The Messiah - The Christ

by Micky Galloway

The term “Messiah” is used only twice in the Bible, both in the New Testament. First, as Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in John 4:25-26. The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah cometh (he that is called Christ): when he is come, he will declare unto us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am (he).” Secondly, in John 1:41 when Andrew found his brother Simon, he said to him, “We have found the Messiah (which is, being interpreted, Christ).” The term “Christ” is used some fifty times in the New Testament. Messiah is the Hebrew word, translated into Greek, as Christ. Both words mean “anointed One” (one especially appointed by God for His plan and purpose of redemption). That we believe that Jesus of Nazareth is “the Christ” is so important that it becomes the theme of the New Testament. “Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31). Jesus is the one who fulfills the Old Testament promises of redemption.

When the Samaritan woman said, “I know that Messiah cometh,” there was something to base such knowledge upon. This was not a supposition. The woman spoke of prophecy of the coming of the anointed one of God. The anointed one of God was prophesied so specifically, those who were with him should have known him to be (by interpretation) “the Christ.” There is no evidence so powerful as prophecy.

Jesus challenged the Jews: “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). What Scriptures? Luke 24:44, “These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me … And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:44-47). Therefore, the Old Testament Scriptures, containing the promises and prophecies pointed to Jesus, the Christ.

The first prophecy of the coming Christ declares that he would be the “seed of woman” (Genesis 3:15; cf. Galatians 4:4; 3:16). Further, the Savior shall be of the “tribe of Judah” (Genesis 49:8-9). Later, and still centuries before his birth, it is said that Christ would be of the lineage of David (Psalms 132:11). Note the prophecy of Nathan to David concerning the rule of the Messiah on his throne. II Samuel 7:12-13 says, “When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.”

Not just a child is promised, but even his sex is named. Isaiah, often called the Messianic prophet, declared seven centuries before Jesus’ birth, “A son is given” (Isaiah 9:6). As astounding as any prophecy in the Bible is that of Isaiah. He said this son’s mother would be a virgin. “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Again “a son” is prophesied, but born of “a virgin,” of a woman who had never known a man. So said Isaiah the prophet and so it occurred (cf. Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:26-35). Finally, concerning his birth, Micah reveals the place. Micah 5:2 “But thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (KJV). Specifically it is named “Bethlehem Ephratah.” This was considered by the Jews as a prophecy of where the Christ was to be born BEFORE the birth of Jesus. It was not seized upon as a prophecy after his birth, but prior to it (cf. Matthew 2:1-6). Again this singles out the Christ so he may be easily located. These prophecies offer little excuse for one to follow a false Christ or to fail to recognize the true one when he came.

Concerning the betrayal and trial of Christ, the prophets had much to say. He was to be betrayed by a friend (Psalms 41:9; 55:13). He would be sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13; Matthew 27:3-10). Even this money would be cast to the potter (Zechariah 11:13; Matthew 27:3-10). He would be deserted by his disciples (Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:56). He would be mocked and insulted (Ps. 35:15-16) and yet through it all he would remain silent (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:12-14,39,41,43).

As though they had binoculars, the prophets viewed the death of Jesus. His hands and feet were to be pierced (Psalms 22:16; Luke 23:33; John 21:25, 27). He was to be given vinegar and gall to drink (Psalms 69:21; Matthew 27:34). He was to die with the wicked (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:38). He was to be nailed to the cross, but no bones were to be broken (Psalms 22:16; 34:20; John 19:36; cf. Exodus 12:46; I Corinthians 5:7). His garments were to be parted and lots cast for them (Psalms 22:18; John 19:24). He was to cry, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Psalms 22:1; Matthew 27:46). His side was to be pierced (Zechariah 12:10; Jno. 19:34, 37) and he would be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-60).

There are numerous prophecies fulfilled in one 24 hour period surrounding the death of Christ. These prophecies were written a thousand years or more before the time of their fulfillment. They had all been translated from Hebrew into Greek nearly 300 years before their fulfillment. Many of them were fulfilled by the enemies of Jesus who would not knowingly fulfill a single verse of Scripture.

Is it any wonder therefore, that Peter presents the grand conclusion of the evidence that Jesus is “the Christ.” Acts 2:22-36, “Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know; him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay: whom God raised up … This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses. Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear. For David ascended not into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet. Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.”