5. Converging expectations and predictions for Jesus

The following passages are not a list extracted from a book. One night in August 2011, I just wrote out from memory OT expectations that I have read in context, dwelt on and been fed by. In the past I have preached a sermon series while working for a suburban church which gave an overview of the Old Testament. I remember thinking about all the promises and expectations converging in a phenomenal way. I had questions, as I still do, about aspects of individuals prophecies but the total picture is undeniable. It's a powerful argument to see that the Old Testament, without the interference or hindsight of Christianity generated this vast list of expectations. Why? Were they setting themselves up for failure? It is astounding that the answer to all these expectations could be brought (or thought up) about by one man's death, resurrection and ascension. We are not talking about an abstract imaginary figure but a figure in history who walked real roads and visited real places within history.

1. The prophet who was to come (Deut 18:17-22).

2. A priest forever in the order of Melchizadek (Psalm 110).

3. A king who is a descendent of David to be ruler (2 Samuel 7:26, Isaiah 16:5, Ezekiel 34:23, Ezekiel 37:24 , Jeremiah 23:5-6).

4. A righteous suffering servant who dies for the sins of the people (Isaiah 52:12-53:12) and who was to see the light of life and be satisfied (Isaiah 53:11-12).

5. The fulfilment of the purpose of the temple. (Exodus, 1 Samuel 8-10).

6. The fulfilment of animal sacrifice. (Exodus, Leviticus & Hebrews).

7. The fulfilment of the passover (Exodus 11-14, 1 Cor 5:6-8). The Jewish Talmud confirms Jesus's death at Passover time.

8. A promised New Covenant (Jeremiah 31, Isaiah 55:3, Ezekiel 37:26)

9. The giving of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-32, Ezekiel 36:26, Jeremiah 31:33-34).

10. The transformation of human hearts from stone (Ezekiel 36, Jeremiah 31).

11. Blessing and light going to the nations (Genesis 12: 1-3, Isaiah 49:6).

12. The Holy Spirit, visions, dreams and prophecy to great and small alike (Joel 2:28-32).

13. A gentle ruler who rides a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9).

14. A man cursed on a tree. (Gal 3:13, Deut 21:23)

15. Realising the promise that 'God would be with us'. (Ezekiel 37:26-28).

16. Solving the problem that humans want a human king but God is actually their king (1 Sam 8). Jesus was both!

17. A birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:1-3).