Bible verses for all occasions.
The coming of Jesus is a central theme in the Bible, spanning both the Old and New Testaments. The anticipation of a promised Messiah is woven throughout the scriptures, with numerous prophecies foretelling His arrival. These prophecies give hope and reassurance to believers, confirming God’s faithfulness and His plan for salvation. In this article, we will explore several Bible verses that speak about the coming of Jesus, examining their significance and how they relate to the topic.
Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
This verse from the book of Isaiah is one of the most well-known prophecies foretelling the birth of Jesus. It speaks of a virgin birth, which points directly to the miraculous conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit in Mary. The name “Immanuel” means “God with us,” emphasizing the divine nature of the Messiah.
Micah 5:2 (NIV)
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
This prophecy from the book of Micah specifies the birthplace of the coming Messiah. Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant town, would be the birthplace of the ruler over Israel. This verse is significant because it was fulfilled when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, confirming His identity as the long-awaited Messiah.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 provides a glimpse into the nature and role of the coming Messiah. It highlights various titles attributed to Him, such as “Wonderful Counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” and “Prince of Peace.” This verse emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and His role as the ultimate source of guidance, strength, and peace.
Isaiah 40:3 (NIV)
“A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'”
Isaiah 40:3 speaks of a voice calling out to prepare the way for the Lord. This verse is often associated with John the Baptist, who fulfilled this role by proclaiming the arrival of Jesus and preparing people’s hearts for His ministry. It symbolizes the need for repentance and readiness to receive the Savior.
Isaiah 53:3 (NIV)
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”
This verse from Isaiah 53 prophesies the suffering and rejection that Jesus would endure. It foretells His crucifixion and the way He would be despised by humanity. This prophecy serves as a reminder of the sacrificial love and redemption Jesus would bring through His death on the cross.
Psalm 72:11 (NIV)
“All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him.”
Psalm 72:11 speaks of the universal authority that the coming Messiah would possess. It emphasizes that not only the people of Israel but also all nations would acknowledge His sovereignty. This verse points to Jesus’ role as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, with ultimate power and dominion over all.
Zechariah 9:9 (NIV)
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
This prophecy from Zechariah describes the humble entry of the coming King. It foretells Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, which we commemorate on Palm Sunday. This verse highlights the Messiah’s humility and His mission to bring righteousness and victory.
Genesis 49:10 (NIV)
“The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.”
This verse from the book of Genesis is a prophecy spoken by Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. It speaks of a future ruler who would come from the tribe of Judah. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, who is the rightful heir to the throne of David and the ultimate ruler over all nations.
Matthew 1:23 (NIV)
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:23 quotes the earlier mentioned prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, reaffirming the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth and the significance of His name, Immanuel. This verse serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the fulfillment of ancient prophecies in the person of Jesus.
John 1:14 (NIV)
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14 beautifully captures the essence of Jesus’ coming. It reveals that the Word, referring to Jesus, became flesh and dwelt among humanity. This verse emphasizes the divinity of Jesus, being the Son who came from the Father, while also highlighting His grace and truth.
Conclusion
The Bible is replete with prophecies about the coming of Jesus, affirming His identity as the long-awaited Messiah. These prophecies give us a glimpse into the nature, purpose, and mission of Jesus. They assure us of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises and provide hope for all who believe. As we reflect on these verses, may we be reminded of the profound significance of Jesus’ coming and the salvation He brings to the world.
