The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

CYRUS POINTS TO THE MESSIAH

About 150 years beforehand, Isaiah prophesied the events described in the book of Ezra. He foretold that Cyrus would be the Lord’s “shepherd” and would rebuild Jerusalem and its temple (Isa 44:28). This prophecy was fulfilled in Ezra 1:2 – 4 when Cyrus proclaimed that he would rebuild the Lord’s temple and he released the Israelites to return to their homeland for the construction project. This pagan king can be viewed as a foreshadowing of the Messiah.

Like Cyrus but much better, the true Messiah is a king-shepherd who rules with the Lord’s authority (Eze 34:23 – 24; 37:24 – 25; Jn 10:11). Like Cyrus, Jesus Christ would build God’s house. Jesus said that his body was the temple, which would be destroyed and then raised up again in three days (Jn 2:19 – 22). Also, the church is the new “holy temple in the Lord” which Jesus built by his death and resurrection (Eph 2:19 – 22). Finally, like Cyrus, the Messiah would bring about a new exodus.

The original exodus — when the Lord saved his people from slavery in Egypt — was the premier salvation event in the Old Testament. However, a promise was made that a new exodus would occur in the future, with the Lord freeing his people from slavery forever and living among them. Passages like Isaiah 11 and Ezekiel 37 prophesied that the Messiah would accomplish this new and final salvation, and the New Testament describes the fulfillment of these prophecies in Jesus of Nazareth (cf. Rev 21:1 – 5).

Jesus, you are a mighty king and a gentle shepherd. Thank you for setting me free from slavery to sin and for protectively leading me through this life. Amen.