And in your splendor go on to success; Ride in the cause of truth and humility [and] righteousness, And your right hand will instruct you in fear-inspiring things.  5 Your arrows are sharp—under you peoples keep falling— In the heart of the enemies of the king.  6 God is your throne to time indefinite, even forever; The scepter of your kingship is a scepter of uprightness.

(Psalm 72:1) O God, give your own judicial decisions to the king, And your righteousness to the son of the king.

(Psalm 72:3) Let the mountains carry peace to the people, Also the hills, through righteousness.

(Psalm 72:12) For he will deliver the poor one crying for help, Also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper.

(Psalm 72:16) There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth; On the top of the mountains there will be an overflow. His fruit will be as in Leb′a•non, And those who are from the city will blossom like the vegetation of the earth.

(Isaiah 9:6-7) For there has been a child born to us, there has been a son given to us; and the princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 To the abundance of the princely rule and to peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom in order to establish it firmly and to sustain it by means of justice and by means of righteousness, from now on and to time indefinite. The very zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.

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How Would You Answer?

˙ How was Jesus betrayed and abandoned?

˙ What were some foretold features of Jesus Christ’s impalement?

˙ Why are you convinced that Jesus is the promised Messiah?