1. Prophetic Gifts The Prophets and the Wise Men

2. Who was the Messiah? A Few Prophecies about IDENTITY The Son of God (Psalm 2:7; 2:12) 2:7 - I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 2:12 - Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Date: About 1,000 BC

3. Who was the Messiah? A Few Prophecies about IDENTITY Human, Son of God, God, Eternal King (Isaiah 9:6-7) (6) For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Date: About 740 BC

4. Who was the Messiah? A Few Prophecies about IDENTITY The Son of God (Proverbs 30:4) Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son's name? Surely you know! Date: About 720 BC (King Agur)

5. Who was the Messiah? A Few Prophecies about LINEAGE Who would the Messiah’s Human Ancestors be? He would be a descendant of: Abraham (Genesis 22:18) Isaac (Genesis 21:12) Jacob (Numbers 24:17) Judah (Genesis 49:10) Jesse (Isaiah 11:1) David (Jeremiah 23:5) See Matthew 1 for Jesus’ Lineage Dates: Between 2100 BC and 620 BC

6. Who was the Messiah? A Few Prophecies about BIRTH & MINISTRY Concerning the Messiah’s Birth and Ministry… Born of a woman (Genesis 3:15) Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) Threatened by Herod (Jeremiah 31:15) Preceded by a messenger (Malachi 3:1) Would teach first in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1) Would perform miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6) Dates: Between the Fall and 480 BC

7. Who was the Messiah? Jesus. What would Jesus be? Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-18) Priest (Psalm 110:4) King (Psalm 2:6, Isaiah 9:7) God (Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 7:14) Sacrifice (Isaiah 53) He would be presented with gifts (Psalm 72:10) (10) The kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands will render him tribute; the kings of Sheba and Seba will bring gifts! (11) All kings will fall down before him, all nations will serve him! Dates: Between 1450 BC and about 740 BC

8. The Three Gifts of the Wise Men Matthew 2:11

9. The Wise Men What did their gifts predict? Gold Valuable metal, beautiful in appearance A gift fit for a King Jesus was the King of kings

10. Jesus as King Isaiah 6:1-3 Philippians 2:5-11 Revelation 17:14

11. Observations - Jesus is majestic - Jesus was humble  Jesus was exalted - Jesus is worthy of praise - Every knee will bow…

12. The Wise Men What did their gifts predict? Frankincense Used in the Temple A gift fit for a Priest Sacrificed to God

13. Jesus as High Priest Hebrews 4:14-16 Hebrews 7:26-27 Hebrews 9:11-12

14. Observations - Jesus was tempted as we were, yet without sin - Jesus is compassionate, having suffered like us - We can confidently come to the Father through Him - Jesus offered Himself as a Sacrifice, once and for all

15. Jesus as God John 8:58 John 10:30 John 14:5-6

16. Observations - Jesus claimed to be God - Jesus claimed to be the only Way - Jesus was God

17. The Wise Men What did their gifts predict? Myrrh Burial incense Fit for someone who would die Jesus would die… To save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). To save His people from an eternity in hell (Mark 9).

18. Jesus as Our Sacrifice 1 Peter 3:18a 1 Corinthians 5:7b Isaiah 53

19. Observations - Jesus suffered and gave His life for us - Jesus was our Perfect Sacrifice, done once and for all - Jesus was “our Passover” - We esteemed Him not… (cf. John 1:11)

20. So what do we do in response?

21. - Repent of sin and turn to Him - Freshly commit your life to Him - Worship Him for who He is - Trust in Him and love Him more each day - Walk in obedience to His Ways - Tell others about Him