Jesus: My Personal Journey with the Messiah
When I first encountered the story of Jesus, it wasn’t through grand proclamations or in the echo of church bells, but in the quiet, personal moments where prophecy met reality in my life. The life and mission of Jesus Christ, foretold in numerous biblical prophecies, affirm His identity not just as the Messiah or the Savior, but as a personal guide and friend. Here, I want to share how these prophecies have touched my life, reshaping my understanding of faith and purpose.
- A Messenger Would Prepare the Way
Isaiah’s prophecy about a voice in the wilderness (Isaiah 40:1-5,9)
Isaiah 40 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord[a];
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.[b]
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
This prophetic promise was embodied by John the Baptist, whose life mission was to prepare the way for Jesus. This resonates with me personally because, in my life, there have been those quiet, humble figures – friends, mentors, or even strangers – who’ve pointed me towards a deeper faith, much like John did for Jesus. They’ve taught me that preparation for Jesus can come in the most unassuming forms.
- The Messiah Would Perform Miracles
Isaiah 35:4-6
New International Version
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you.”
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.
The healing miracles described in Isaiah 35:4-6 are not just historical events; they’ve become a beacon of hope in my personal life. When my mother was diagnosed with a severe illness, the community’s prayers and our collective faith in Jesus’ healing power were a testament to His enduring miracles. Most of her life she fought a disease called Lupus, that ravaged her body with open rashes and sores and severely weakened her immune system. In desperation, she signed up with her ladies prayer group to charter a bus to go see the great Kathryn Kuhlman, travelling over 11 hours by bus with a deep racking cough and in great pain. She loved the services and felt the presence of God, yet her Lupus remained, so she thought all that she received was the inspirational touch of the Holy Spirit. Yet, several years later, during one of her regular medical examinations, the doctor showed her leasions on her lungs from her X-ray and asked her when she had pneumonia, and who did the surgery on her lungs, for there were clearly old wounds that appeared to been stitched up medically on her lungs. Then she recalled the burning sensation in her lungs during worship at the healing service, and realized that Jesus HAD healed her and saved her life, though she was not aware that was what He was doing to her at the time. Jesus still heals and does miracles today!
- The Messiah Would Proclaim Good News
When Jesus announced His fulfillment of Isaiah 61:1-2 in Luke, it was a declaration of liberation and joy.
Isaiah 61:
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
This prophecy has inspired my own efforts to share the gospel. This was the public declaration of Jesus as Messiah recorded for us in:
Luke 4:18-19
New International Version
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
- Entering Jerusalem on a Donkey
The humble entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey (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,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey. The New Testament verses that describe Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey are Matthew 21:1-11 and John 12:14-15
- Jesus Proclaimed Himself the Messiah
The personal revelation Jesus gave to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:25-26) John 4:25-26
New International Version
25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.
- A Son Called God
Isaiah 9:6-7’s depiction of Jesus as “Mighty God” and “Prince of Peace” has provided me with profound comfort during times of unrest. It’s a promise that the divine nature of Jesus offers stability and peace, no matter the external circumstances.
Isaiah 9:6-7
New International Version
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
- The Rejected Messiah
The prophecy of Jesus being despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:1-3) has made me reflect on my own moments of feeling isolated or misunderstood. Knowing that Jesus experienced this, and yet offered forgiveness, teaches me to extend the same grace to others, even when it’s not deserved.
Psalm 22: 16 My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
an evil gang closes in on me.
They have pierced[a] my hands and feet.
17 I can count all my bones.
My enemies stare at me and gloat.
18 They divide my garments among themselves
and throw dice[b] for my clothing.
A Personal Encounter with the Messiah
Isaiah 40 Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord[a];
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.[b]
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
I remember a moment, when I experienced JESUS, where a simple act of kindness from a child on a bus reminded me of Jesus’ compassion. It was a revelation that Jesus uses the least expected moments to speak His love and healing into our lives.
What Will You Do with Jesus?
The question isn’t just historical or theological; it’s immediate and personal. Who is Jesus to you today? For me, He’s become not just a figure of ancient prophecy but a living presence, guiding, healing, and challenging me to grow. This personal journey with Jesus invites each of us to consider our response to His call in our lives, to accept His authority, and to let His transformative love work through us.
If you are ready to join us on this wonderful journey:
Let’s pray:
‘Father God, Creator of the Universe, I want to know you. I choose to put my faith and trust in JESUS, and receive Him now, as my Lord and Savior. I believe you raised Him from the dead, and I ask you touch me and reveal Yourself to me, right now. Amen
