Messiah

<<anointed one>>

Jesus the Christ is the same as Jesus the Messiah – numerous Scriptures interchange both names (Mt 16:16; Jn 4:25). Messiah, meaning ‘God’s anointed one’, in the OT Hebrew language is translated into English as Christ.

Many OT prophecies refer to the coming Messiah, detailing such things as His virgin birth, being born in Bethlehem and the suffering He would endure (eg. Ps 22:1-18; Isa 7:14, 53:1-12; Mic 5:2). This Messiah was portrayed as a servant – humble, obedient, suffering, and finally accomplishing His ministry by passing through death (Isa 61:1-3; Phil 2:6-8).

The Jewish nation as a whole rejected Jesus as their Messiah when He failed (in their view) to free them from their enemies (external Roman control) and establish them as the pre-eminent nation in the world (Act 1:6).

What is my concept of Christ’s mission?

Rather, Christ’s mission was to bring inner, spiritual freedom from sin to those who believe. This was not just available for the Jews of His day but includes anyone of any race right up to the present time.

However the disciples acknowledged Jesus as the Christ (Mk 8:29). At His trial Jesus confirmed His mission saying “Yes, I am the Christ” (Mk 14:61,62).

The Messianic Kingdom refers to the 1,000 year millennial reign of peace that Jesus the Messiah establishes after the great tribulation.

See also: Jesus Christ, millennium, Messianic Jew.