CONVERSATIONS ABOUT JESUS: NAMES OF JESUS - MESSIAH

 

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT JESUS (NAMES OF JESUS)

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Christ/Messiah (Colossians 3:15, John 4:25-26)

Based on Ann Spangler’s Praying the Names of Jesus

 

The Name

·      Did you ever think that “Christ” was just Jesus’ last name?

·      Like “Messiah”, “Christ” means “anointed one.” This means someone who has been set apart for a special mission. 

·      As Israel’s Messiah, He was the greatest of all kings, the one called and empowered to destroy God’s enemies, and extend His kingdom throughout the earth. 

·      Jesus’ mission was to put an end to our deepest troubles – to rebellion, sin, and death. 

·      His mission now is calling the world back to God through the power of His love. 

 

The Key Scripture – Acts 2:36

 

Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.

 

 

Understanding the Name

·      Oil was a staple of life in Biblical times. It served as a symbol of wealth & joy. An abundance of oil was evidence of God’s pleasure. Oil was also used for scared purposes – consecrating altars & vessels for worship – indicating they had been set apart for the Lord’s purposes. People could also be anointed. Samuel anointed David as king…

·      Oil became a symbol for the Holy Spirit, who imparts divine favor, power, & protection. 

·      The English word christen (“to anoint”) comes from the Greek verb chrio (“to anoint”).

·      The New Testament identifies Jesus as Christ, “The Anointed One”, 530 times. 

·      Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit at His baptism. 

·      Jesus was the Messiah – called to heal the rift between God and his people. 

·      He avoided this title through much of His life. Right before His death, Jesus answered the high priest’s question: “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One” with the startling confession, “I Am.”  

 

Questions 

·      What does it mean to say that Jesus was anointed or set apart for God’s service? 

·      Why does Acts 2 speak for the need of repentance and being baptized in the name of Christ?

·      What do you think it means for believers to be anointed or set apart for Christ’s service?

·      What do you think it means to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?

 

 

Take Aways

·      Christ was willing to suffer…for us. Because of Him, we can endure difficulty. 

·      Christ promises us eternal life…if we believe. 

Let us turn over our tendency to rely on our own strength, and depend on His power.