#STRask How Do You Justify Calling Jesus the Messiah?
Dec 18, 2025
Is it justifiable to call Jesus the Messiah if he didn't fulfill all Hebrew prophecies? The discussion explores how prophecies can unfold in stages with biblical examples. Key prophecies related to Jesus' birth and death are examined, alongside his reading from Isaiah, showcasing immediate and future fulfillment. The virgin birth sparks debate—was it simply to highlight uniqueness, or does it have deeper significance? Connections to other miraculous births underline its importance in God's redemptive plan.
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Messianic Prophecies Fulfill In Stages
- Messianic prophecies unfold in stages rather than all at once, so partial fulfillment is expected.
- Greg Koukl argues Scripture and Jesus' own actions show prophetic promises are fulfilled progressively over time.
Jesus' Luke 4 Reading Indicates Sequence
- Luke 4 shows Jesus deliberately read only part of Isaiah, indicating sequential fulfillment.
- The audience's reaction confirms Jesus meant a partial, immediate fulfillment, not the whole passage at once.
Promises Often Span Generations
- Many Old Testament promises (e.g., to Abraham) span generations and require incremental fulfilment.
- Amy Hall and Greg Koukl stress a long-term prophetic horizon explains unmet expectations in a single lifetime.