In this lesson, Jared Street explores how Old Testament prophecies validate Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. Building upon the previous class regarding Jesus genealogy, Street highlights that there are over 300 Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament written over a span of 1,500 years by around 40 distinct authors.

To demonstrate the divine design behind these scriptures, the class examines Peter Stoners statistical model from Science Speaks, which calculates the probability of one person fulfilling just 8 prophecies at 1 in 10 to the 17th power (illustrated as blindfolding a person and having them pick one specific marked silver dollar from a two-foot-deep layer covering the entire state of Texas). The teacher divides key prophecies into four major categories: Jesus birth, ministry, death and resurrection, and role in the church, and facilitates a group discussion on how these fulfillments reveal Gods unified plan across both Testaments.

In Class 4 of the Who is Jesus adult Bible study series, Jared Street examines Old Testament Messianic prophecies and their direct fulfillment in the New Testament. Discover the mathematical probability behind Jesus fulfilling these ancient predictions, the evidence found in historical records like the Dead Sea Scrolls, and how key events—from Christs virgin birth and parabolic ministry to his crucifixion and resurrection—were foretold centuries in advance. The lesson concludes with a thoughtful discussion on how the Old Testament points to a single, grand narrative of salvation through Jesus Christ.

I. Introduction and Statistical Probabilities of Prophecy
* Context and Reciting Previous Class: Briefly reviewing Class 3 on the genealogy of Joseph and Abrahamic/Davidic promises.
* Scope of Prophecy: Over 300 Old Testament prophecies detail the coming of Jesus.
* Historical Context: Written over roughly 1,500 years across around 40 different authors.
* Historical Validity and Dead Sea Scrolls: Dated over 100 years before Christs birth, proving prophecies were written well before the events took place.
* Mathematical Probability (Peter Stoners Science Speaks):
* Odds of 1 person fulfilling 8 prophecies: 1 in 10 to the 17th power.
* Visual illustration: Covering Texas 2 feet deep in silver dollars and picking 1 marked coin blindfolded.
* Odds of fulfilling 48 prophecies: 1 in 10 to the 157th power.

II. Category 1: Prophecies of Jesus Birth
* The Virgin Birth:
* Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14
* Fulfillment: Luke 1:34-35

* Called Out of Egypt:
* Prophecy: Hosea 11:1
* Fulfillment: Matthew 2:14-15 (Joseph fleeing Herods decree).

* Birthplace in Bethlehem:
* Prophecy: Micah 5:2
* Fulfillment: Matthew 2:4-6

III. Category 2: Prophecies of Jesus Ministry
* Teaching in Parables:
* Prophecy: Psalm 78:1-2
* Fulfillment: Matthew 13:34-35

* Unresponsive Audiences / Dull Hearts:
* Prophecy: Isaiah 6:9-10
* Fulfillment: Matthew 13:13-15

* Despised and Rejected by Men:
* Prophecy: Isaiah 53:3
* Fulfillment: Luke 4:28-29 (Townspeople driving Him to the cliff).

IV. Category 3: Death, Burial, and Resurrection
* Blood Spilled for Atonement: Leviticus 17:11 fulfilled in Matthew 26:28.
* Not One Bone Broken:
* Prophecy: Psalm 34:20
* Fulfillment: John 19:31-36 (Roman soldier refraining from breaking legs).

* Thirst and Offered Vinegar: Psalm 22:15 and Psalm 69:21 fulfilled in John 19:28-30 and Matthew 27:48.
* Hands and Feet Pierced: Psalm 22:16 fulfilled in John 19:36-37.
* Resurrection (Not Seeing Decay):
* Prophecy: Psalm 16:9-11
* Fulfillment: Acts 2:27-31

V. Class Discussion and Application
* Perspectives on Prophecy: Discussion on the advantages modern believers have compared to 1st-century audiences (having full written scripture vs. hearing partial reports).
* Category 4: Role in the Church:
* New Covenant: Jeremiah 31:31 fulfilled in Matthew 26:28.
* Judging the World: Psalm 9:7-10 fulfilled in Acts 17:31.
* Pouring out the Spirit: Isaiah 44:3 fulfilled in John 16:7.

* Purpose of the Old Testament: Recognizing the Old Testament as an interconnected single story pointing toward Jesus rather than just isolated history.