Predictions of the death and resurrection of Jesus can be found throughout the Old Testament, as well as in the New Testament by Jesus himself. Let’s examine a few of the scriptures in which these predictions can be found.

Old Testament Predictions of Jesus’ Execution, Death and Resurrection

Luke 24:44-47 – Jesus repeated the claims the Old Testament (OT) had predicted. (Luke 18:31-34; Acts 17:3; Acts 26:22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:4)

Isaiah 50:6 – Would be flogged and spit on

Isaiah 53:1-3 – Would be rejected by his own people

Isaiah 53:4,5,11,12 – Would suffer vicariously 

Isaiah 53:7-10; Acts 8:29-35 – Predictions of the Messiah, and their fulfillment in Jesus
Isaiah 53:7 – Lamb to slaughter. Silent when accused.
Isaiah 53:8 – Cut off from living
Isaiah 53:9 – Buried with the rich
Isaiah 53:10-12 – Would suffer and die, be executed with rebels, would prolong his days and see his offspring.  How could this be unless Jesus was  resurrected?

Zechariah 12:10 – “When they look on him whom they have thrust through, they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and they will grieve for him as one grieves over a firstborn” (NAB). John 19:34,37 applies this prophecy to the execution of Jesus, “they will look to the one whom they pierced” (NJB). Revelation 1:7 also makes an allusion to it, “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him” (NIV).

Psalm 16:9-10 – Quoted and explained in Acts 13:29-39; Acts 2:23-32. Predicts one who wouldn’t see corruption, not stay in Hades. Can’t apply to David, who did see corruption. (Acts 2:30-31) Refers to the resurrection of Christ, who didn’t see corruption.

Jesus’ Predictions of His Resurrection

John 2:18-22; Matthew 12:39-40; Matthew 16:21-22; Matthew 19:9; Matthew 19:22-23; Matthew 26:31-32; Mark 9:9-10; Mark 9:31-32
Jesus repeatedly predicted with his death and his resurrection.

Matthew 20:18-19 – Jesus predicted he would be:
Vs. 18 – Betrayed to Jewish leaders.
Vs. 19 – Killed by Gentiles, who would scourge and crucify (a uniquely Roman execution).  “He [would] be raised on the third day” (NIV).
Such detail is extraordinary.

Matthew 27:62-66 – Even Jesus’ enemies acknowledged he had predicted his resurrection, so they had an official seal put over the tomb entrance and they had it securely guarded. If Jesus made these claims and kept his followers after death, this would be substantial evidence that his claims may be true.

Matthew 16:22; Mark 9:10; Like 18:34; John 20:9 – When Jesus predicted his resurrection and its aftermath, his disciples repeatedly didn’t understand, or believe, them. Why would they later hallucinate or make up false claims, when they had repeatedly opposed those predictions?

Jesus ‘Crucifixion – Fulfillment of Prophecy

John 19:1-3; Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15 – Roman flogging by (Gk.) flagellum, thongs laced with sharp pieces of iron, glass or bone. No limits. Ancient writers described victims sometimes even being disemboweled, or having their bones laid bare by the flagellum.

Matthew 27:35-54 – Nailed to cross by spikes driven through his hands and feet, remained there at least three hours. (Mark 15:24-39; Luke 23:33-47; John 19:16-30; Psalm 22:16)

Mark 15:37-39; Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46; John 19:30-33 – All four gospels specifically state that he died in.

Mark 15:44-45 – Centurion certified Jesus’ death to Pilate.