Prophecies Concerning Jesus' Ministry
And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying,
The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. Matthew 4:15-16 Isaiah 9:1-2
note: Notice that "Light" is capitalized in the phrase "Light has dawned." That's becaue the Hebrews had always believed that "Light" in the Old Testament scriptures often meant the Messiah. For example, "For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light." Psalm 36:9
When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet saying:
He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. Matthew 8:16-17 Isaiah 53:4
Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached tothem.
Matthew 11:4-5 Isaiah 29:18 Isaiah 35:4-6 Psalm 22:26 Isaiah 61:1note: These were all well known prophecies of the coming Messiah in Jesus' day. No one can ever say that Jesus did not claim to be the Messiah.
Then He said to the man, "Stretch out you hand." And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. Then the Pharisees went and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. and great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. Yet He warned them not to make Him known, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
"Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Bloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He will declare justice to the Gentiles, He will not quarrel nor cry out, Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, till He sends forth justice to victory; And in His name Gentiles will trust." Matthew 12:13-21 Isaiah 42:1-4
note: If anyone ever needed proof of the Trinity in the Old Testament, this is it!
All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 1:34-35 Psalm 78:2
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