The Name: Messiah
Last week, Todd explained the concept of Jesus as Lord, emphasizing His role as an all-sufficient ruler, the one who holds all things together. Today, we want to unpack what it means that Jesus is the Messiah. Christmas, or Advent, encourages us to remember how a child, born in the most humble of settings — a stable or a cave, was the entry of the Creator into the world. Yet, even in this simplicity, angels declare this child as the savior of the world. The world, in its brokenness, darkness, and despair, filled with sin, death, war, and violence, seems beyond repair. It is a condition we are painfully aware of, just by observing our surroundings or the news. But in this backdrop of chaos and hopelessness, God's answer to the world's profound brokenness is a newborn child. In this infant, announced as Lord, Messiah, and Savior, lies the unexpected remedy for humanity.
The title "Messiah" or "Christ," often used interchangeably with Jesus' name, is not just a label but a declaration of His anointed purpose. Growing up, many of us might have innocently assumed 'Christ' was simply Jesus' last name. But in reality, 'Messiah' in Hebrew and 'Christ' in Greek both mean 'Anointed One.' To understand this fully, we must delve into what it means to be anointed. In Biblical terms, anointing is used for individuals or places set apart for a specific purpose, often accompanied by the ceremonial pouring of oil. 'Messiah' or 'Christ' literally translates to the 'Oil-Smeared One,' marked for a unique mission.
But what exactly is this mission? The Bible does not offer a singular passage that encapsulates the entire role of the Messiah. Instead, it provides an unfolding narrative, starting from Genesis and continuing through Revelation, revealing the multi-faceted identity and purpose of the Messiah. Understanding Messiah is akin to viewing a mosaic portrait. Up close, it is a collection of individual stories and descriptions. However, as we step back, these elements form a complete picture, with Jesus as the culmination of this grand narrative.
The story of the Messiah begins in the Garden of Eden. God places Adam and Eve in the garden, intending them to spread the garden's goodness across the earth. However, their fall, induced by listening to the serpent's voice, marks a pivotal moment. Here, God promises that a seed of the woman will crush the serpent's head, even as the serpent strikes his heel. This prophecy sets the stage for the Messiah's role — a sacrifice that brings victory and forgiveness.
As we trace the lineage from Adam through key figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, we see a pattern of expectation and failure. Each generation brings hope that the promised Messiah has arrived, only to realize that the true fulfillment is yet to come. David, a king who symbolizes the defeat of evil (evident in his confrontation with Goliath, metaphorically portrayed as a serpent), seems like a likely candidate. Yet, even David fails, renewing the anticipation for the true Messiah. With these smaller portraits that make up the larger mosaic, we can now turn to see the significance of what Peter confesses about Jesus in Mark 8:27-30.
Messiah Defined
The concept of the Messiah, as explained in the scriptures, carries profound implications far beyond our typical understanding. There is consensus on certain aspects of the Messiah's identity. Both Jesus and His followers, like Peter, agree on these foundational characteristics:
A King from the Line of Judah and David: The Messiah is envisioned as a royal figure, a descendant of the notable lineage of Judah and David. This lineage underscores a historical and prophetic connection, linking the Messiah to a legacy of kingship and divine promise.
A Son of Abraham Who Brings Blessing: As a descendant of Abraham, the Messiah is seen as the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant. He is the one through whom blessings flow, not just to a single nation, but to the entire world.
The One Who Defeats Enemies and Restores God's Kingdom: The Messiah is believed to be a deliverer who will conquer oppressors and re-establish the divine order, restoring the kingdom of God.
However, the interpretation of how the Messiah would accomplish these tasks diverges significantly between Jesus and the Jewish expectation, as seen in Jesus’ response to Peter in Mark 8:33. The prevalent Jewish belief anticipated a Messiah who would lead a physical overthrow of oppressors, like Rome, in a triumphant, militaristic fashion. Jesus, conversely, sought to redefine the notion of 'Messiah.' He did not come to defeat a specific earthly oppressor but to reconcile humanity to God. The peace Jesus aimed to bring was not about the conquest of earthly enemies but about transforming God's enemies into His friends. This notion of peace transcends mere political or military victory; it is about a profound transformation of relationships.
Isaiah 53 presents an Old Testament portrait of the Messiah that starkly contrasts with the warrior-king image. Here, the Messiah is depicted as a suffering servant. This servant would not exude conventional majesty or induce fear in enemies. Instead, he would be despised, rejected, and acquainted with sorrow. Yet, through his suffering, he would bear humanity's sicknesses and pains. He would be pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities, and through his wounds, we would find healing. His submission to death, even being counted among rebels, would ultimately lead to redemption.
This portrayal reaches its peak in the image of the helpless baby in a manger, as celebrated during Christmas. This baby, entirely dependent on His mother, represents the Messiah who would confront the deeper, more sinister issues at the heart of humanity. Rather than engaging in physical battles, He came to wage a spiritual war against sin, transforming those who were once enemies of God.
1. Rejoice Because Jesus the Messiah Reveals the Promise-keeping God
The Advent season is a time of rejoicing, a celebration that extends far beyond the customary traditions of gift-giving and carol singing. It is a period where we commemorate the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah, the ultimate embodiment of God’s faithfulness and promises. In the midst of this festive season, it is crucial to reflect on the true essence of our celebration. Jesus, the Messiah, stands as the greatest gift to humanity. His arrival signifies a monumental shift — from dwelling in the darkness of sin and separation to basking in the light of salvation and grace. This transition from darkness to light is not just a metaphorical concept; it is the reality for those who have encountered the transformative power of Jesus.
The Bible is bursting with stories of human partners whom God chose to work through. Yet, time and again, these individuals deviated from God’s plan, acting in accordance with their own wisdom and, in doing so, inadvertently working against the Kingdom of God. Despite these detours, human failure and misguided actions never threw God’s purposes off track. In fact, sometimes, God used these very failures to further His divine plan.
The story of Jesus the Messiah reaffirms a core aspect of God's character: His unwavering faithfulness in keeping His promises. When God declares something, it is as good as done. This assurance is not rooted in human reliability but in the unchangeable nature of God Himself. When God says, "Friend, you are forgiven," it is not merely a statement; it is a decree of absolute truth. In Jesus, we see the fulfillment of this promise — the assurance of forgiveness and the grace that flows from it. The promise that God will finish the work He started in us is a testament to His persistent grace. It is not dependent on our perfection but on His steadfast commitment to mold and shape us according to His purpose.
God's promise to never leave or forsake us is a pillar of comfort and strength, especially in moments of doubt or despair. In Jesus, this promise finds its fullest expression — God with us, not just in spirit but in flesh. As we celebrate this season, it is crucial to remember that our rejoicing is anchored in the reality of Jesus the Messiah. He is not just a historical figure but the living proof of God’s promises kept. Our celebration is more than just an annual tradition; it is a recognition of the light that Jesus brought into the world, dispelling darkness and offering hope, peace, and reconciliation.
2. Rest Because Jesus the Messiah Has Won the Victory Over Sin and Death on Your Behalf
Christmas can be a double-edged sword. It brings joy, but for those who have experienced loss, it can also stir deep sadness. This period often makes us acutely aware of the world's brokenness, challenging the hopeful narrative of Jesus' birth. For many, like those who have lost loved ones, Christmas post such loss takes on a new, often darker dimension. In moments when we feel overwhelmed by the brokenness within us and around us, it is essential to take every despairing thought captive and surrender it to the reality of the Messiah. Jesus' entry into the world was not marked by detachment; He did not observe our struggles from a safe distance. Instead, He stepped into our brokenness, sharing in our humanity, our vulnerability, and our pain. This act of God becoming man is a profound statement of His nearness and empathy.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed, to sense that God is distant, especially in times of suffering and loss. However, our feelings, while valid and real, do not always convey the truth. The truth is encapsulated in the incarnation — God taking on human form. Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection are tangible proof that God is intimately involved in our human experience. Many of our life decisions are influenced, consciously or subconsciously, by the fear of pain and death. This fear shapes our pursuits and often leads us to seek temporary shelters like wealth, power, or pleasure. The reality of our mortality can be unsettling, but the message of Jesus the Messiah offers a different perspective.
Tim Keller, in one of his last interviews, provided a powerful analogy about facing death. He spoke of the difference between being hit by a truck and being hit by its shadow. Jesus, by taking on the full force of death and conquering it through His resurrection, has transformed death for us. It is no longer an executioner but a gardener. In Jesus, death becomes a passage rather than an end, a shadow rather than an annihilating force.
This season, we celebrate not just the birth of a child, but the birth of hope and victory over our greatest enemies: sin and death. Jesus, as the Messiah, has done what we could never do for ourselves. He stood in the face of sin and death, took the full brunt of its force, and emerged victorious. This victory is what it truly means to crush the head of the snake. The prophets spoke of a people walking in darkness who have seen a great light. This light, brought into the world by Jesus, reveals that the darkness of sin and death is no longer a pervasive darkness but merely a shadow. We find hope, assurance, and the promise of eternal life in His light.
In Jesus, the Messiah, we find not just a historical figure, but a living reality that continues to speak into our darkness, pushing it back, and revealing the transient nature of our fears and pains. In Him, we find the courage to face the shadows, armed with the knowledge that they do not have the final say.
As we celebrate this season, let's embrace the rest and peace that comes from knowing Jesus the Messiah who has won the victory on our behalf. Let this truth illuminate our celebrations, bringing light to our darkness and hope to our despair. As we reflect on the profound truths of Jesus as the Messiah, our response naturally gravitates towards two fundamental attitudes: rejoicing and resting. These responses are not just emotional reactions; they are deeply rooted in the understanding and acceptance of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished.
Rejoicing in Jesus as the Messiah stems from recognizing Him as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, the light in our darkness, and the victor over sin and death. This joy transcends mere happiness; it is a deep-seated gladness that persists even amidst life's trials and tribulations. Resting in Jesus is about finding peace in His completed work. It is an invitation to lay down our burdens, fears, and attempts to control our destinies, and instead trust in His sovereign plan. It is a rest that assures us that the battles we face are already won in Christ.