Answer
There are many passages in the Old Testament that are often considered "messianic." These passages indicate a coming redeemer, though they do not identify Jesus as that redeemer. Generally speaking, they refer to one who will be the salvation either of mankind (such as in Gen. 3:15) or more specifically of Israel (the expected Davidic king who would restore the kingdom to Israel). One of the more famous messianic Old Testament passages is Isaiah 53, where the "suffering servant" is the substitutionary atonement for Israel. In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus fulfills the expectations that the Old Testament placed more vaguely on the coming Davidic king.
Answer by Ra McLaughlin
Ra McLaughlin is Vice President of Finance and Administration at Third Millennium Ministries.