Understanding Jesus: The Messiah vs. Christ, and His Fulfillment of Prophetic Expectations
Delving into the origins and meanings of Jesus and the term Messiah, it becomes clear that many misconceptions exist about this historical figure. The article navigates through the nuances of religious titles, the evolution of religious practices, and the prophetic expectations that were fulfilled, rather than those that were not.
Jesus Was not a Christian
One common misconception is equating Jesus with the concept of Christian. However, the term Christian was not coined until 44–46 AD. Jesus, on the other hand, lived and died as a Jew, adhering to the laws and prophets of his time. He was not born into the concept of Christianity, which was a later development following his death.
The word “Christian” comes from the Greek “kristios”, translating to “follower of Christ”, which itself is a translation of the Hebrew “Messiah”. Christians, therefore, are followers of Jesus, not Jesus himself.
The True Identity of Jesus: The Messiah
The term Messiah carries a profound religious and cultural significance. In Hebrew, Messiah means “anointed one” or “the Christ”. Jesus is often referred to as theMessiah, the expected redeemer and savior of the Jewish people. However, he is not just any Messiah; he is THE Messiah, meaning he is the definitive incarnation of this prophesied figure.
Prophetic Fulfillment: Not as Expected
The Jewish leaders often anticipated a prophecy of a warrior-king who would throw out the Romans and establish a physical kingdom. This is far from what Jesus represented. Instead, he preached a spiritual kingdom that would transform the hearts and minds of individuals through divine teachings and actions.
Matthew 5:18 in the Bible states: “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the least letter or the least stroke of a pen will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” This verse emphasizes that Jesus came to fulfill the prophetic purpose of the Law, to carry out the intent and commands of the divine word.
Reverence and Obedience: The Eternal Truth
Revering God and observing His commandments are at the core of the religious duties of all humanity. As stated in the Bible, “Revere God and observe His commandments! For this applies to all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). The key is not to merely fulfill specific expectations but to embrace the essence of divine law.
Prophets have foretold that the Messiah would fulfill the purpose of the Law. By doing so, those who follow his teachings and commandments will be considered great in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:18 clarifies that Jesus did not come to nullify the Law, but to fulfill its intent, achieving it at the end of time.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Expectations
The Jewish leaders’ expectations of a warrior-king reveal a misunderstanding of the nature of the Messiah. Jesus embodied the true role of the Messiah, representing a transformation of spiritual and ethical principles rather than a political upheaval.
To sum up, Jesus was Jewish and his teachings resonate with universal truths. The concept of Christianity and its followers developed after his death. Understanding and embracing his teachings and fulfilling the divine commandments are the true keys to spiritual fulfillment.