How many prophecies did Jesus fulfill?

Answer

The Bible narrates human history and God’s intervention in it. The most crucial event in human history is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event’s narrative is interwoven throughout the Scriptures. The creation story illustrates God’s authority over His creation. The fall explains the necessity for a savior. The history of Israel reveals two key points: 1) the historical backdrop for the arrival of the incarnate Son of God, and 2) humanity’s incapacity to redeem itself through deeds, thus, its reliance on a savior.

The gospels recount Jesus the Savior’s earthly journey, while much of the remaining New Testament instructs on living in this era in light of Jesus’ redemptive work. The Bible’s prophecies, especially in Daniel and Revelation but also elsewhere, reveal what Jesus as Savior rescues us to (eternal paradise) and from (eternal damnation in hell).

The narrative of Jesus is woven into the Bible’s overarching story, with prophecies of His first coming scattered throughout the Old Testament. References to Him also surface in subtle ways, as various individuals and events hint at the work He would accomplish. Scholar J. Barton Payne identified as many as 574 Old Testament verses pointing to, describing, or alluding to the coming Messiah. Alfred Edersheim found 456 Old Testament verses referencing the Messiah or His era. At a minimum, Jesus fulfilled around 300 prophecies during His time on earth.

Hence, determining the exact number of prophecies fulfilled by Jesus is challenging. Should only direct messianic prophecies be tallied? Are repeated prophecies counted more than once? What about allusions and indirect mentions of Christ’s ministry? And how do we consider types? A type serves as a prophetic symbol: a person or object in the Old Testament that prefigures a person or object in the New Testament. Therefore, while Isaiah prophesies that the Lord will bring good news to the brokenhearted, the exact number of prophecies fulfilled by Jesus remains a topic of debate.Ted “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”, (Isaiah 61:1), Boaz exemplifies this, portraying a resemblance to Christ (Ruth 4:1-11).

Below is an effort to enumerate the types and prophecies outlined in the Old and New Testaments that Jesus has fulfilled. Certainly, it is not exhaustive. However, that is one of the remarkable aspects of the Bible— the more you delve into it, the more you discover.

Type
GivenFulfilled
Type: Adam is a prototype of Christ as both their deeds impacted numerous individuals.
Genesis 3:17-19Romans 5:14
Type: Jesus embodies the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb.
Exodus 12:1-11John 1:29-36
Type: The rock that provided water for Israel symbolizes Jesus and the life-giving water.
Exodus 17:6John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 10:3-4
Type: The tabernacle where God resided among the Israelites is a representation of Jesus, God incarnate.
Exodus 25:8; Isaiah 7:14; 8:8, 10Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:14; 14:8-11
Type: The feast of unleavened bread signifies the purity of Jesus; His entombment mirrors a seed in the soil, awaiting resurrection into life.
Leviticus 23:61 Peter 2:22
Type: The feast of first fruits symbolizes Jesus as the initial fruit from the dead.
Leviticus 23:101 Corinthians 15:20
Type: Those who gazed at the serpent on a pole were rescued. Similarly, those who “look up” to Jesus on the cross are saved.
Numbers 21:8-9John 3:14-15
Type: Boaz serves as a representation of Christ the redeemer.
Ruth 4:1-11; Ezekiel 16:8Galatians 3:13; 4:5; Colossians 1:14
Type: Jonah spent three days in the fish. Jesus’ body lay in the tomb for three days.
Jonah 1:17Matthew 12:40

Prophecy
GivenFulfilled
The serpent and the “seed” of Eve will have conflict; the offspring of the woman will crush the serpent. Jesus is this seed, and He crushed Satan at the cross.
Genesis 3:14-15Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 2:14
God promised Abraham that the whole world would be blessed through him. Jesus, descended from Abraham, is that blessing.
Genesis 12:3Acts 3:25-26; Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16
God promised Abraham that He would establish an everlasting covenant with Isaac’s offspring. Jesus is that offspring.
Genesis 17:19Matthew 1:1-2
God promised Isaac that the whole world would be blessed by his descendant. That descendant is Jesus.
Genesis 28:13-14Matthew 1:1-2; Luke 1:33; 3:23-34
Jacob prophesied that Judah would rule over his brothers. Jesus the king is from the tribe of Judah.
Genesis 49:10Matthew 1:1-2; Luke 1:32-33
The Jews were not to keep the Passover lamb overnight. Jesus was buried the day He died.
Exodus 12:10; Numbers 9:12John 19:38-42
The Jews were not to break the bones of the Passover lamb. Jesus’ bones were not broken on the cross.
Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12John 19:31-36
The Jews were to devote the firstborn males to God. Jesus is Mary’s firstborn male; He is also the “firstborn” over creation and the “firstborn” of the dead.
Exodus 13:2; Numbers 3:13; 8:17Luke 2:7, 23; Colossians 1:15-18
Moses promised that another prophet like him would come. Jesus is that prophet.
Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19Matthew 21:11; Luke 7:16; 24:19; John 6:14; 7:40
God told the Jews to never leave the body of someone who had been hanged overnight. Jesus was buried the day He died.
Deuteronomy 21:23John 19:31-36; Galatians 3:13
The word of God will be in hearts and mouths. Jesus is the Word who is in the hearts of His followers.
Deuteronomy 30:14John 1:1; Matthew 26:26
Moses promised that God would atone for His people. Jesus’ sacrifice is that atonement.
Deuteronomy 32:43Romans 3:25; Hebrews2:17
God promised David that his descendants would rule forever. Jesus is a descendant of David, although His literal reign has yet to commence.
2 Samuel 7:12-13, 16, 25-26; 1 Chronicles 17:11-14, 23-27; Psalm 89:3-4, 35-37; 132:11; Isaiah 9:7Matthew 1:6; 19:28; 21:4; 25:31; Mark 12:37; Luke 1:32; 3:31
The nations, people, and rulers conspire against the Lord and His anointed. The Sanhedrin, the crowd, Herod Antipas, and Pilate conspired against Jesus.
Psalm 2:1-2Matthew 12:14; 26:3, 4, 47; Luke 23:1, 7
God will declare someone as His Father. God declared to the crowd at Jesus’ baptism that He is Jesus’ Father.
Psalm 2:7Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35
David believes God will not forsake him to the grave. Jesus rose from the grave.
Psalm 16:9-10; 30:3; 86:13; Isaiah 26:19Luke 24:6-8; John 20
David cries out that God has abandoned him. Jesus used the same words on the cross.
Psalm 22:1Matthew 27:46
David mentions his enemies mocking and insulting him. Jesus endured the same on the cross.
Psalm 22:7Matthew 27:38-44
David’s tormentors taunt him, urging God to rescue him. The people said the same to Jesus.
Psalm 22:7Luke 23:35, 39
David describes his physical torment. The description aligns with the condition of someone being crucified.
Psalm 22:14-15John 19:28
David mentions that “dogs” surround him and pierce his hands and feet. Gentile soldiers nailed Jesus’ hands and feet.
Psalm 22:16John 19:16; 20:20; Acts 2:23
David states that others divide his clothing. The Roman soldiers divided Jesus’ clothes.
Psalm 22:18 John 19:23-24
David predicts false witnesses will testify against him. False witnesses did testify against Jesus, although their stories did not match.
Psalm 27:12; 35:11; 109:6Matthew 26:60; Mark 14:55-59
David entrusts his spirit to God. Jesus used the same words on the cross.
Psalm 31:5Luke 23:46
God will safeguard the bones of the righteous. Jesus’ bones were not broken on the cross.The Cross.
Psalm 34:20 John 19:31-36
David speaks of being hated without reason. Jesus was also hated without reason.
Psalm 35:19; 69:4 John 15:24-25
The psalmist predicts that his friends will abandon him. The disciples indeed abandoned Jesus.
Psalm 38:11; 88:18 Matthew 26:56-58; Mark 14:50
David acknowledges that he has come to do God’s will. Jesus also came to fulfill God’s will.
Psalm 40:6-8 Matthew 26:39, 42; John 6:38; Hebrews 10:5-9
David mentions being betrayed by a friend. Jesus was betrayed by Judas.
Psalm 41:9; 55:12-14 Matthew 26:14-16, 23; Mark 14:10-11, 43
The psalmists express confidence that God will rescue them from the land of the dead. God indeed resurrected Jesus.
Psalm 49:15; 86:13 Mark 16:6; Luke 24:6-8; John 20
The Lord ascends on high, taking captives with Him. Jesus ascended to heaven, and believers will join Him in heaven.
Psalm 68:18 Luke 23:43; 24:51; Acts 1:9
David predicts that he will be rejected by his siblings. Jesus’ brothers did not believe in Him until after the resurrection.
Psalm 69:8 Mark 3:20-21, 31; John 7:3-5
David expresses “zeal” for God’s house and His honor but expects reproach. Jesus demonstrated that zeal by cleansing the temple and faced questioning by the Sanhedrin.
Psalm 69:9 Mark 11:15-17, 27-28; John 2:13-18; Romans 15:3
David mentions being fed gall and vinegar. Jesus was offered gall and vinegar while on the cross.
Psalm 69:21 Matthew 27:34, 48; Mark 15:23; Luke 23:36; John 19:29
Solomon requests that foreign kings bring him gifts and honor. The magi did so for Jesus.
Psalm 72:10-11 Matthew 2:1-11
Solomon assures God that as king, he will deliver the needy and weak. Jesus fulfilled this promise.
Psalm 72:12-14 Luke 7:22
The psalmist states that he will speak in parables. Jesus indeed spoke in parables.
Psalm 78:2 Matthew 13:3, 35
God declares that He will make David His firstborn. Jesus, a descendant of David, is considered God’s firstborn.
Psalm 89:27 Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15
David’s enemies attacked him, yet he chose not to retaliate. Jesus forgave His enemies.

Psalm 109:3-5Matthew 5:44; Luke 23:34
David requests a short life for his betrayer and for his position to be filled. Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, died, and Matthias took his place.
Psalm 69:25; 109:7-8Acts 1:16-20
David prophesies that his Lord will become a priest like Melchizedek. Jesus indeed becomes a priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Psalm 110:4Hebrews 5:1-6; 6:20; 7:15-17
The psalmist foretells that the rejected stone will become the cornerstone. Jesus, rejected by the Jewish leaders, becomes the foundation of God’s salvation.
Psalm 118:22-23Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17; John 1:11
The Lord will deliver Israel from her sins. Jesus accomplishes the redemption of Israel.
Psalm 130:7-8Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:68
Isaiah was told by God that the people would not comprehend His actions. Jesus used parables to prevent casual observers from understanding His teachings.
Isaiah 6:9-10Matthew 13:14-15
God promised a virgin birth. Mary was indeed a virgin when she conceived Jesus.
Isaiah 7:14Luke 1:26-35
God promised to send a Son who would be known as “God with us” (“Emmanuel”). Jesus fulfills this promise.
Isaiah 7:14; 8:8, 10Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:14; 14:8-11
God foretold a stumbling stone. Jesus is that stumbling stone.
Isaiah 8:14-15Matthew 21:42-44; Romans 9:32-33
God promised light to the land of Zebulun, Naphtali, and “Galilee of the nations” in their darkness. Jesus is that light; during Jesus’ time, Galilee was a region with a mix of Jews and Gentiles.
Isaiah 9:1-2Matthew 4:12-16
God promised David that His Spirit would rest on his descendants. Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise.
Isaiah 11:1-2Matthew 1:1, 6; 3:16; Mark 1:10
Gentiles will seek God. A centurion and a Syrophoenician woman sought Jesus; the Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch responded to Paul’s message.
Isaiah 11:10; 42:1; 55:4-5; Hosea 2:23Matthew 8:5-13; Mark 7:24-26; Acts 13:48
God promised a time when the blind would see. Jesus performed miracles to heal the blind.
Isaiah 29:18; 35:5Matthew 9:30; 11:5; 12:22; 20:34; 21:14; Mark 10:52

God promised a time when the deaf would hear. Jesus healed the deaf.
Isaiah 35:5Matthew 11:5; Mark 7:31-37; 9:25
God promised a time when the lame would be healed. Jesus healed the lame.
Isaiah 35:6Matthew 15:30-31; 21:14
God promised a time when the mute would speak. Jesus healed the mute.
Isaiah 35:6Matthew 9:33; 12:22; 15:30; Luke 11:14
God promised a messenger who would announce the Lord’s coming. John the Baptist is that messenger.
Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1Matthew 3:3; 11:10; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4-6
God is the shepherd who tends His sheep. Jesus is the good shepherd.
Isaiah 40:10-11John 10:11
God promised to put His Spirit on His servant. Jesus is that servant.
Isaiah 42:1Matthew 3:16; 12:18; Mark 1:10
God’s servant will not cry out. Jesus told those He healed to remain quiet.
Isaiah 42:2Matthew 12:19
God’s servant will be gentle. Jesus treated people gently.
Isaiah 42:3Matthew 11:29; 12:20
The nations will put their hope in God’s servant’s teaching. Nations put their hope in Jesus’ teachings.
Isaiah 42:4Matthew 12:21
God will send His servant as a light to the Gentiles. Jesus is a light to the Gentiles.
Isaiah 42:6; 49:6Luke 2:25-32
The writer says he will not be rebellious or turn away. Jesus obeyed God all the way to the cross.
Isaiah 50:5Matthew 26:39
Isaiah speaks of one who will be beaten and spit upon. Jesus was beaten and spit upon.
Isaiah 50:6Matthew 26:67; 27:26-30
The Suffering Servant will be so abused He will not look human. Jesus was beaten, whipped, crucified, and pierced by a spear.
Isaiah 52:14Matthew 26:67; 27:26-30; 35
The Suffering Servant will be despised and rejected by His own people. Jesus’ tormentors rejected Him and spit in His face.
Isaiah 53:3Luke 23:18; Matthew 26:67; John 1:11
The Suffering Servant will bear the abuse we deserve for our physical and spiritual healing. Jesus did this.
Isaiah 53:4-5Matthew 8:17; Romans 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians

15:3
The Suffering Servant will bear our sins. Jesus bore our sins.
Isaiah 53:6, 8, 12 Romans 4:25; 1 Peter 2:24-25
The Suffering Servant is like a lamb that does not defend itself. Although Jesus spoke during His trials, He never offered a defense.
Isaiah 53:7 Matthew 27:12; Luke 23:9; John 1:29-36
The Suffering Servant’s people did not protest His death. Only Pilate protested Jesus’ death.
Isaiah 53:8 Matthew 27:23-25
The Suffering Servant will die with the wicked. Jesus died with the two thieves.
Isaiah 53:9, 12 Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27
The Suffering Servant will be buried in the grave of a rich man. Jesus was buried in the grave of Joseph of Arimathea.
Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57-60
God ordained that the Suffering Servant would suffer and die. God sent Jesus to die.
Isaiah 53:10 John 3:16; 19:11; Acts 2:23; Philippians 2:8
The Suffering Servant’s sacrifice offers forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ sacrifice offers forgiveness of our sins.
Isaiah 53:11 Acts 10:43; 13:38-39
The Suffering Servant will intercede for His abusers. Jesus asked God to forgive those who crucified Him.
Isaiah 53:12 Luke 23:34
God promises a great light to pierce the darkness of Israel and the nations. Jesus is that light.
Isaiah 60:1-3 Matthew 4:16; Luke 2:32; John 12:46
God promises someone to declare good news for the brokenhearted, captives, and prisoners. Jesus is that someone.
Isaiah 61:1 Matthew 3:16; Luke 4:18
God promises a “righteous Branch” from the line of Jesse who will do what is just. Jesus is that Branch.
Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:15-16 Romans 3:22; 1 Corinthians 1:30
A woman will weep for her dead children. Herod killed the baby boys in Bethlehem.
Jeremiah 31:15 Matthew 2:16-18
God makes a woman “encircle” or protect a man. The Holy Spirit conceived Jesus in Mary.
Jeremiah 31:22 Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35
God promises a new covenant. Jesus provides the work for that new covenant.
Jeremiah 31:31-34; 32:37-40; 5

Matthew 26:27-29; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:15-20
“David” shall return as the shepherd of his people. Jesus fulfills that role.
Ezekiel 34:23-24; 37:24John 10:11
Gabriel informs Daniel about the time the “Anointed One” will be “cut off,” which aligns with Jesus’ crucifixion.
Daniel 9:24-26Matthew 27:50
God will summon His “child” from Egypt. Jesus returned from Egypt in His youth.
Hosea 11:1Matthew 2:13-15
The ruler of Israel will be struck on the cheek with a rod. Jesus was struck on the head with a staff.
Micah 5:1Matthew 27:30
The ruler of Israel will come from Bethlehem. Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
Micah 5:2Luke 2:4-7
God will dwell among His people. Jesus lived among the Jewish community.
Zechariah 2:10John 1:14
The Branch will serve as a priest in the temple. Jesus serves as a priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Zechariah 6:12-13Hebrews 7:11-28; 8:1-2
Israel’s king will ride a donkey. Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9Mark 11:1-10
God instructed Zechariah to take the thirty pieces of silver he earned and cast it to the potter. Judas took thirty pieces of silver and returned it to the priests, who used it to purchase the potter’s field.
Zechariah 11:12-13Matthew 26:14-15; 27:3, 6-10
If someone strikes the shepherd, the sheep will scatter. When Jesus was arrested, His disciples dispersed.
Zechariah 13:6-7Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50
The Lord will come to the temple to refine the silver and the priests. Jesus entered the temple and drove out the money changers.
Malachi 3:1-3Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15-19; John 2:13-16
The sun of righteousness will arise. Jesus embodies that righteousness.
Malachi 4:2Luke 1:78
Elijah will make a return. John the Baptist fulfills the role of Elijah.
Malachi 4:5Matthew 11:13-14; Mark 9:11-13; Luke 1:17; 7:27-28
Jesus foretold His suffering and death. Prior to the crucifixion, both the guards of the priests and the Roman soldiers beat Jesus.
Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31Luke 22:63-65; Mark 14:53, 65; 15:33-37; John 19:1

Jesus said He would be handed over during the Passover. He was handed over at night, after the Galileans had celebrated the Passover but before the Judeans did.
Matthew 26:2John 19:14-16

Jesus said one of His disciples would betray Him. Judas indeed betrayed Him.
Matthew 26:21-22Luke 22:47-48

Jesus said the disciples would scatter. They did so at His arrest.
Matthew 26:31; Mark 14:27Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50

Jesus said Peter would deny Him. Peter did so during the trial before Caiaphas.
Matthew 26:33-34Matthew 26:69-75

Jesus said He would be handed over, killed, and rise again on the third day.
Mark 9:30-31; 10:32-34John 18-20

Jesus said He would be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, killed, and rise again three days later.
Mark 10:32-34John 18-20

Simeon said Jesus would cause many hearts to be revealed. The Sanhedrin was revealed to be jealous.
Luke 2:35Matthew 27:18

Simeon told Mary her soul would be pierced because of Jesus. She witnessed the crucifixion.
Luke 2:35John 19:25-27

Jesus said He would rebuild the “temple” (His body) after three days. He rose from the dead after three days.
John 2:18-22Acts 10:40; 1 Corinthians 15:4