Jesus, the
The Hebrew title meaning 'anointed one' — the long-awaited king and deliverer prophesied throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus.
'Messiah' (Hebrew mashiach) means 'anointed one.' In the Old Testament, kings, priests, and (occasionally) prophets were anointed with oil at their installation. The pouring of oil signified God's setting them apart for divine purpose. But beyond the historical anointed figures, the Old Testament prophesied a coming Anointed One — THE Messiah — who would gather Israel, defeat enemies, establish God's kingdom, and bring salvation. The Greek translation of the Hebrew mashiach is christos — 'Christ.' These are not two different titles but the same title in two languages. 'Jesus Christ' means 'Jesus the Messiah.' For first-century Jews, the messianic expectation was intense. Centuries of prophecy and longing had built up expectation of a king who would rescue Israel from Roman occupation, restore the Davidic throne, and inaugurate God's kingdom. When Jesus appeared, the question — 'art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?' (Matthew 11:3) — was the question of the age. Jesus's messianic identity was confirmed in multiple ways. (1) His birth: Bethlehem, of David's line, fulfilling Micah 5:2. (2) His baptism: anointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38). (3) His teaching: claiming to fulfill prophecy (Luke 4:18-21). (4) His miracles: signs of the Messianic kingdom (Matthew 11:4-5). (5) Peter's confession: 'Thou art the Christ' (Matthew 16:16) — affirmed by Jesus. (6) His death and resurrection: fulfilling the Suffering Servant prophecy (Isaiah 53). But Jesus's messianic kingship subverted expectations. He did not lead a military revolt against Rome. He did not establish an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem. He suffered, died, and rose again — bringing a kingdom 'not of this world' (John 18:36). The Messianic kingship of Jesus is real and ultimate, but it operates on a different scale than first-century expectations imagined. He reigns now (Acts 2:36 — 'God hath made that same Jesus... both Lord and Christ'); his kingdom will be fully realized at his return.
“We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.”
Andrew's declaration to Peter
“I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ... Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.”
Jesus to the Samaritan woman
“Unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks... shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself.”
OT prophecy
“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power.”
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel.”
To call Jesus 'Christ' is more than to use his last name. It is to confess him as Messiah — the anointed king of Israel, the deliverer prophesied for centuries, the one who fulfills all of God's promises. Christian faith is faith in Christ as Messiah: trusting his finished work, submitting to his reign, and waiting for his return to consummate his kingdom.
'Messiah' (Hebrew mashiach) means 'anointed one.' In the Old Testament, kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil for divine purpose. The Old Testament prophesied a coming Anointed One — THE Messiah — who would gather Israel, defeat enemies, establish God's kingdom, and bring salvation. The Greek translation is christos ('Christ'). 'Jesus Christ' means 'Jesus the Messiah.'
No — 'Christ' is a title, not a last name. It is the Greek translation of the Hebrew 'Messiah,' meaning 'anointed one.' Jesus's family identification would have been 'Jesus of Nazareth' or 'Jesus son of Joseph.' When the New Testament calls him 'Jesus Christ,' it is calling him 'Jesus the Messiah' — the anointed king and deliverer prophesied throughout the Old Testament.
Christians believe yes — Jesus fulfilled hundreds of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1). Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). Of David's line (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matthew 1). Preceded by a forerunner (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 11:10). Healed the sick (Isaiah 35:5-6; Matthew 11:4-5). Rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5). Pierced for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5; John 19:34). Cast lots for his garments (Psalm 22:18; John 19:24). Rose from the dead (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:31). The cumulative weight is presented as evidence that Jesus is the long-promised Messiah.