The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; Isaiah 61:1

One of the great moments during Jesus ministry, was when he went into the synagogue and read this prophecy from Isaiah. After Jesus was finished reading this prophecy, he said “Today this scripture has been fulfilled” (Luke 4:21) At that moment those who understood this prophecy, understood who Jesus was revealing he is.

It was then the religious leaders tried to throw him off a cliff (Luke 4:29) Why were they so furious? Because they understand who Jesus was saying he is, he is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Jesus was the one they have all been waiting for from the prophecies of the Old Testament, however they rejected him

and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” Luke 3:22

Just as Jesus prophesied, the Holy Spirit was upon him, even when he was in human form.  This was confirmed by John the Baptist and the many who witnessed Jesus baptism.

It’s important for us to remember also, they we can be lead and empowered by the Holy Spirit also, you are not alone! Remember the beauty of Christmas is that God can down to Earth, to dwell and save us in Jesus Name Amen!

Then the eyes of the blind will be opened And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped Then the lame will leap like a deer, And the tongue of the mute will shout for joy. For waters will break forth in the wilderness And streams in the Arabah. Isaiah 35:5-6

When Jesus was born on the night in Bethlehem,who were the first ones the angels delivered the good news to? It was the lowly Shepherds who were out in the pastures taking care of their flock. The good news wasn’t first delivered to the rich and powerful but to the poor and meek.

See Jesus came to open the eyes of the blind and let the lame walk. Jesus made the first last and the last first. He is a King that has never been seen before. A king not living for himself, but to be the ransom for many!

The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Matthew 11:5

John the Baptist wanted confirmation whether Jesus was the Messiah (Christ) or not. Jesus told them the proof is in his works. See Jesus fulfilled the Isaiah prophecy of 35:5-6, he gave the blind sight, and the deaf able to hear. Jesus raised the dead and proclaimed the good news (gospel)

If you have any doubt whether Jesus is the Messiah, just look at the proof of his miracles, and the power of his truth Amen!

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

As we continue to look at the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament (Tanakh) we will look at the book of Isaiah. The scriptures of Isaiah give us the most detailed prophecies of Jesus Christ including his birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. To be honest this is probably my favorite book in the Bible to study

In this prophecy revealed by the Holy Spirit to Isaiah we see the revelation that a Virgin (Mary) will conceive a son (Jesus) and he will be Immanuel (God is with us). Some might say Jesus name is not Immanuel therefor its not prophesying about him. Make note Immanuel is actually a title and not a name. Just as “Christ” or “Messiah” is a title for Jesus its not part of his name.

“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” Matthew 1:23

Immanuel meaning God is with us. What does this reveal about the birth of Jesus Christ? It reveals the God became flesh (John 1:14) in the form of a son (Jesus) to dwell among us.

Often we probably think God could never understand us or know how we feel. But God does know, he became human and dwelt among us. He lived and suffered more than we could ever imagine to redeem us from our sins. This is why Christmas or the birth of Christ is so important. Because God came down to Earth to be with us in Jesus Name Amen

“Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, Jeremiah 31:31

God has continually promised that a “New Covenant” would be established. So why did we need a New Covenant? Originally God made the first Covenant with the nation of Israel, through Abraham he would bless them and multiple them as many as the stars. However Israel continually cheated on God with many other gods. They were also non repentive of all there sins.

God gave the Jewish people The Law as a compass to live righteous and holy lives. However because of our sinful nature, they were unable to keep The Law. Therefore God gave us a redemption plan for not only the Jews, but all of humanity. That redemption plan is Jesus Christ

And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. Luke 22:20

The New Covenant was established by the shedding of blood by Jesus Christ, who became the ransom for our sins. Even though we were still sinners Christ died for us. This New Covenant opened the door for anyone, not just Jews, to become Children of God.

But we can only be saved by the Grace of God through Jesus Christ. Repent on your sins, confess Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, enter into the New Covenant Amen!

‘But they shall serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them. Jeremiah 30:9

At first glance this scripture seems to indicate David will be the future King . However King David lived hundreds of years before the prophet Jeremiah was born. The reference to King David is symbolic for the fulfillment of Jesus Christ as the King of Kings (Revelation 19:6)

The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9

The Jews knew the reference to this prophecy, as Jesus entered Jerusalem as there King of Kings, they said Hosanna to the Son of David. So how can the Son of God also be the Son of David?  Many probably pondered how would the Messiah fulfill this prophecy.

When Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Bethlehem to register him for the census. This actually fulfilled the Biblical prophecy. Jesus was officially registered Son of Joseph from the line of David, while we also know Jesus is the only begotten Son of God

The end of this scripture states “Whom I will raise up for them” Jesus has been exalted the name above every name (Philippians 2:9) and all authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to him (Matthew 28:18) Every knew will bow and tongue will confess in Jesus Name Amen