Is Jesus the Messiah? A Look at the Hebrew Scriptures

Is Jesus the Messiah? A Look at the Hebrew Scriptures

For centuries, the Jewish people have awaited the arrival of the Messiah—the anointed one who will bring redemption and establish God’s kingdom. But what if the Messiah has already come? What if the very scriptures of the Tanakh (Jewish Bible) reveal His identity?

The apostle Paul, a devout Jew trained in the Torah, wrote extensively about the Messiah in his letter to the Romans. But his arguments were not based on new teachings; rather, they were deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. Let’s explore how Paul’s writings align with the prophecies of the Tanakh.

1. The Messiah Must Be from the Line of David

Paul states in Romans 1:3 that the Messiah was “made of the seed of David according to the flesh.” This is a direct reference to the Jewish expectation that the Messiah would come from David’s lineage.

• 2 Samuel 7:12-16 – God promises David that his throne will be established forever.
• Jeremiah 23:5-6 – The Messiah is called the “righteous Branch” from David’s line.
• Micah 5:2 – The ruler of Israel will come from Bethlehem, David’s hometown.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem and traced His lineage directly to David, fulfilling this requirement.

2. The Messiah Must Be Declared the Son of God

Paul writes in Romans 1:4 that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” But does the Tanakh support the idea of the Messiah being God’s Son?

• Psalm 2:7 – “Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.”
• Isaiah 9:6 – The Messiah is called “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father.”
• Daniel 7:13-14 – The Son of Man is given an everlasting kingdom by the Ancient of Days.

Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, and His resurrection validated His divine identity.

3. The Messiah Must Suffer Before His Glory

Many expect the Messiah to bring immediate peace and restoration. Yet the Tanakh reveals that before His reign, He must suffer.

• Isaiah 53 – The suffering servant is “wounded for our transgressions.”
• Psalm 22 – A vivid description of crucifixion: “They pierced my hands and my feet.”
• Zechariah 12:10 – Israel will mourn for the one they have pierced.

Jesus’ crucifixion perfectly matches these prophecies, showing that the Messiah’s suffering was foretold.

4. The Messiah Must Rise from the Dead

Paul emphasizes Jesus’ resurrection as proof of His Messiahship. But does the Tanakh speak of resurrection?

• Psalm 16:10 – “Thou wilt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
• Isaiah 53:10-11 – After His suffering, He will prolong His days.
• Hosea 6:2 – “After two days will He revive us: in the third day He will raise us up.”

Jesus’ resurrection fulfills these prophecies, proving that He is the promised Messiah.

What Does This Mean for You?

If Jesus fulfills the Messianic prophecies of the Tanakh, then He is the Messiah Israel has been waiting for. The question is: Will you seek the truth in your own scriptures?

Open the Tanakh. Read the prophecies. Compare them with Jesus’ life. The evidence is there—waiting for you to discover.