Bible Studies The Gospel of John Appendix 2: About the Messiah
| Appendix 2: About the Messiah |
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APPENDIX 2: ABOUT THE MESSIAH© Rosemary Bardsley 2009The word ‘Christ’ is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew ‘Messiah’. Both words refer to the deliverer God had promised to send. For the most part the Jews were looking for a political/national human deliverer, whose actions would set them free from the tyranny of the Romans and re-establish Israel as a prosperous, independent nation ruled by a descendant of David, the greatest king in Israel 's history. In so limiting their concept of the Messiah the Jews were overlooking those portions of the prophecies which depict the work of the Messiah as encompassing the whole world, and the person of the Messiah as far more exalted than a national hero and a Davidic king. Some Old Testament anticipations regarding the Messiah:
Deuteronomy 18:14-19 : Messiah as a prophet The Messiah will be a prophet like Moses. He will be ‘from among their brothers’. God will put his words in this prophet’s mouth. He will speak everything God tells him. If anyone does not listen to this prophet God will call him to account.
Psalm 2:1-12 : Messiah as the King The Messiah is the Lord’s ‘Anointed One’. He is God’s King, installed in Zion . He is God’s Son; God is his Father. God will make the nations his inheritance, the ends of the earth his possession. Wrath will be upon those who do not honour the Messiah. Blessing is upon those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 22:1-31 : The suffering of the Messiah He is forsaken by God. He is deep and constant agony. He is despised, mocked and insulted by the people. He is surrounded by aggressive enemies. His suffering is intense. People cast lots for his clothing. He declares God’s name among the people.
Psalm 110 : The Messiah is the Lord at God’s right hand He is in the place of honour and exaltation. He rules from Zion , even in the midst of his enemies. He is a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. He conquers kings and rulers in the whole earth. He judges the nations.
Psalm 132:11-18 : The Messiah is the King of David’s line He is the descendant of David His throne is for ever and ever He is God’s anointed one God will clothe this King’s enemies with shame This king’s crown will be resplendent.
Isaiah 9 : The Messiah is the Son The government is on his shoulders He is called Wonderful Counsellor He is called Mighty God He is called Everlasting Father He is called Prince of Peace There is no end to the increase of his government.
Isaiah 11:1- 10 : The Messiah is the Son of David He is the stump of Jesse He is a Branch The Spirit of the Lord is upon him – the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He delights in the fear of the Lord. He judges in righteousness and justice in the earth Righteousness is his belt, faithfulness his sash. He inaugurates a reign of peace Through him the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord He stands as a rallying point for all people. His place of rest is glorious.
Isaiah 40:5-11 : The Messiah is the Sovereign Lord The Messiah reveals the glory of the Lord All mankind sees it In his coming God comes [see verse 9] He is the Sovereign Lord He tends his flock like a shepherd
Isaiah 42:1-7 : The Messiah – God’s Chosen One He is God’s servant He is God’s chosen one, in whom God delights God’s Spirit is upon him He is humble and compassionate He is faithful and just, establishing justice He will not fail or be discouraged God has called him in righteousness God sustains him God makes him a covenant for the people God makes him a light for the Gentiles He opens blind eyes, frees captives, releases those in darkness.
Isaiah 49:1-7 : The One prepared by God The Lord called him before his birth The Lord sharpened his mouth The Lord prepared him in secret He displays the splendour of the Lord He is God’s servant to bring Israel back to God God also makes him a light for the Gentiles, to bring God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. He was despised, abhorred. Kings will see him and rise up, princes will see him and bow down. He is the one chosen by God.
Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 : The Messiah is the Suffering Servant He is God’s servant He is highly exalted He is grossly disfigured He impacts many nations and kings He reveals things not previously seen or understood He was despised and rejected by men He bore the sins of many and the punishment necessary for the acquittal of many He was silent in the presence of his tormenters This was God’s pleasure and will Justification comes to many because he bore their transgressions.
Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:14-16 : the Messiah is ‘the LORD Our Righteousness’ The is the ‘righteous Branch’ or ‘righteous Sprout’ of David The King who rules wisely and justly His name is ‘the LORD Our Righteousness’ He rules an eternal kingdom
Daniel 7:13,14 One like a son of man Coming with the clouds of heaven Entered the presence of the Ancient of Days Given authority, glory and sovereign power All peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him His dominion is everlasting and will not pass away His kingdom will never be destroyed
Zechariah 6:12ff His name is ‘the Branch’ He builds the temple of the LORD He will be clothed with majesty He sits and rules on his throne He will be a priest on his throne
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