Fulfilling Old Testament Prophecies – Outline

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Fulfilling Old Testament Prophecies

- OVERVIEW

This week, we will explore how the life of Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies. We will study specific prophecies and how they pointed to the coming of the Messiah. We will also see how some people still rejected Jesus despite all the signs and works that pointed to Him. Through this study, we can learn the importance of recognizing God’s truth and not allowing our hearts to be hardened.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

John 5:36

KJV 36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

CEV 36 But something more important than John speaks for me. I mean the things that the Father has given me to do! All of these speak for me and prove that the Father sent me.

B I H A G W T J
F T W W T F H G M
T F V W T I D W O M
T T F H S M

- Lesson

Throughout His life, Jesus fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies, showing that He was indeed the promised Messiah. From the place of His birth to the works He performed, all these details had been foretold. Yet, many people did not recognize Him for who He was. Even though He performed miracles and taught with authority, people still rejected Him.

In the Gospel of John, we repeatedly see Jesus pointing people back to the Scriptures, reminding them that the Bible had already foretold His coming. Despite this, many of the religious leaders hardened their hearts and refused to believe in Him. This week, we will explore why some people accepted Jesus as the Messiah and why others rejected Him, despite the overwhelming evidence.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Christ came into the world as a restorer. He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and every word He spoke brought life to those who heard Him. His mission was to bless humanity and deliver them from Satan's grasp. Christ came to show us God’s character, and He did this by blessing those in need and proclaiming His message of love and redemption.

- Conclusion

Jesus came to fulfill the prophecies about the Messiah. He worked to bring blessings and restoration to those who would believe in Him.

- Reflection

Why is it important to recognize the prophecies about Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How did Jesus’ life fulfill the prophecies in the Old Testament?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – Signs, Works, and Wonders

- Lesson

Read the following passages:

John 5:17

KJV 17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

CEV 17 But Jesus said, “My Father has never stopped working, and this is why I keep on working.”

John 5:20

KJV 20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

CEV 20 The Father loves the Son and has shown him everything he does. The Father will show him even greater things, and you will be amazed.

John 5:36-38

KJV 36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. 37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. 38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

CEV 36 But something more important than John speaks for me. I mean the things that the Father has given me to do! All of these speak for me and prove that the Father sent me. 37 The Father who sent me also speaks for me, but you have never heard his voice or seen him face to face. 38 You have not believed his message, because you refused to have faith in the one he sent.

Jesus performed many miracles during His time on earth, but these signs were more than just displays of power. They were a testimony of His identity as the Messiah. Jesus often pointed to the works He did as evidence that He was sent by God. He told the religious leaders that His works bore witness to His divine mission.

Despite all the miracles and wonders, many people, especially the religious leaders, refused to believe. Jesus said that the works He performed in His Father’s name should have been enough to convince them, but they still rejected Him. This reminds us of the danger of hardening our hearts against the work of God.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White emphasizes that Jesus' works were a reflection of His unity with the Father. Everything He did was in harmony with God’s will, and His miracles revealed the divine power working through Him. These signs were not just for show, but they pointed to Jesus' mission of bringing salvation to humanity.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ miracles were powerful testimonies to His divine nature. They pointed to His mission and revealed His connection with the Father.

- Reflection

How did Jesus’ miracles prove His divine mission?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why did some people still refuse to believe in Jesus despite His miracles?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – The Authoritative Role of Scripture

- Lesson

Read the following passages:

John 5:39-40

KJV 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

CEV 39 You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me, 40 but you refuse to come to me for eternal life.

John 5:46-47

KJV 46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

CEV 46 Moses wrote about me, and if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me. 47 But if you don't believe what Moses wrote, how can you believe what I say?

Jesus repeatedly pointed people back to the Scriptures, showing them that the Old Testament foretold His coming. He used Scripture to explain His mission and to show that He was the fulfillment of God’s promises. For example, Jesus compared Himself to the serpent lifted up in the wilderness, showing that He would be lifted up to bring salvation to the world.

The authority of Scripture is central to our faith. Jesus recognized this and used the Bible to help people understand His mission. He told the religious leaders that if they truly believed in Moses and the prophets, they would recognize Him as the Messiah.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the Old Testament prophets spoke of Jesus, and their writings testified to His mission. Jesus constantly pointed people to the Scriptures to show that He was the fulfillment of these prophecies. By understanding the authority of the Bible, we can see how Jesus’ life and work were in harmony with God's plan.

- Conclusion

Jesus used the Old Testament to explain His mission and to show that He was the Messiah foretold by the prophets.

- Reflection

How does the Old Testament point to Jesus’ mission?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to understand the authority of Scripture?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus: Part I

- Lesson

Read the following passages:

John 1:23

KJV 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

CEV 23 John answered in the words of the prophet Isaiah, “I am only someone shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord!’ ”

John 2:16-17

KJV 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

CEV 16 Jesus said to the people who had been selling doves, “Get those doves out of here! Don't make my Father's house a marketplace.” 17 The disciples then remembered that the Scriptures say, “My love for your house burns in me like a fire.”

John 7:38

KJV 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

CEV 38 Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.”

John 19:36

KJV 36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

CEV 36 All this happened so that the Scriptures would come true, which say, “No bone of his body will be broken”

Throughout the Gospels, we see how Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies. For example, John the Baptist was described as the voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for Jesus. Other prophecies pointed to Jesus’ zeal for God’s house and His role as the living water.

Even though the disciples heard Jesus speak about His death and resurrection, they didn’t fully understand the prophecies until after He rose from the dead. It was only then that they remembered His words and believed in the Scriptures and the things Jesus had said.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies in every detail. Even though many people rejected Him, those who studied the Scriptures could see that He was the promised Messiah. The prophecies in the Bible were given to help people recognize Jesus and understand His mission.

- Conclusion

Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament, proving that He was the Messiah. The Scriptures pointed to His mission and His role in bringing salvation.

- Reflection

How do the Old Testament prophecies help us understand Jesus’ mission?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to recognize the connection between the Old and New Testaments?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus: Part II

- Lesson

Read the following passages:

John 12:13

KJV 13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

CEV 13 they took palm branches and went out to greet him. They shouted, “Hooray! God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the King of Israel!”

John 12:14-15

KJV 14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, 15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

CEV 14 Jesus found a donkey and rode on it, just as the Scriptures say, 15 “People of Jerusalem, don't be afraid! Your King is now coming, and he is riding on a donkey.”

John 13:18

KJV 18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

CEV 18 I am not talking about all of you. I know the ones I have chosen. But what the Scriptures say must come true. And they say, “The man who ate with me has turned against me!”

John 19:37

KJV 37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

CEV 37 and “They will see the one in whose side they stuck a spear.”

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem was one of the many ways He fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. His entry on a donkey, His betrayal by a friend, and even the events surrounding His crucifixion were all foretold in Scripture. These prophecies were powerful testimonies that Jesus was the Messiah.

The religious leaders, however, were too focused on their own traditions and ideas to recognize Jesus for who He was. Despite all the signs and fulfilled prophecies, they rejected Him and continued in their disbelief.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White describes how Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people praised Him, but the religious leaders refused to accept Him as their King. Even though Jesus fulfilled the prophecies, they hardened their hearts and rejected Him.

- Conclusion

Jesus fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies, showing that He was the Messiah. Despite this, many people still rejected Him.

- Reflection

How did Jesus fulfill the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why did some people still reject Jesus, even though He fulfilled the prophecies?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – From Beneath

- Lesson

Read John 8:12-30

KJV 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. 14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. 15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. 16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. 17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. 19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. 20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come. 21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. 22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. 23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. 25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. 27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. 28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.

CEV 12 Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won't be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” 13 The Pharisees objected, “You are the only one speaking for yourself, and what you say isn't true!” 14 Jesus replied: Even if I do speak for myself, what I say is true! I know where I came from and where I am going. But you don't know where I am from or where I am going. 15 You judge in the same way that everyone else does, but I don't judge anyone. 16 If I did judge, I would judge fairly, because I would not be doing it alone. The Father who sent me is here with me. 17 Your Law requires two witnesses to prove that something is true. 18 I am one of my witnesses, and the Father who sent me is the other one. 19 “Where is your Father?” they asked. “You don't know me or my Father!” Jesus answered. “If you knew me, you would know my Father.” 20 Jesus said this while he was still teaching in the place where the temple treasures were stored. But no one arrested him, because his time had not yet come. 21 Jesus also told them, “I am going away, and you will look for me. But you cannot go where I am going, and you will die with your sins unforgiven.” 22 The people asked, “Does he intend to kill himself? Is that what he means by saying we cannot go where he is going?” 23 Jesus answered, “You are from below, but I am from above. You belong to this world, but I don't. 24 This is why I said you will die with your sins unforgiven. If you don't have faith in me for who I am, you will die, and your sins will not be forgiven.” 25 “Who are you?” they asked Jesus. Jesus answered, “I am exactly who I told you at the beginning. 26 There is a lot more I could say to condemn you. But the one who sent me is truthful, and I tell the people of this world only what I have heard from him.” 27 No one understood that Jesus was talking to them about the Father. 28 Jesus went on to say, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, you will know who I am. You will also know that I don't do anything on my own. I say only what my Father taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me. I always do what pleases him, and he will never leave me.” 30 After Jesus said this, many of the people put their faith in him.

Despite all the signs and fulfilled prophecies, many of the religious leaders rejected Jesus. Jesus told them that they were from “beneath,” meaning they were more focused on worldly things than on God’s truth. They had a form of godliness but were missing true faith and understanding.

Jesus explained that they didn’t truly know Him or the Father because they were too caught up in their own traditions. Even though Jesus spoke the truth and performed many miracles, they refused to accept Him. However, despite their rejection, many others believed in Jesus because of what He said and did.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that many people, including religious leaders, rejected Jesus because they didn’t want to give up their traditions and ways of thinking. They couldn’t see the truth, even when it was right in front of them. This serves as a warning for us not to let pride or stubbornness keep us from accepting God’s truth.

- Conclusion

Many people rejected Jesus because they were too focused on worldly things. We must be careful not to let our own ideas and traditions blind us to the truth.

- Reflection

Why did the religious leaders reject Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we avoid making the same mistake?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

This week, we learned how Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, proving that He was the Messiah. Despite all the signs, some people rejected Him because they were too focused on their own ideas and traditions. However, many others believed in Jesus because of His works, teachings, and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Jesus’ life was a testimony to the truth of the Bible, and His fulfillment of prophecy shows us that we can trust in God’s promises. As we reflect on the lessons from this week, we can strengthen our faith and our understanding of God’s plan for salvation.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White reminds us that Jesus came to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies and to reveal the truth about God. The religious leaders missed this because they were too focused on their own traditions. This should serve as a lesson for us to always seek God’s truth and be open to His leading.

- Conclusion

Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament, showing that He was the promised Messiah. His life and works are a testimony to the truth of God’s Word.

- Reflection

What did we learn about Jesus from the fulfilled prophecies?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can the fulfilled prophecies strengthen our faith?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How do the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus’ life build our faith?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why did the religious leaders reject Jesus, even though He fulfilled the prophecies?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we strengthen our faith in the authority of Scripture?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

Fulfilling Old Testament Prophecies

This week, we explored how Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, proving that He was the Messiah. Despite all the signs, some people rejected Him because they were focused on their own traditions. However, many others believed in Jesus because of His works and teachings. Jesus’ life shows us that we can trust in God’s Word and His promises, and His fulfillment of prophecy strengthens our faith.