Jesus fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies; He also prophesied events which occurred later.

Jesus is the fulfillment of scores of biblical prophecies. In fact, the whole Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) points to the coming of the Messiah. Here are some of the prophesied details: the virgin birth in the town of Bethlehem from the lineage of David; the ministry of His forerunner, John the Baptist; His arrival in Jerusalem on a donkey; His betrayal for thirty pieces of silver; abandonment by His friends; His crucifixion, with no bones broken but His hands and feet pierced; the lots His captors cast for his clothing; and, most significantly, His resurrection. It defies statistical probability that one man would fulfill these and many other prophecies.

Jesus additionally foretold events that came to pass during and after his lifetime on earth: Judas’s betrayal, His own trial and crucifixion, Peter’s denial of Him, and the destruction of the temple. The accuracy of his predictions is further evidence that He is Who He says He is.

“This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11:10–11)
John the Baptist, a cousin of Jesus, preceded Jesus in proclaiming that the people should repent of their sins, and he baptized multitudes in the river Jordan. This was prophesied in Malachi 3:1. Interestingly, when the pregnant Virgin Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s mother), the unborn John (several months older than Jesus) leapt in Elizabeth’s womb, demonstrating the spiritual bond between John and Jesus.

“Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21)
After reading from Isaiah 61, which prophesies the coming of the Messiah, Jesus states that he is the fulfillment of that very prophecy. This would be a shocking statement for those listening to him in the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth.

“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” (Matthew 26:2)
Jesus predicts exactly when He will be captured, tried, and executed. Interestingly, His disciples could not really understand the gravity of what was about to happen. This is not the first time Jesus predicts his death.

“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead. ... You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:46, 48)
After his resurrection, Jesus encounters his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and explains to them that he has fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy about himself.

Reflection: With all these prophecies fulfilled, is there any doubt that Jesus is the Messiah?