The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant events in Christian history. It is the cornerstone of Christianity, and without it, the faith would not exist.
Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. But where in the Old Testament does it talk about Jesus’ resurrection? Let’s explore.
Prophecies About Resurrection
The Old Testament contains several prophecies about a coming Messiah who would rise from the dead. One such prophecy is found in Psalm 16:10, which says, “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” This verse was quoted by Peter in Acts 2:27-31 as evidence that Jesus’ resurrection was foretold by King David.
Another prophecy about resurrection is found in Isaiah 53:10-11, which says, “Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.” This passage speaks of a suffering servant who would die for others but ultimately triumph over death.
Jesus’ Own Words
In addition to Old Testament prophecies about resurrection, Jesus himself spoke about his own impending death and resurrection. In Matthew 12:40, Jesus said, “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” This statement makes it clear that Jesus knew he would die and be buried, but also that he would rise again after three days.
Conclusion
While the Old Testament does not explicitly mention the name “Jesus” in relation to the resurrection, it contains several prophecies that point to this event. These prophecies, coupled with Jesus’ own words about his death and resurrection, provide ample evidence that his rising from the dead was foretold in the Old Testament. As Christians, we can take comfort in knowing that our faith is founded on solid biblical evidence.