Chapter 9/ A Great Teacher Shows Us the Creator More Clearly

THE people of first-century Palestine "were in expectation."  Of what?  Of the "Christ," or "Messiah," foretold  by God's prophets centuries before.  The people were confident that the Bible was written under God's direction and that it contained  foregleams  of the future. One such, in the book of Daniel, pointed to the Messiah's arriving in the early part of their century. -Luke 3:15; Daniel 9:24, 26. 

They needed to be cautious, though, for self-made messiahs could arise.  (Matthew 24:5) Jewish historian Josephus mentions some: Theudas, who led his followers to the Jordan River and claimed that its waters would be parted; a man from Egypt who led people to the Mount of Olives, asserting that Jerusalem's wall would fall at his command; and an impostor in Governor Festus' time who promised rest from troubles. -Compare Acts 5:36; 21:38.   

In contrast to such deluded followers, a group who came to be called "Christians" recognized  Jesus of Nazareth to be a great teacher and the true Messiah.  (Acts 11:26; Mark 10:47)  Jesus was no impostor messiah; He had solid credentials, as is simply confirmed  in the four historical books called the Gospels. For example, the Jews knew that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, would be in the line of David, and would perform wonderful works. Jesus fulfilled all of that, as is borne out by testimony even from opposers. Yes, Jesus met the qualifications of the Biblical Messiah. -Matthew 22:41; John 7:31, 42.  

Crowds of people who met Jesus observed his outstanding works, heard his unique words of wisdom, and recognized his foresight became convinced that he was the Messiah. Over the source of his ministry (29-33 C.E.), evidence supporting his Messiah-ship mounted. In fact, he proved to be more than the Messiah.  A disciple acquainted  with the facts concluded that "Jesus is the Christ the Son of God." -John 20:31.  

Next time: Chapter 9/A Great Teacher Shows Us the Creator More Clearly 

From the book: Is There a Creator That Cares About You?