Daniel had an amazing prophecy about the Messiah. Jesus is the Messiah, also known as the Christ. Both terms mean "the anointed one." Daniel prophesied about "Messiah the Prince" (Daniel 9:25). He prophesied that Messiah shall be cut off but not for Himself (Daniel 9:26). To be cut off speaks of a curse. The word curse means marked for destruction and cut off. Christ died for the curse of our sins at the cross (Galatians 3:13).
Messiah was crucified to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins (Daniel 9:24). On the cross, Jesus cried out, It is finished (John 19:30). Jesus came as the Messiah to take away the sin of the world. John the Baptist introduced Jesus as The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Messiah was crucified to make reconciliation for iniquity (Daniel 9:24). Iniquity is a synonym for our sin. As sinners, we must be reconciled to our holy God. Only the Son of God can reconcile sinners at the cross. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Messiah was crucified and raised from the dead, to bring in everlasting righteousness (Daniel 9:24). This is the good news, known as the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He not only died to take away all our sin, but believers receive His righteousness. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
