Old Testament Fulfillments

MATTHEW 26:14-35

The events that led up to the crucifixion of Jesus directly parallel what was prophesied about the Messiah as the Suffering Servant in the Old Testament. But not only did Jesus fulfill Old Testament prophecy; others around Jesus did as well.

Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14) which was the equivalent to the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32). Zechariah wrote about this exact price in his Messianic foreshadowing (Zechariah 11:12-13). Thirty pieces of silver was not a very large sum of money in that era, and in Matthew, Jesus’ story provides a stark contrast to the verses preceding his betrayal (Matthew 26:6-13). While Mary went to great expense to anoint Jesus with precious oil, giving to Jesus what was probably her entire dowry (and therefor her entire future), Judas turned against Jesus for a relatively small price.

• Great is the cost of devotion, but cheap is the price of betrayal.

After the description of Judas’ betrayal, Matthew transitioned to the preparations of the Passover meal. The Passover was celebrated in remembrance of God freeing His people from Egypt (Numbers 9:2). However, for believers, Jesus completely transformed the way the meal was celebrated. It is now in remembrance of God freeing His people from sin and death through Jesus. In honoring old traditions, Jesus also created new traditions for believers to follow today. During this Passover celebration, Jesus represented the very fulfillment of the Passover’s promise of deliverance from sin, ushering in a new covenant to replace the old covenant. This new covenant had been promised in the Old Testament multiple times (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 34:25-31, Ezekiel 37:26-28), and Jesus finally fulfilled it.

In addition to Judas and Jesus, Peter and the rest of the disciples also fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. While Peter’s denial was a blatant betrayal of Jesus, it is important to remember that Peter was not the only disciple to avoid being associated with Jesus after His arrest. None of the other disciples had the courage to follow Jesus on that night; they all hid, which Jesus referred to by quoting Zechariah 13:7 (Matthew 26:31). After Jesus’ resurrection, ever the Good Shepherd, Jesus brought His flock back together (Matthew 28:16-20), as He will again in the last days (Acts 2:17-21).

Excerpted with permission from The Jesus Bible, copyright Zondervan.

* * *

Your Turn

Jesus Himself fulfilled more than 200 Old Testament proving that He is the Messiah, the Promised One, our Savior! For those of us who really like evidence and facts, how does the fulfillment of prophecy change the way you look at the Cross and salvation? For those of us who rely more on feelings and divine intervention in our personal lives, how does prophecy being proven by Jesus change the way you worship? Come share with us! We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily