Christian reading

Does Jesus fulfill the prophecies about Messiah? (part 14)

The fate of the one who betrayed Jesus: «While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition [Judas Iscariot]; that the scripture might be fulfilled» (Jn 17:12; compare Jn 6:39; Jn 18:9). The underlying prophecy: «As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him» (Ps 109:17; compare Ps 69:27).

Messiah counted among the wicked: «For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end» (Lk 22:37; compare Mt 26:55-56; Mk 14:48-49; Mk 15:28; Lk 22:52-53; Lk 23:33). The underlying prophecy: «Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors» (Is 53:12; see also all of Chapter 53).

Executors cast lots for Jesus' clothes: «Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did» (Jn 19:23-24; compare Mt 27:35; Mk 15:24; Lk 23:34). The underlying prophecy: «For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture» (Ps 22:16-18).

(to be continued)