This Morning Air episode with John Morales and Catholic apologist William Albrecht is like a theological ride through the Old and New Testaments. They explore the prophecies of the Suffering Messiah.
Jesus Didn’t Just Show Up… He Was Prophesied
William explains how the Old Testament is packed with over 100 prophecies; yes, a hundred!… all pointing to Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection.
Isaiah 50-53 (aka the “Suffering Servant chapters”)
Wisdom 2
Isaiah 9 & 7 (Mighty God… Born of a Virgin… Prince of Peace)
These aren’t just vague predictions either; they’re specific.
🕊️ Isaiah 53: “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter…”
→ Fulfilled when Jesus stands silent before Pilate and gets crucified.
Wisdom 2: “Let’s test him… for he calls himself the Son of God…”
→ Matthew 27: Chief priests mock Jesus using almost verbatim language.
Revelation 5: A slain Lamb stands in victory: That’s our Eucharistic Jesus.
🏛️Even Ancient Non-Christians Understood
Turns out, even the enemies of Our Lord knew He died by crucifixion:
Tacitus (Roman historian): Calls it “the extreme penalty”
Josephus (Jewish historian): Confirms Jesus’ death
Lucian of Samosata (Greek satirist): Mocks Christians, but confirms the crucifixion
Jesus died: Historically. Publicly. And purposefully.
🧔📜Early Church Fathers
William mentions saints like:
St. Ignatius of Antioch (Disciple of St. John): Talks about Jesus as the Lamb
St. Irenaeus: Says Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s suffering servant prophecies
St. Polycarp: Another disciple of John
They knew the Apostles and were aware of the fulfillment of Scripture they saw firsthand.
✝️Lenten Takeaway: These Prophecies Are Personal
Here’s your Lenten to-do list straight from William and John:
-🛐 Pray the Stations of the Cross: walk with Jesus, step by step
-📖 Crack open Isaiah 53 & Wisdom 2
-Let the Old Testament light up your New Testament eyes 👀
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
