This is the genealogy[a] of Jesus the Messiah[b] the son of David, the son of Abraham: NIV The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. KJV Matthew 1:1
In the movie Princess Bride, one character (Vizzini) keeps using the word “Inconceivable” to describe every situation that turns out differently than what he anticipated. One of his hired hands finally makes this observation after hearing the word again. Inigo Montoya : You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
Working among some construction workers, some had very limited vocabulary of choice that did not rise above many curse words. One guy was particularly fond of shouting out Jesus Christ when he wanted to swear. I really dislike GD, but calling out the title of Jesus made me chuckle inside. I would utter a silent prayer each time I heard him say it, that the guy would have a personal encounter with Jesus “the messiah”.
Let’s lay some groundwork for the title which some think is Jesus’ last name, Christ.
In the Septuagint, which is the greek translation of the Old Testament written in Hebrew, the translators chose to use the word “Christos” for the Hebrew word משיח (mashiach/mah-shee-ahch – where the “ch” is pronounced hard as in the name Bach – Strongs #4899), Messias means the anointed one. It was not a singular expression for one type of person like looking for a hero. Rather, it meant one who is set apart for a special purpose who was “anointed with oil” signifying that declaration.
In the Old Testament, Kings were anointed as Samuel did for David when he was still a shepherd boy. Because the anointing was synonymous with declaring a new king,Samuel was afraid that King Saul would find out. So he followed God’s plan secretly to anoint David. All knew that the pouring of oil on David’s head was a signal to look for him as a new king.
Priests were anointed with special oil. This fragrance was said to be a pleasing aroma to God. The anointing oils were to be made following a certain pattern, any deviation whether adding to or taking away from the anointing ingredients was forbidden. The anointing of the High Priest was a special event. Then dress Aaron in his priestly attire…Then anoint him by pouring the anointing oil over his head. Ex. 29:5,7.
Prophets were also anointed with oil to designate their role to the people of God. If a Priest would be a representative of declaring the needs of the people to God, the prophet would be the voice of God directed to the people. Sometimes they did not like the message, so they would kill the prophet. Hence, the meaning for the modern day expression, “Don’t shoot me, I am just the messenger.”
The transliteration of Messiyiach to Messiah has the same identical meaning of Christos or Christ which means the anointed one. The definite article “The” was added by the early disciples to bring attention to the fulfillment of waiting for “the messiah”. They did not believe that He was just a good teacher. He was THE CHRIST, the long awaited person who was set apart , anointed to be the King, the Priest and the Prophet.
As King he showed authority over laws of nature and healing. As Priest he declared forgiveness of sins. As a Prophet he declared that the only way to have access to God the Father was through belief and honor of Himself. This last revelation of the Prophet was more than the Jewish leaders could handle, so they conspired to have him killed on a cross.
Pilate had Jesus’ title nailed above him on the cross. Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, THE KING OF THE JEWS. John 19:19 NIV
Today, people are still in need of a savior, a messiah. May you draw comfort in knowing that Jesus is KIng of all Kings. As a Priest, He is making intercession right now on behalf of the children of God, for you. As a Prophet, His words are still true, unless you are born again, you will not see the kingdom of God.
Blessings Love y’all