top of page
Search
Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Jul 288 min read

What Does It Mean to Say, “Jesus Is Messiah”?

Understanding the Title "Messiah"


The term "Messiah" originates from the Hebrew root verb "ma·shachʹ," meaning "to smear" or "to anoint." Consequently, the noun form "ma·shiʹach" translates to "anointed" or "anointed one." In the Greek New Testament, the equivalent term is "Christos," from which we get "Christ." Thus, to call Jesus "Messiah" or "Christ" is to recognize Him as the anointed one of God.


Biblical Usage of "Messiah" and "Christ"


In the Hebrew Scriptures, the title "Messiah" is used for various individuals who were anointed for specific roles. For instance, David was anointed as king and thus called "the anointed one" (2 Samuel 19:21; Psalm 18:50). The term also applied to other kings like Saul and Solomon (1 Samuel 2:10; 2 Chronicles 6:42). Even high priests and patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are referred to as Jehovah's "anointed ones" (Leviticus 4:3; 1 Chronicles 16:16, 22). Additionally, the Persian King Cyrus is called "anointed one" because God appointed him for a particular task (Isaiah 45:1).


In the New Testament, the transliterated form "Messias" appears in John 1:41, with the explanation that it means "Christ." Often, the Greek term "Christos" is used alone to refer to Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 2:4; 22:42). More commonly, it appears alongside Jesus’ name as "Jesus Christ" or "Christ Jesus" to identify Him explicitly as the Messiah.



Prophetic Foundations in the Hebrew Scriptures


Key Messianic Prophecies


The Hebrew Scriptures contain numerous prophecies about the coming Messiah, providing details about His background, appearance, activities, and treatment by others. These prophecies collectively form a comprehensive picture that helps identify the Messiah.


Daniel 9:25-26: This prophecy exclusively refers to the coming Messiah, predicting the timing of His arrival and His subsequent death. "Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing."


Psalm 2:2: Initially applied to King David, this psalm also has a Messianic application. Acts 4:25-27 applies this text to Jesus Christ: "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed."


Genesis 49:10: This verse prophesies that the ruling scepter will belong to the tribe of Judah and that Shiloh (the Messiah) will come through this line. "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples."



Prefigurations of the Messiah


Many individuals in the Hebrew Scriptures prefigure or foreshadow the Messiah. For instance:


David: Anointed as king, David’s role as a shepherd-king points to Jesus, the Good Shepherd and King of Kings (John 10:11; Revelation 19:16).


High Priest: The high priest's role in mediating between God and the people prefigures Jesus’ role as the ultimate High Priest who mediates the new covenant (Hebrews 4:14-16).


Moses: Referred to as "Christ" in Hebrews 11:23-26, Moses' role as a deliverer and lawgiver foreshadows Jesus’ work as the ultimate Deliverer and Lawgiver.



Messianic Expectations in the First Century


Common Understanding Among Jews


In the first century, Jews widely anticipated the arrival of the Messiah, though their expectations varied. They believed the Messiah would be a king from David’s lineage, a prophet like Moses, and one who would perform signs and wonders.


King and Son of David: Jews commonly accepted that the Messiah would be a descendant of David. Matthew 2:2-4 illustrates this expectation when the wise men asked, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?" Herod understood they were inquiring about the Christ.


Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 predicted the Messiah’s birthplace as Bethlehem. This was acknowledged by the chief priests and scribes when Herod inquired about the Messiah's birthplace (Matthew 2:3-6).


A Prophet Performing Signs: Deuteronomy 18:18 foretold a prophet like Moses, which Jews in Jesus' day expected (John 6:14). The Samaritan woman at the well recognized this expectation, saying, "I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things" (John 4:25).


Varied Beliefs and Misunderstandings


Despite common expectations, there were variations in understanding and beliefs about the Messiah.


Different Roles: Some Jews did not recognize that the Messiah would come in two distinct roles. Zechariah 9:9 presents a humble Messiah riding on a donkey, while Daniel 7:13 portrays Him coming with the clouds of heaven. These prophecies describe the Messiah's first and second comings, respectively, which the Jews often conflated.


Expectations of an Earthly King: Many Jews expected the Messiah to be an earthly king who would deliver them from Roman rule. This is reflected in John the Baptizer’s question, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" (Matthew 11:3). Even Jesus’ disciples initially held this view, asking Him before His ascension, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6).



Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecies by Jesus


The New Testament presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies, validating His claim to be the Messiah through His life, death, and resurrection.


Jesus’ Birth and Lineage


Jesus' birth in Bethlehem fulfills Micah 5:2. His genealogy, recorded in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, traces His lineage back to David, affirming His right to David’s throne.


Matthew 1:1: "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."


Luke 2:4-7: "And Joseph also went up from Galilee... to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth."


Jesus’ Ministry and Miracles


Jesus' miracles and teachings fulfill prophecies such as Isaiah 35:5-6, which predicted that the Messiah would heal the blind, the deaf, and the lame.


Matthew 11:4-5: Jesus answered John the Baptizer’s disciples, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them."


Jesus’ Suffering, Death, and Resurrection


Isaiah 53 describes the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many, a prophecy fulfilled by Jesus' crucifixion.


Isaiah 53:5: "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds, we are healed."

Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate validation of His Messiahship, as foretold in Psalm 16:10 and confirmed in the New Testament.


Acts 2:31-32: "He foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that, we all are witnesses."



Theological Significance of Jesus as Messiah


Jesus as the Anointed King


Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah means acknowledging Him as the anointed King who reigns over God’s kingdom. This kingship is both present and future, with Jesus currently reigning from heaven and destined to return to establish His kingdom fully on earth.


Revelation 19:16: "On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords."


Jesus as the Suffering Servant


Understanding Jesus as the Messiah also involves recognizing His role as the suffering servant who bore our sins. This aspect of the Messiah's mission was crucial for providing atonement and reconciliation with God.


1 Peter 2:24: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed."


Jesus as the Prophet Like Moses


Jesus fulfills the role of the prophet like Moses, bringing a new covenant and revealing God’s will to humanity. His teachings and miracles attest to His prophetic office.


Hebrews 3:5-6: "Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son."



Implications for Believers


Faith in Jesus as Messiah


Faith in Jesus as the Messiah is foundational for salvation. Romans 10:9 emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection.


Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."


Following the Messiah’s Example


Believers are called to follow Jesus’ example, living lives that reflect His teachings and character. This includes embracing the servanthood and humility exemplified by Jesus.


Philippians 2:5-8: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."


Proclaiming the Messiah


Believers are also commissioned to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah to the world, sharing the good news of His salvation.


Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."



CONCLUSION


The title "Messiah" carries profound implications, affirming Jesus as the anointed King, the suffering servant, and the prophet like Moses. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfills the Messianic prophecies, offering salvation and establishing God's kingdom. Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah is essential for faith and practice, calling believers to live in His example and proclaim His name to the world.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


RECOMMENDED READING


20 views0 comments

Comments

bottom of page