The Root and the Branch: 25 Scriptures That Point to Jesus, the Jewish Messiah
In many homes, the weeks leading up to Christmas are marked by traditions like decorating the tree, lighting candles, and counting down the days with an Advent calendar. For some, there’s another meaningful tradition: the Jesse Tree.
Named after Isaiah 11:1, which says, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit,” the Jesse Tree is a way to reflect on the family line of Jesus and God’s unfolding plan of redemption through history.
Unlike your typical Christmas tree, the Jesse tree serves as a visual reminder of the biblical story leading to the birth of the Messiah. Some families will create a symbol placed on the tree to represent a key figure, event, or promise from the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament).
It’s a way for families to pause and remember how God’s promises to Abraham, David, and Israel find their fulfillment in Jesus, the Jewish Messiah.
For Messianic believers, this tradition takes on even deeper meaning. It reminds us that Jesus didn’t emerge in a vacuum - He was born into the rich soil of Jewish history. His story is Act Two of God’s great narrative, but it’s rooted in Act One. To know Him fully, we must know the story that came before Him.
This Advent season, we invite you to journey through 25 passages from the Hebrew Scriptures. Each one points to the Messiah and shows how Jesus fulfills God’s promises. Whether you use these as daily reflections, as part of a Jesse Tree tradition, or simply to deepen your understanding of Scripture, this is an invitation to anticipate the coming of the Jewish Messiah with fresh eyes.
Let’s discover together how Act One leads us to Act Two - and how the hope of this season connects us to the hope of His return.
25 Passages from Act One and Their Act Two Connections:
Genesis 3:15 – The Seed of the Woman
Fulfilled in Galatians 4:4 – Jesus, born of a woman, defeats sin and Satan.Genesis 12:3 – Through Abraham, All Nations Will Be Blessed
Fulfilled in Matthew 1:1 – Jesus, the son of Abraham, brings salvation to the world.Genesis 22:8 – God Will Provide the Lamb
Fulfilled in John 1:29 – Jesus, the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world.Exodus 12:13 – The Blood of the Passover Lamb Saves
Fulfilled in 1 Corinthians 5:7 – Jesus is our Passover Lamb, sacrificed for us.Leviticus 17:11 – Life Is in the Blood
Fulfilled in Hebrews 9:22 – Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness, Jesus’ blood secures our redemption.Deuteronomy 18:15 – A Prophet Like Moses Will Come
Fulfilled in John 6:14 – Jesus is the prophet greater than Moses.2 Samuel 7:12-13 – The Eternal Kingdom Through David’s Line
Fulfilled in Luke 1:32-33 – Jesus, the son of David, reigns forever.Psalm 2:7 – “You Are My Son”
Fulfilled in Matthew 3:17 – God declares Jesus as His beloved Son at His baptism.Psalm 22:16-18 – The Suffering Servant
Fulfilled in John 19:23-24 – Jesus’ crucifixion mirrors the details of this psalm.Psalm 110:1 – The Lord Said to My Lord
Fulfilled in Matthew 22:44 – Jesus claims this verse about His divine authority.Isaiah 7:14 – A Virgin Shall Conceive
Fulfilled in Matthew 1:22-23 – Jesus is born of a virgin, Immanuel, God with us.Isaiah 9:6-7 – Unto Us a Child Is Born
Fulfilled in Luke 2:11 – The birth of Jesus fulfills the prophecy of the child who is Mighty God.Isaiah 11:1-2 – The Branch from Jesse’s Roots
Fulfilled in Luke 3:23-38 – Jesus’ genealogy confirms His descent from David and Jesse.Isaiah 40:3 – Prepare the Way of the Lord
Fulfilled in Matthew 3:3 – John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus.Isaiah 42:1-4 – The Servant of the Lord Brings Justice
Fulfilled in Matthew 12:18-21 – Jesus fulfills this prophecy as God’s chosen servant.Isaiah 53:3-6 – The Man of Sorrows Who Bore Our Iniquities
Fulfilled in 1 Peter 2:24 – Jesus bears our sins in His body on the cross.Jeremiah 23:5-6 – The Righteous Branch
Fulfilled in John 10:11 – Jesus is the righteous Shepherd King.Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The New Covenant
Fulfilled in Luke 22:20 – Jesus establishes the New Covenant through His blood.Ezekiel 34:23-24 – The Shepherd Over God’s People
Fulfilled in John 10:14 – Jesus is the Good Shepherd.Daniel 7:13-14 – The Son of Man Will Have an Eternal Kingdom
Fulfilled in Matthew 26:64 – Jesus claims to be the Son of Man who will come in glory.Hosea 11:1 – Out of Egypt I Called My Son
Fulfilled in Matthew 2:15 – Jesus’ family flees to and returns from Egypt.Micah 5:2 – The Messiah Will Be Born in Bethlehem
Fulfilled in Matthew 2:6 – Jesus is born in Bethlehem as prophesied.Zechariah 9:9 – The King Comes Riding on a Donkey
Fulfilled in John 12:15 – Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey.Zechariah 12:10 – They Will Look on Him Whom They Have Pierced
Fulfilled in John 19:37 – Jesus’ crucifixion fulfills this prophecy.Malachi 4:2 – The Sun of Righteousness Will Rise with Healing
Fulfilled in Matthew 4:16 – Jesus is the Light who brings healing and salvation.
Anticipation of the Messiah
As we reflect on these verses, we see a story written long before Jesus’ birth, woven together by God’s hand. Advent is a season to remember and to anticipate. The same promises fulfilled in Jesus’ first coming anchor our hope for His return.
This season, may we root ourselves in the story of God’s redemption and let its truth shape our lives. Knowing our roots gives depth to our faith, reminding us that God’s promises are sure, His Word is true, and His Son is the culmination of His plan for salvation.
Let’s prepare our hearts for the arrival of the Messiah, our hope, our light, and our salvation. Share this journey with your family and friends, and let the story of Act One lead us all to a deeper love for Jesus, the Jewish Messiah.
There’s more to this story than a baby in a manger.
An event in the making - talked about for hundreds of years by the Kings and Prophets of Israel.
It’s a long-standing joke that on Christmas, you’ll find most Jewish people out to the movies and ordering Chinese food. It’s actually not all that far-fetched. For the Jewish people, there’s always been an aversion to Jesus.
Not that Jesus is bad, “he just isn’t for us.”
And, the world’s celebration of this Jewish Messiah doesn’t really help bring the Jewish people any closer. So for all of our friends who have ever asked, “Do you celebrate Christmas?” this is our best possible answer.
And please, if you’re friends with someone Jewish (who isn’t?), send them a copy and see what they think.
Listen to a past episode from The Jewish Road Podcast.
About The Jewish Road
At the heart of The Jewish Road lies a passion ignited by a father-son duo, Ron and Matt Davis. Our journey began with a simple yet profound desire: to bridge the gap in understanding that has kept two faith communities apart for too long. We're here to help Christians connect with the roots of their faith and for Jews to explore the life and teachings of Jesus with an open heart.
Imagine a world where every believer, be they Jewish or Christian, not only knows their faith but truly understands its origins and interconnectedness. We strive to restore the Jewish essence of the Gospel, offering insights that deepen knowledge, bolster faith, and propel the growth of the Kingdom. The narrative of faith, we believe, is a two-act play where both acts are essential for a comprehensive grasp of the story. By uniting these acts, we're presenting a more holistic and enriching perspective.
Life is too short to wander without knowing the full essence of your beliefs. Whether you're attending a synagogue or a church, there's so much more to discover. The Jewish Road is here to guide, enlighten, and, most importantly, bring both halves of the story together. Join us on this journey; together
