Jesus: The Christ

And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. -Matthew 1:16 KJV

The name Christ means Messiah. Messiah means the Anointed One, the one sent by God to be the Savior. For centuries the Jewish people had known, through the promises God made to Abraham, Moses, and David, that the Messiah would come. The prophets also spoke of the Messiah's coming. Isaiah proclaimed, "His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

The name Jesus Christ means that He is the Savior of all who believe; the promised Messiah, and the anointed Redeemer of Israel. As God so faithfully promised, He is the light that would reveal God's heart for the Gentiles and the glory of His people Israel. 

Jesus was sent by the God of Israel; He did not send Himself. Jesus was appointed by the God of Israel; He did not appoint Himself. Jesus was anointed by the God of Israel; He did not anoint Himself. No one had to tell Jesus why He was sent—He knew. He understood exactly why He had come. No explanation was needed. What's more, no motivation was needed as Jesus rejoiced in the plan to deliver mankind.

His place, His person, His position, His passion, His purpose, flowed out of the anointing He carried as Messiah, the one sent by God.

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