Prophecy Fulfilled

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: John 4:27-46; Mark 1:14-15, and verses 21-45; Matthew 4:12-17; Matthew 8:1-4 and 4-17; Luke 4:14-44 and 5:12-16 

The people living in darkness have seen a great light. Matthew 4:16 NIV

In today's reading, Jesus binds up the broken hearted, proclaims freedom for those bound in sin, comforts those who mourn, and fills us with joy. Over 700 years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah wrote this description:

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3

The Old Testament pointed to Jesus through prophecies, pictures, shadows, and types. In today’s reading alone we see Jesus fulfill these prophecies:

Zech. 14:8 (living water will flow from Jerusalem);

Isaiah 9:1, 2 (going to proclaim life to Galilee);

Isaiah 61:1-3 (preaching good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed);

Isaiah 53:4 (healing the sick); and Isaiah 35:1 (Jesus could not go into the city, but remained in the desert where all the people came out to meet him).

Today’s reading is full of encouragement as we see Jesus, the promised Messiah bring life and hope.

What a Savior indeed! 

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©