Episode 1249: Christ was born into the New Testament

In the Old Testament, there are several passages that are considered to foreshadow or speak about Jesus Christ. These passages are often interpreted by Catholics as prophecies that point to the coming of Jesus and his role as the Messiah.Show more

I am providing just 15 notable examples as follows:

1. Genesis 3:15: Known as the protoevangelium, this verse speaks of the seed of the woman who will crush the head of the serpent, symbolizing victory over sin and Satan.

"Inimicitias ponam inter te et mulierem, et semen tuum et semen illius: ipsa conteret caput tuum, et tu insidiaberis calcaneo eius." (Genesis 3:15, Vulgate)

This translation conveys the same message as other translations, including the understanding of enmity between the serpent and the woman and her offspring, with the woman ultimately crushing the serpent's head.

Now you may ask why are we starting with a passage that appears to point to the Blessed Mother rather than Jesus. Well lets first look at the Vulgate version of this passage. "She shall crush your head, and you shall lie in wait for her heel." "Ipsa conteret caput tuum, et tu insidiaberis calcaneo eius."The Protestants stated that St Jerome used a pronoun that was female when it should have been male and so there was a mistake. Now are we to believe a heretic or St Jerome? Notice how the Protestants want to translate that passage. "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."

Now even though the Protestants need to eliminate any reference to Mary prior to her birth so as not to point to scripture confirming she was the coredemptorists even if they change the words, to point to either Mary or Jesus in Gensis was pointing to Christ 4,000 years before his birth.

2. Genesis 12:3: "Benedicam benedicentibus tibi et maledicam maledicentibus tibi et in te benedicentur cunctae cognationes terrae." (Vulgate)

In English, this verse can be translated as:

"I will bless those who bless you, and him who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:3, English Standard Version)

So the Vulgate translation captures the essence of the promise made by God to Abraham (then known as Abram). God promises to bless those who bless Abraham and curse those who curse him. Additionally, it states that through Abraham, all the families of the earth will be blessed. This verse is seen by Catholics as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ, who would come from the lineage of Abraham and bring blessings to all nations.
3. Isaiah 7:14:
"Ecce virgo concipiet et pariet filium et vocabitur nomen eius Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, Vulgate)
In English, this verse can be translated as:
"Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, English Standard Version)
This verse is a prophecy foretelling the birth of Jesus Christ. The Vulgate translation captures the prophecy of a virgin conceiving and giving birth to a son, whose name would be called Emmanuel, meaning "God is with us." Catholics believe that this prophecy finds its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus, as described in the New Testament accounts.
4. Isaiah 9:6:
"Parvulus enim natus est nobis, filius datus est nobis, et factus est principatus super humerum eius, et vocabitur nomen eius Admirabilis, Consiliarius, Deus, Fortis, Pater futuri saeculi, Princeps pacis." (Isaiah 9:6, Vulgate)
In English, this verse can be translated as:
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; and the government is upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
This verse is regarded as a Messianic prophecy, and Catholics interpret it as referring to Jesus Christ. The Vulgate translation captures the description of a child who would be born, with names and titles given to him that signify his extraordinary nature and role. The titles include Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace, emphasizing Jesus' divine nature and his role as the bringer of peace and salvation.
5. Isaiah 53:
"Quid credidimus auditui nostro et brachium Domini cui revelatum est?" (Isaiah 53:1, Vulgate)
"Vere languores nostros ipse tulit et dolores nostros ipse portavit, et nos putavimus eum quasi leprosum, et percussum a Deo et humiliatum." (Isaiah 53:4, Vulgate)
"Tulerunt autem eum propter iniquitates nostras, attriti sunt a peccatis nostris; disciplina pacis nostrae super eum et livore eius sanati sumus." (Isaiah 53:5, Vulgate)
"Iniquitatem autem nostram ipse tulit et pro nobis rogavit." (Isaiah 53:12, Vulgate)
These are the selected verses from Isaiah 53 in the Vulgate. The chapter as a whole is a prophetic passage that is often interpreted by Catholics as foreshadowing the suffering and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The verses speak of the servant who bears our sins, carries our sorrows, and intercedes for us. The Vulgate translation captures the essence of this prophecy in Latin, emphasizing the idea of the servant taking on our iniquities and offering himself for our redemption.
6. Micah 5:2:
"Et tu Bethlehem Ephrata, parvulus es in millibus Iuda; ex te mihi egredietur qui sit dominator in Israel, et egressus eius a principio, a diebus aeternitatis." (Micah 5:2, Vulgate)
In English, this verse can be translated as:
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
This verse is often seen as a prophecy regarding the birthplace of the future Messiah. Catholics interpret this verse as pointing to the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, as recorded in the New Testament. The Vulgate translation captures the prophecy that from Bethlehem, a ruler will come forth who will have authority over Israel.
7. Psalm 22:
"Deus, Deus meus, respice in me; quare me dereliquisti?" (Psalmus 22:1, Vulgate)
"Eripe a framea, Deus, animam meam et de manu canis unicam meam." (Psalmus 22:20, Vulgate)
"Dominabitur a mari usque ad mare, et a flumine usque ad terminos terrae." (Psalmus 22:28, Vulgate)
"Et semen eius serviet illi; narrabitur de Domino generationi ventura." (Psalmus 22:30, Vulgate)
These are a few selected verses from Psalm 22 in the Vulgate. Psalm 22 is a prophetic psalm often associated with Jesus Christ, particularly because it contains various elements that parallel Jesus' crucifixion and suffering. The psalm begins with a cry of anguish and abandonment, but it eventually turns to a note of triumph and praise for God's deliverance. The Vulgate translation captures the emotional and poetic language of the psalm in Latin.
8. Psalm 2:7-9:
"Nuntiabo decretum Domini. Dixit ad me: Filius meus es tu; ego hodie genui te. Postula a me, et dabo tibi gentes hereditatem tuam, et possessionem tuam terminos terrae. Reges eos in virga ferrea, et tamquam vas figuli confringes eos." (Psalmus 2:7-9, Vulgate)
In English, this passage can be translated as:
"I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
Psalm 2 is a Messianic psalm that speaks of the authority and kingship of the promised Messiah. The Vulgate translation captures the declaration of God's decree regarding His Son, the promised King. It highlights the inheritance and dominion that the Messiah would receive, as well as his power to rule and subdue the nations. Christians interpret these verses as pointing to Jesus Christ and His ultimate authority and kingship.
9. Zechariah 9:9:
"Laetare satis filia Sion; iubila, filia Ierusalem; ecce rex tuus venit tibi iustus et salvator, ipse pauper et ascendens super asinam et super pullum filium asinae." (Zechariah 9:9, Vulgate)
In English, this verse can be translated as:
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9, English Standard Version)
Zechariah 9:9 is a prophecy that speaks of the coming of a humble king who would bring salvation. Christians often interpret this verse as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, as recorded in the Gospels. The Vulgate translation captures the anticipation of the promised King's arrival and emphasizes his righteous nature, his role as a savior, and his humble manner of transportation.
10. Isaiah 11:1-5:
"Et egredietur virga de radice Iesse, et flos de radice eius ascendet. Et requiescet super eum spiritus Domini: spiritus sapientiae et intellectus, spiritus consilii et fortitudinis, spiritus scientiae et pietatis. Et replebit eum spiritus timoris Domini. Non secundum visionem oculorum iudicabit, neque secundum auditum aurium arguet; sed iudicabit in iustitia pauperes, et arguet in aequitate pro mansuetis terrae; et percutiet terram virga oris sui et spiritu labiorum suorum interficiet impium. Et erit iustitia cingulum lumborum eius et fides cinctorium renum eius." (Isaiah 11:1-5, Vulgate)
In English, this passage can be translated as:
"And there shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins."
Isaiah 11:1-5 is a prophetic passage that speaks of a future ruler, often interpreted as a messianic figure, who would come from the line of Jesse, the father of King David. Christians associate this prophecy with Jesus Christ, highlighting his righteous judgment, wisdom, and the spirit of the Lord resting upon him. The Vulgate translation captures the rich imagery and message of this passage in Latin.
11. Isaiah 42:1-4:
"Ecce servus meus, suscipiam eum; electus meus, complacuit sibi in eo. Ponam spiritum meum super eum, iudicium gentibus proferet. Non clamabit neque accipiet personam neque audietur vox eius foris. Calamum quassatum non confringet et linum fumigans non extinguet; in veritate educet iudicium. Non erit tristis neque turbidus donec ponat in terra iudicium; et legem eius insulae exspectabunt." (Isaiah 42:1-4, Vulgate)

In English, this passage can be translated as:

"Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law."

Isaiah 42:1-4 is a passage often associated with the Servant of the Lord, understood by Catholics as a prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The passage speaks of a chosen servant upon whom God's Spirit rests, and who will bring justice to the nations. The Vulgate translation captures the essence of this prophecy, emphasizing the servant's gentle and just character, his mission to establish justice, and the anticipation of the servant's law by the coastlands.

12. Daniel 7:13-14:
"Vidi in visione noctis, et ecce cum nubibus caeli quasi Filius hominis veniebat, et usque ad antiquum dierum pervenit, et coram eum obtulerunt eum. Et potestas et honor et regnum datum est ei, et omnes populi, tribus et linguae ipsi servient; potestas eius potestas aeterna, quae non auferetur, et regnum eius quod non corrumpetur." (Daniel 7:13-14, Vulgate)

In English, this passage can be translated as:
"I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."

Daniel 7:13-14 contains a vision of Daniel where he sees a figure "like a son of man" coming with the clouds of heaven and receiving dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom from the Ancient of Days. This passage is often interpreted by Catholics as a prophecy of the exalted reign and authority of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Son of Man" in the New Testament. The Vulgate translation captures the majesty and eternal nature of the dominion and kingdom bestowed upon the one like a son of man.
13. Hosea 11:1:
"Quando Israël parvulus erat, dilexi eum, et ex Ægypto vocavi filium meum." (Hosea 11:1, Vulgate)
In English, this verse can be translated as:
"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son." (Hosea 11:1, English Standard Version)
Hosea 11:1 is a verse that reflects God's love for Israel and His deliverance of them from Egypt during the time of the Exodus. In a broader context, this verse also carries Messianic significance as it is quoted in the New Testament in reference to Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, the verse is applied to Jesus, highlighting the parallel between Israel as God's son and Jesus as the Son of God. The Vulgate translation captures the expression of God's love and the historical event of calling His son out of Egypt.
14. Jeremiah 31:31-34:
"Ecce dies veniunt, dicit Dominus, et feriamus domui Israël et domui Iuda foedus novum; non secundum foedus quod percussum sum cum patribus eorum in die qua apprehendi manum eorum ut educerem eos de terra Ægypti, quod irritaverunt pactum meum, et ego dominatus sum eorum, dicit Dominus. Sed hoc pactum, quod feriam cum domo Israël post dies illos, dicit Dominus: dabo legem meam in visceribus eorum et in corde eorum scribam eam, et ero eis in Deum, et ipsi erunt mihi in populum; et non docebit unusquisque proximum suum et unusquisque fratrem suum dicens: Cognoscite Dominum; quia omnes scient me a minimo eorum usque ad maiorem eorum, dicit Dominus; quia propitius ero iniquitati eorum et peccati eorum et nullos amplius recordabor." (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Vulgate)

In English, this passage can be translated as:
"Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."

Jeremiah 31:31-34 is a prophetic passage that speaks of a future covenant that God will make with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. This new covenant is described as different from the previous one established during the Exodus from Egypt. The new covenant will involve God's law being written on the hearts of the people, a deeper and more personal relationship with God, and the forgiveness of sins. Catholics view this passage as pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the new covenant through His sacrifice. The Vulgate translation captures the essence of this prophecy, emphasizing the newness and transformative nature of the covenant God will make with His people.
15. Zechariah 12:10:
"Et effundam super domum David et super habitatores Ierusalem spiritum gratiae et precum; et aspicient ad me, quem confixerunt, et plangent eum planctu quasi super unigenitum, et dolebunt super eum ut doleri solet in morte primogeniti." (Zechariah 12:10, Vulgate)

In English, this verse can be translated as:
"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn."

Zechariah 12:10 is a prophetic verse that speaks of a future event where the people of Jerusalem will look upon someone whom they have pierced and mourn for him. Catholics interpret this verse as a prophecy pointing to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, where he was pierced through his hands and feet on the cross. The Vulgate translation captures the imagery and sorrow associated with this future event, emphasizing the mourning and weeping that will occur.
These are just a few examples of the passages in the Old Testament that are often associated with Jesus Christ by Catholics.
Conclusion:
So now that we have covered the 15 examples, lets look at all the other world religions as follows:
These include:
Catholicism
The founder was Jesus Christ and so we showed how he was foretold.
Lutheranism & all the sects of Protestantism & Orthodox
They claim their founder is Jesus Christ but once they separated from his Mystical Body and appointed mere men as their founders (Martin Luther and all his decentandt and heretics are children religons of Martin Luther) (The Orthodox Church separated from the Catholic Church at the Great Schism of 1054 Ecumenical Patriarch following the Great Schism was Michael I Cerularius)
Islam
Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad is the last and final messenger of God. The Qur'an contains prophecies and references to his coming, including in Surah As-Saff (61:6) and Surah Al-A'raf (7:157). But Prophet Muhammad was never foretold.
Hinduism
Hinduism has a rich mythology and belief in the cycles of creation and destruction. There are prophecies and references to avatars or incarnations of deities, such as Lord Vishnu, who is believed to descend to Earth in various forms to restore balance and righteousness. But the founder was never foretold.
Buddhism
While Buddhism does not have specific prophecies about the arrival of Gautama Buddha, there are some Buddhist traditions and texts that mention Maitreya Buddha as a future Buddha who will come to guide and teach humanity. But its founder was never foretold.
Sikhism
Sikhism teaches that the founder of the faith, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was chosen by God and sent to guide humanity. While there may not be explicit prophecies about Guru Nanak Dev Ji's coming, his birth and mission are considered a divine plan. But there founder was never foretold.
Judaism
God spoke to Abraham directly about the founding of Judaism however since the reject Christ, God rejected them.
Bahá'í Faith
The Bahá'í Faith was founded by Bahá'u'lláh, whose birth name was Mirza Husayn Ali Nuri. He was born in Tehran, Persia (now Iran) in 1817. Bahá'u'lláh declared His mission as the messenger of God for this age in 1863. He claimed to fulfill the prophecies of previous religious traditions and to bring a new revelation from God for the betterment of humanity. Bahá'u'lláh's teachings emphasize the unity of all religions, the oneness of humanity, and the need for global peace and justice. His writings and teachings form the foundation of the Bahá'í Faith. The founder was never foretold.
Jainism
Jainism was founded by Lord Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana Mahavira. He was born in 599 BCE in the ancient kingdom of Magadha, which is present-day Bihar, India. Lord Mahavira is considered the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism.
At the age of 30, Mahavira renounced his princely life and embarked on a path of rigorous spiritual practice and asceticism. After years of intense meditation and self-discipline, he attained enlightenment, known as Kevala Jnana, at the age of 42.
Mahavira spent the next several decades traveling throughout ancient India, preaching his philosophy and gathering disciples. He emphasized the principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-attachment (aparigraha), and compassion for all living beings. His teachings focused on liberating the soul from the cycle of birth and death and attaining moksha (liberation).
Lord Mahavira's teachings formed the basis of Jainism, a religious tradition that continues to be practiced by millions of people today. The founder was never foretold.
Shinto
The origins of Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, are believed to date back to ancient times, and it does not have a single founder in the same way that some other religions do. Instead, Shinto evolved organically over many centuries as a collection of beliefs and practices associated with the spiritual traditions of Japan.
Shinto is deeply rooted in the cultural and mythological history of Japan. Its practices and rituals are influenced by indigenous Japanese folklore, nature worship, ancestor veneration, and the reverence of kami (spirits or deities). The development of Shinto can be attributed to a gradual accumulation of beliefs and rituals that were passed down through generations.
Throughout Japanese history, Shinto has been closely intertwined with the country's political and social systems. The imperial family and the emperor of Japan, as the symbolic head of state, have played significant roles in Shinto ceremonies and rituals.
While Shinto does not have a specific founder, it is considered a fundamental part of Japanese identity and culture. Therefore it was never foretold and is of man.
Taoism
Taoism, also known as Daoism, is an ancient Chinese philosophical and religious tradition. It does not have a specific founder, but it developed over time through the contributions of various thinkers and sages. Therefore it was never foretold.
The foundational text of Taoism is the Tao Te Ching (also spelled Dao De Jing), attributed to the philosopher Laozi (also known as Lao Tzu), who is considered a key figure in Taoist philosophy. However, the exact identity and existence of Laozi is a subject of debate among scholars, and he may be more of a legendary figure than a historical person.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism contains prophecies about the coming of a savior figure known as Saoshyant or Shah Bahram, who will help defeat evil and bring about a time of renewal and resurrection. But their founder was never foretold.