We have discovered that Messianic Judaism is Judaism that accepts Yeshua as the Jewish Messiah. We have looked through the Messianic Bible and how the Torah still plays an essential part in the life of a Messianic Jew. Now we will open up the door to scriptures that direct Bible readers see that Yeshua is the promised Messiah; the one who would “take away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29) The beginning of this journey through prophecy begins in the Messianic Psalms.
“Then He said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’” (Luke 24:44)
Messianic Psalms & the Life of Christ
The Messianic Psalms contain many prophetic messages about who Christ would be. Not His name and address, but where He would come from, His relationship with G-d, and the type of person He would be.
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- Psalm 89:3-4; 27 – David’s throne is to be established forever. This covenant exists with David’s lineage. Yeshua was a descendant of David. He was also made higher than any other king, even David, and given an eternal Kingdom.
- Psalm 2:6-7 – One of the first mentions of the S-n. Also, to be taken into consideration, how could there be a son if there was no birth? G-d was G-d alone until the incarnation.Yes, there are instances of a distinction, but all point to a prophetic message of the soon to be S-n.
- Psalm 69 – One of Messianic Psalms, this Psalm speaks of Yeshua’s nature. He would have a zeal for the house of G-d (verse 9) as He drove out the money changers in John 2. He would seek the counsel of the L-rd in his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Messianic Psalms: Death of Christ
Many Messianic Psalms go into detail about the crucifixion of Yeshua.
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- Psalm 22 – There are several prophetic references in this chapter surrounding Yeshua’s crucifixion. Right out of the gate, verse one should be familiar with anyone who has read the account of the cross. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Psalm 22:1a; Matthew 27:46)
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- The second instance is a few verses later. Psalm 22:16-18 is about Matthew 27:35. “And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments among them by casting lots.” Psalm 22:16 speaks of the manner of death, “For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.” And 18 speaks of those crucifying Him casting lots for his clothing.
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- One final parallel is in verses 41-42 of Matthew 27, “So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.’” It is the prophecy fulfillment of Psalm 22:7-8.
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- Isaiah 53 – Although not a Psalm, this single chapter carries the weight of why Messianic Jews believe Yeshua is the Messiah. It is no wonder why Traditional Judaism considers it “The Forbidden Chapter.” To read it and line it up with the Life of Christ, there is no doubt that Jesus of Nazareth is the Jewish Messiah.
Messianic Psalms: The Resurrection
After Yeshua conquered death and the grave, the Psalms speak of how both Jews and Gentiles are now allowed to take part in the eternal kingdom of Yeshua.
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- Psalm 16 – Psalm 16:10 speaks directly to Yeshua’s resurrection. “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol or let your holy one see corruption.”
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- Psalm 45 – Commentaries have spoken of this chapter because, to put it simply, that G-d speaks of a son. The Book of Hebrews echoes, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, G-d spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days, He has spoken to us by his S-n, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world.” (Hebrews 1:1-2) The writer points out several instances where the words of the prophets end, and where the words of the S-n begin. That point is the life, death, and resurrection of Yeshua.
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- Psalm 110 – As one of the Messianic Psalms, this one mentions Melchizedek. This name dates to Abraham. Melchizedek was the priest and king of Jerusalem. Many scholars believe this is a type of the relationship between a believer and Christ. It was unheard of for one individual to be both priest and king; the roles were mutually exclusive. The role of the king is to rule over the nation. The priest was to offer the sacrifice for the sins of the people. Melchizedek was both, the chosen descendent, Yeshua, was to follow in the order of Melchizedek. Both king, ruler, and priest, the one to sacrifice for the sins of the people.
Messianic Psalms: Scratching the Surface
The Psalms we have listed are just the beginning of all that the Messianic Psalms say of Yeshua. The Tanakh is filled with references, allusions, and prophecies about the Messiah. When one considers all of them, there is little doubt that Yeshua is who He claimed to be; the S-n of G-d and the Jewish Messiah.
We now know what Messianic Jews believe. But with all the scrutiny from the Orthodox community, as well as some in Christian circles, how does that impact how Messianic Judaism spreads the message of Yeshua? That is what we will address in part four of our five-part series.
Click to read part 1 and part 2 of our series on Messianic Judaism.
