Football is sometimes called “The beautiful game”. Apart from the occasional run of good form, supporters at Elland Road would not normally describe what they see as beautiful. The same goes for anyone that does not support a multi-billion-pound club. The usual shouts of supporters might be “What do you think you’re playing at?” as a player makes a rash tackle or, horror of horrors, scores an own goal. “What was the point of that?” the crowd may shout.
To stay with the analogy, Jesus dying on the cross may have seemed like an own goal. Indeed, even his closest disciples would have been confused and frightened at the sight and wondered “What was the point of that?” Yet Jesus had told them many times that he would die.
“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me”. Luke 24:44
Prophecies regarding Jesus are woven through the entire Old Testament. If we take a few that could potentially be fulfilled by any of the apostles we realise that the probability of ALL of them being fulfilled by one man are impossible. Unless of course He is the Messiah.
The Messiah would enter Jerusalem on a Donkey (Zechariah 9:9) Would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12) About the Temple and the potter’s field (Zechariah 11:13) Would have wounds in his hands (Zechariah 13:6)) Jesus would not defend himself (Isaiah 53:7) Died with the wicked and was buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:9) Would be wounded through his hands and feet (Psalm 22:16)
I encourage you to look them up and study them. There are roughly 350 regarding The Messiah of 8,362 prophecies in total if you are interested. Propecies authenticate the Bible, prophecies fulfilled by Jesus authenticate Jesus as the Son of God.
And what is the point of that?
(Very briefly) Because of the “original sin” we are separated from God and destined to die. Jesus, as the paschal sacrifice, shed his
blood for us on the cross. If we accept Jesus as the Messiah, our sins are paid for, and we receive eternal life through Jesus.
That’s the point.
Gareth Gadd