Who Is Jesus Christ?

THE PROMISED MESSIAH

Long before Jesus was born, the Bible foretold the coming of the one whom God would send as the Messiah, or Christ.  The titles "Messiah" (from a Hebrew word) and "Christ" (from a Greek word) both mean "Anointed one."  This promised One would be anointed, that is, appointed by God to a special position. In later chapters of this book, we will learn more about the Messiah's important place in the fulfillment of God's promises.  We will also learn about the blessings that Jesus can bring us even now. Before Jesus was born, however, many no doubt wondered:  'Who will prove to be the Messiah?'

In the first century C.E., the disciples of Jesus of Nazareth were full convince that he was the foretold Messiah.  (John 1:41)  One of the disciples, a man named Simon Peter openly said to Jesus:  "You are the Christ." (Matthew 16:16)   How, though, could those disciples-and how can we-be sure that Jesus really is the promised Messiah? 

The prophets of God who lived before Jesus foretold many details about the Messiah. These details would help others to identify him.   We might illustrate things this way:  Suppose you were asked to go to a busy bus depot or a train station or an airport to pick up someone you had never met before. Would it not help if someone gave you a few details about him?  Similarly, by means of the Bible prophets, Jehovah gave a rather detailed description of what the Messiah would do and what he would experience.  The fulfillment of these many prophets would help faithful ones to identify him clearly. 

Next time: Who Is Jesus Christ?'/Conclusion of THE PROMISED MESSIAH

From the book: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY TEACH?