What does calling Jesus "Messiah" reveal about Andrew's understanding of His identity? Text Under Consideration “He first found his brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated as Christ).” – John 1:41 Meaning of “Messiah” • The Hebrew word Mashiach means “Anointed One.” • In the Old Testament, anointing signified God’s selection and empowerment for a specific role—king (1 Samuel 16:13), priest (Exodus 30:30), or prophet (1 Kings 19:16). • Across the prophets, “the Messiah” became the singular title for the promised, Spirit-anointed Deliverer who would establish God’s kingdom (Daniel 9:25; Isaiah 61:1; Psalm 2:2). Andrew’s Background and Expectation • Andrew had been a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-40), a forerunner who preached repentance and proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). • Raised in the Scriptures, Andrew knew the prophecies of a coming Redeemer who would sit on David’s throne forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). • Hearing John identify Jesus and then spending a day with Him (John 1:39) convinced Andrew that those ancient promises were now fulfilled in this Person. What Andrew’s Declaration Reveals • Recognition of Divine Appointment – Calling Jesus “Messiah” shows Andrew believed God Himself had anointed Jesus to rule and redeem. • Confidence in Fulfilled Prophecy – Andrew’s words connect Jesus directly to centuries-old promises, affirming Scripture’s reliability and literal fulfillment. • Understanding of Jesus as Israel’s King – “Messiah” carried royal overtones; Andrew saw Jesus not merely as a rabbi but as the rightful heir to David’s throne (Psalm 132:11). • Expectation of Spiritual Deliverance – John’s prior declaration about the “Lamb of God” shaped Andrew’s view: this King would also deal with sin (Isaiah 53:5-6). • Urgency to Share the Good News – His first impulse was to tell his brother, revealing that grasping Jesus’ messianic identity naturally produces witness. Affirmations from Other Scriptures • Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me…” • Micah 5:2 – Bethlehem prophecy linking birthplace to ruler “whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” • Psalm 2:6-7 – God installs His King on Zion and calls Him “My Son.” • Mark 8:29 – Peter later echoes Andrew: “You are the Christ.” • Acts 2:36 – Peter proclaims, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Living Truths • Acknowledging Jesus as Messiah means embracing Him as the sovereign King and sacrificial Savior Scripture foretold. • A true encounter with the Messiah produces immediate allegiance and compels us to invite others to meet Him. |
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