Jesus's Own Family Tree
The Old Testament contains other prophecies concerning the family tree of the Messiah and about his background, which God had foreordained. Included in that list are the following:
He would be a descendant of King David (2 Samuel 7:16)
He would be born of the “seed” of a woman (Genesis 3:15)
He would be born in the city of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
He would be God';s own Son (Proverbs 30:4)
He would be a prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15–19)
Angels would worship him (Deuteronomy 32:43)
However, it is in the book of Isaiah where we find the greatest number — and the best known — of the prophecies of the coming of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah';s prophecies include this passage, which has become a popular one to read around Christmastime: “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).
Isaiah 9:1–2 tells us the wonderful news that the Jewish Messiah wouldn';t be for the Jews only but also for Gentiles. “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light — a light that will shine on all who live in the land where death casts its shadow.”
This verse foretells one of the events that is central to the Christian faith, namely that the Messiah — Jesus Christ — would be conceived in a miraculous way and that his mother would remain a physical virgin at the time of his birth. This event is recorded beautifully in the gospels of Matthew (1:18) and Luke (1:26–35).
Isaiah also recorded this prophecy, which we also associate with Christmas celebrations:
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven';s Armies will make this happen! (Isaiah 9:6–7)
When you think of the some of the songs and poems we associate with Christmas or some of the names by which Jesus is known even today, think of the prophet Isaiah who foretold that Jesus Christ would come to earth to be for us.
Study Questions
By what name is Jesus referred to in Isaiah 7.:14:?
What are the names of Jesus Christ in Isaiah 9:6–7.?
