The idea of Jesus being the 'Son of God' or God incarnate was not a Christian invention in the First Century. The Old Testament, written centuries before Jesus, clearly pointed to this reality and God's plan all along. 


1. The Prophecy of Immanuel: “God with Us”

One of the clearest prophecies comes from the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 7:14, we read:

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

The name “Immanuel” means “God with us.” This isn’t just a poetic expression; it points to a profound truth: a child would be born who would embody the very presence of God among His people. In the New Testament, this prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus (Matthew 1:23), who wasn’t merely a messenger of God but God Himself dwelling with us.


2. The Child Who Is Called “Mighty God”

Another striking prophecy comes just two chapters later. In Isaiah 9:6, the birth of a special child is foretold:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Notice the titles given to this child: “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father.” These are divine titles that belong to God alone. How could a mere human child bear such names? This prophecy anticipates a child who would be more than a human leader—He would be God Himself, coming to rule and bring peace.


3. The Divine Ruler from Bethlehem

In Micah 5:2, a prophecy points to the birthplace of a future ruler:

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 prophecy is significant for two reasons. First, it pinpoints Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. Second, it states that this ruler’s origins are from eternity (“from of old, from ancient times”). This suggests that the coming ruler existed before His human birth—a strong indication of divinity.


4. The Anointed “Son of Man” in the Book of Daniel

In Daniel 7:13-14, the prophet Daniel has a vision of a heavenly figure:

In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.

The phrase “Son of Man” refers to a human-like figure. Yet this figure has divine attributes: He comes with the clouds of heaven (a sign of divinity), receives worship (which is reserved for God), and is given eternal dominion. These attributes were for God alone. Jesus later identified Himself with this “Son of Man” (Mark 14:62), confirming His role as the divine-human figure foretold in Daniel.


5. The Lord Visiting His Temple

In Malachi 3:1, we read this prophecy:

I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come.

Here, God Himself says that He will come to His temple. This prophecy implies that God would enter into human history and physically come to His dwelling place on earth. In the New Testament, Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the messenger preparing the way (Matthew 11:10) and Himself as the Lord who comes to the temple.


6. The Prophecy of the Suffering Servant

In Isaiah 53, we find a detailed prophecy about a “Servant” who would suffer and die for the sins of the people. In Isaiah 53:5, it says:

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

This Servant bears the sins of others, a role that goes beyond any human prophet or leader. The passage points to a divine figure taking on human suffering to provide salvation—a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross.


Why These Prophecies Matter

The Old Testament’s hints and prophecies weren’t vague. They consistently pointed to a divine figure who would enter human history, not just as a messenger, but as God Himself in human form. This is fulfilled in Jesus, who perfectly matches these expectations.

Jesus’ arrival as God in the flesh isn’t a contradiction to God’s majesty or oneness—it’s the ultimate expression of His desire to be known and to save His creation. He stepped into our world to reveal His love, offer forgiveness, and bridge the gap between us and Him.