How do the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus’ life build faith?

The prophecies fulfilled in Jesus' life serve as evidence of God's sovereign plan and reinforce the truth of Jesus' identity as the Messiah. They show how God's promises in the Scriptures are reliable and consistent. In the Gospel of John, several fulfilled prophecies are highlighted, strengthening the faith of believers by demonstrating that Jesus’ life and ministry align perfectly with what was foretold. Here are a few examples.

Jesus' Triumphal Entry (John 12:12-15)  

   - This event fulfills the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9: "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey."  

   - In John 12:14-15, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, showing that He is the promised King, humble yet victorious. This builds faith by affirming His Messianic identity.

The Betrayal of Jesus (John 13:18)  

   - Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9: "Even my close friend, someone I trusted, who shared my bread, has turned against me."  

   - By referencing this prophecy during the Last Supper, Jesus reveals that Judas’ betrayal was not a surprise to God. This assures believers of God's control over events and Jesus’ foreknowledge.

Jesus' Crucifixion (John 19:23-24)  

   - The soldiers casting lots for Jesus' clothing fulfills Psalm 22:18: "They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment."  

   - John specifically mentions this fulfillment in John 19:24, showing how even the smallest details of the crucifixion were part of God's plan.

Jesus’ Bones Not Broken (John 19:31-36)  

   - The fact that none of Jesus' bones were broken fulfills Exodus 12:46 and Psalm 34:20. The Passover lamb, a type of Christ, was not to have its bones broken.  

   - In John 19:36, this fulfillment highlights Jesus as the perfect sacrificial Lamb, reinforcing the faith of those who see Him as the Savior.

The Piercing of Jesus’ Side (John 19:37)  

   - John references Zechariah 12:10: "They will look on me, the one they have pierced."  

   - This fulfillment emphasizes Jesus' role in bringing salvation through His suffering, inspiring faith in His redemptive work.

Each fulfilled prophecy offers compelling evidence that Jesus is who He claimed to be, encouraging believers to trust in the Scriptures and God's promises. These references also demonstrate the unity and reliability of the Bible, deepening faith through their consistency and precision.