How do God’s words of prophecy about the Savior help us to encounter Jesus? How do prophecies of Jesus give hope and confidence in God’s word? Pilate did not know nor care about the Jewish prophecies, but the author John does give us readers insight into the situation.
John 18:29 So Pilate, the governor, went out to them and asked, “What is your charge against this man?” 30 “We wouldn’t have handed him over to you if he weren’t a criminal!” they retorted. 31 “Then take him away and judge him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “Only the Romans are permitted to execute someone,” the Jewish leaders replied. 32 This fulfilled Jesus’ prediction about the way he would die.[1]
Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus
In the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus give hope to the people. They promised the coming Savior who would rescue mankind from their sin. When people have hope they are able to endure and navigate the storms of life and live out God’s plan for their them.
The very Friday Jesus would be crucified and pay the price for our sins on the cross was prophesied by the prophet, Isaiah, 700 years before Jesus came into this world. Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. [2]
Only Jesus was able to pay the price for our sins. Jesus made a way for us, but it cost Him great suffering and death. We can’t begin to imagine how much Jesus suffered to rescue us from our sin. We get to experience faith and eternal life because of what Jesus did.
New Testament Prophecies of Jesus
Prophecy in the New Testament tell us that Jesus is coming again. Jesus warns us to be ready and we can find hope to carry out His plans for us. Rev. 22: 12“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
There is no greater gift God has given us then the gift of salvation. Because Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of being the lamb who was slain each of us can experience faith and eternal life. How will you use this wonderful gift God has given you to help build the Kingdom of God? How can you thank Jesus for such a blessing and the hope we have in Jesus?
Prayer for the Lost to Be Saved
Father, You are everywhere, all of the time and the creator of time. You are close to the brokenhearted and ensure us that all will have the opportunity to hear Your word before the prophecy of Jesus return is fulfilled. For this reason, we do not lose hope in others. You never give up on us, so we will never give up on anyone. In our prayers, we will remember them and pray for softened hearts and open minds and ears to listen and learn. But we leave the restoration up to You. Only You can change hearts, shift minds, and enlighten souls to Your Truth.
We pray salvation for all people. Help us to love the people in our lives well, in Your honor, and to Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.[3]
To hear more about these prophecies, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-pilate
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers
[3] https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/powerful-prayers-for-the-end-times.html