29 Prophecies - 24 Hours

Sunday, March 28, 2010

In the Christian calendar this week, known as Holy Week, is the last week of Lent. We turn our thoughts to the betrayal, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is mind boggling to think that the events of this week had been prophesied hundreds of years before they occurred. Fulfilled prophecy provides evidence for the truth that Jesus was the Son of God. Some scholars estimate the Old Testament records over 300 prophecies that refer to Jesus. Twenty-nine of these prophecies from the Old Testament were fulfilled in a 24-hour period that led to Jesus’ death.

"But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets...He has thus fulfilled" (Acts 3:18).

Following are some of the prophecies relating to the 24 hours that culminated in the burial of Christ.

Betrayed by a friend (Psalm 55:12-14)
Sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12)
Forsaken by disciples (Zechariah 13:7)
Wounded and bruised (Isaiah 53:5)
Smitten and spit upon (Isaiah 53:6)
Silent before accusers (Isaiah 53:7)
Mocked (Psalm 22:7-8)
Fell under the cross (Psalm 109:24-25)
Hands and feet pierced (Psalm 22:16)
Crucified with criminals (Isaiah 53:12)
Despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3)
Abused by the crowd (Psalm 109:25)
Lots cast on clothes (Psalm 22:18)
Thirsted (Psalm 22:15)
Gall and wine offered (Psalm 69:21)
Spirit committed to God (Psalm 31:5)
No bones broken (Psalm 34:20)
Side pierced with spear (Zechariah 12:10)
Darkness over the land (Amos 8:9)
Buried in rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9)

What is the possibility that one man can fulfill these prophecies? Professor Peter Stoner (1888-1980) calculated this probability and published his research in Science Speaks in 1944. Stoner concluded that the probability of one person fulfilling eight specific prophecies was only one chance in 1017. He then concluded that one person fulfilling 48 of the over 300 prophecies has one chance in 10157. This is a statistical impossibility.

The foretelling of these events hundreds of years before they happened can only be called a miracle! Hallelujah, What a Savior!

Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!