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Explore the deep meaning and significance behind the declaration, “Jesus is Messiah.” Understand how this assertion is rooted in Old Testament prophecies and manifests in New Testament realities, touching upon both His Davidic lineage and divine nature. Discover why affirming Jesus’ messiahship is central to Christian belief and apologetics.

When we declare, “Jesus is Messiah,” the ramifications of this statement are profound, echoing through both historical and theological corridors of understanding. This declaration is not merely a religious catchphrase but an assertion deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies, manifest in New Testament fulfillments, and with implications for both Jewish and Gentile communities.

The Historical Emphasis: A Davidic Lineage

To comprehend the statement, “Jesus is Messiah,” we should first scrutinize its historical bearings. The term ‘Messiah’ comes from the Hebrew word ‘Mashiach,’ which means ‘Anointed One.’ In the context of ancient Israel, this term predominantly referred to a future king from the line of David who would liberate Israel and establish God’s kingdom on Earth.

Jesus fulfills this expectation meticulously, not just as a descendant of David but also through His anointing at the hands of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13–17). His baptism serves as a pivotal moment where He was publicly and divinely anointed by the Holy Spirit, marking the inauguration of His messianic ministry. His actions and teachings from that point on—ranging from miraculous healings to exorcisms to ethical instructions—all operate within the framework of Him being the long-anticipated Messiah.

A Ministry for All: Jews and Gentiles

One striking aspect of Jesus’ messianic role lies in its inclusivity. Unlike the prevailing expectations of first-century Jews, Jesus’ messiahship was not just about overthrowing Rome or prioritizing Israel. In His inaugural address in the Nazareth synagogue, He makes an unprecedented claim (Luke 4:16–30). By quoting Isaiah 61:1–2, a messianic passage, He not only identifies Himself as the promised Anointed One but also extends His mission to include the Gentiles. This was indeed radical and contrary to mainstream Jewish eschatological hopes at the time.

The Theological Angle: Not Just a Man

It is true that the New Testament lays significant emphasis on Jesus’ messiahship more than His divinity. Yet, it’s critical to note that these two aspects are not mutually exclusive. In fact, His messianic role is enriched and validated by His divine identity. For instance, the prologue in John 1:1–18 encapsulates both Jesus’ divine and human natures. While it begins with the theological assertion, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” it later affirms His messiahship by noting the testimonies of John the Baptist and others.

Miracles as Validation

Another noteworthy point is that Jesus’ miracles primarily served to confirm His messiahship. When He fed the five thousand, turned water into wine, or healed the sick, these miracles were not chiefly intended to display His deity. Instead, they were confirmatory signs of His anointing by the Holy Spirit, meant to fulfill Old Testament prophecies regarding the works the Messiah would perform (Isaiah 35:5-6).

A Complex Confession

Peter’s famous confession in Matthew 16:16, “You are the Christ,” stands as a monumental moment in the New Testament. The confession here centers on Jesus’ messiahship, highlighting the crucial importance the apostles and early Christian communities attached to this aspect of His identity. However, to say “Jesus is Messiah” is not to deny His divinity, but rather to affirm His unique role as both God and Man, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies and thereby legitimizing His claim to be the Savior of the world.

Coronation through Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus serves as His ultimate vindication and coronation as the Messiah. Psalm 2, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, culminates in the declaration of the Lord’s anointed king. Following His resurrection, Jesus is not merely resuscitated but is enthroned as the messianic ruler, establishing His kingdom authority as foretold in Scripture (Matthew 28:16–20).

Conclusion: An Apologetic Mandate

It’s vital for Christian apologetics to recognize that the central claim of the New Testament isn’t merely the deity of Jesus, but His messiahship. This gives us a holistic understanding of who Jesus is and why He came. He is not just another historical figure or even a prophet; He is the Anointed One, the fulfillment of Israel’s messianic hopes and the world’s ultimate Redeemer. Therefore, in proclaiming the gospel and defending the faith, we affirm boldly and unequivocally: “Jesus is Messiah!”

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).