The Messianic Promise
The Ancient Jewish Belief in a Promised Messiah From 597 BCE onward, the Ancient Jews were ruled by foreign rulers: Babylonians, Persians, Alexander the Great (the Greeks would rule the region from 323-142 BCE), Romans (63 BCE ....) During this time they dreamed of God sending them a great leader who would liberate them.
Continued The ancient Jews yearned for a “Son of David,” one from the family line of this beloved King who would restore them to their place of prominence in the world, who would lead them to victory over their enemies, into peace and prosperity as King David had done.
Continued Over time the idea of the Messiah developed the following mythic qualities: A LIBERATOR A WARRIOR-KING A GREAT MILITARY LEADER A HIGH PRIEST NATIONAL HERO SERVANT OF GOD A GREAT JUDGE
Group Activity Summarize the passage (the Messianic Promise). Explain if/how Jesus fulfilled the Messianic Promise described in the passage. Try to come up with specific examples of how you think Jesus’s words and actions reflect the passage (eg. Search the NT)