Question from a Reader:

I’m studying the book of Luke. I know that the Jews were expecting a Messiah that was king, deliverer, etc., but did they also expect a Messiah that was actually God? Are there any Old Testament prophecies that mention that?

Answer from Randy Alcorn:

The first verse that first comes to my mind is Isaiah 9:6:

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.

Here is a good summary of Old Testament verses revealing (or at least suggesting) the Messiah would be God. This does not mean the Jews actually expected the Messiah to be God, in the same sense that Jesus clearly revealed He was going to go to the cross and rise from the dead, yet His disciples were surprised when He did. In other words, it is one thing for Scripture to reveal and teach something, and another thing for everyone to believe, grasp, and understand that revelation.