Isaiah the prophet lived about 700 years before Jesus was born. Yet, he told us many things about him, beginning with the Christmas story. This is such a miracle I want to share it with you.
In Isaiah 7:14, it says: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and you shall call His name Emanuel which means ‘God with us.’” This prophecy not only foretells how Jesus would be born of the virgin Mary, but that this child would like God himself living with us. Then in Isaiah 9:6-7, he explains how “this child” to be born would someday rule over God’s kingdom and his name would be called “Wonderful Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace.” Each of these titles describe how special Jesus would be.
In Isaiah 11:2, it says: “The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him — the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power … ” When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit came upon Him and God spoke from heaven saying: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”
In Isaiah 40:9, it says: “You who bring good tidings, lift up your voice and say: ‘Behold your God.” “Good tidings” can also be translated “good news” or “the Gospel.” The Gospel teaches us that Jesus was “the Word” that “became flesh and dwelt among us.” In plain words, Jesus was God himself in human form.
In Isaiah 40:11, it predicted how he would “tend his flock like a shepherd.” Jesus called himself “the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.” That is also predicted in Isaiah 53:5 where it says: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, and the punishment that brought us peace fell on him.”
Finally, even Jesus’ resurrection is predicted. Right after Isaiah tells us about his death, it says in verse 10, “He will see his offspring and prolong his days.” Jesus would never die again. Instead, he ascended into heaven.
In John 1:12 it says: “To as many as receive him and believe in his name, to them he will give the power to become the children of God.” Jesus did not have children by getting married. Jesus has spiritual children. All who love and trust him are like his children. We are his spiritual “offspring,” and Isaiah prophesied how some day we will all see Jesus in that place called heaven.
In Isaiah 65:17, it says: “Behold, I create a new heavens and a new earth. The former things will be remembered no more. “Isn’t that amazing? The whole Gospel message is found in this book written 700 years before Jesus was born. As we celebrate Christmas, I pray you will also come to believe in him.
