Who Is The Messiah?
In the Hebrew Bible, God promised to send a future deliverer for the Jewish people. This chosen or anointed one is called the “Messiah”. God made these promises through prophets who predicted the Messiah’s lineage, birthplace, lifestyle, and even the timeframe of his life, death, and resurrection.
Jesus Himself said He was the Jewish Messiah. The New Testament records several times when Jesus made that claim, but one of the most remarkable is when a woman said to him “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!” (John 4:25-26).
While many leaders throughout history have claimed to be the Messiah, Jesus is the only person who ever matched the Messianic expectations of the Hebrew Scriptures.
What is a Messiah?
At the time that Jesus lived, the common people were expecting the Messiah to be a grand military conqueror with the power of God on His side, so that he might overthrow Israel’s enemies and establish political peace. But the kind of peace won by the sword is always temporary. The type of peace Jesus came to bring was a lasting peace between God and His people.
In stark contrast to all the rulers of the world who maintain “peace” through military might, the true chosen one refused to raise an army against his enemies. Instead, he gave his life in order to reunite us with our Creator. Jesus told his followers that he “did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).
Jesus brings hope, joy, and purpose into people’s lives because He provides peace and restoration with God. His Jewish followers first recognized him as their Messiah over 2,000 years ago, and people from all corners of the world still follow Jesus as their Chosen One today!
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"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."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray this prayer?