Why is Jesus So Special?

Easter is fast approaching.  Did you know that the arrival of Jesus, and the finest details of his life, death, and resurrection were all spoken of, hundreds of years before he was born into the world.  Do you know how special that is? 

Here are 8 of the hundreds of prophecies that were spoken of, and fulfilled by Jesus, written in the books of the Bible, noted hundreds of years before his birth.

Be born in Bethlehem -Fulfilled (Matthew 2:1-6)
(Micah 5:2)

Be preceded by a messenger -Fulfilled (Matthew 3:1-3)
(Isaiah 40:3-5)

Ride on a donkey -Fulfilled (Matthew 21:6-11)
(Zechariah 9:9)

Be betrayed by a friend -Fulfilled (Matthew 26:20-25)
(Psalms- 41:9)

Be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver -Fulfilled (Matthew 26:14)
(Zechariah 11:12-13)

Be silent as a lamb-Fulfilled (Matthew 27:12-14)
(Isaiah 53:7)

Have his hands and feet pierced -Fulfilled (Luke 24:39)
(Psalm 22:16)

Rise from the dead - Fulfilled Matthew 28:5-6)
(Psalm 16:10)

There are hundreds of prophecies just like this in the Bible, many of which have already been fulfilled by Jesus, and a few which are still to be fulfilled when he returns. 

Just so you know, the odds of one man fitting just eight of these prophecies, such as the eight of these listed above, is 10 to the 18th power.  That is

1 000 000 000 000 000 000

(Reference to Inside the Mysteries of the Bible, American Bible Society Ministry, 2010)

This is some of what I know about Jesus in my head.  But I can tell you that I know him a whole lot better with my heart and spirit.  I have seen him at work in our life and in the lives of others again and again.  And when we celebrate Easter, we celebrate it full of joy because we know the Creator and Author of life and what he did that is remembered at Easter.  We celebrate having a brand new life in Him. 

So give your chocolate eggs and bunnies at Easter.  And as you do, remember who created new life and who wants to give you new life, if only you would ask.