The concept of the Coming Messiah is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, representing the hope and expectation of a divinely appointed leader who would deliver and restore Israel and bring salvation to the world. This entry explores the biblical foundations, prophecies, and fulfillment of the Messiah as understood within the Christian tradition.

Old Testament Foundations

The anticipation of a Messiah is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. The term "Messiah" comes from the Hebrew word "Mashiach," meaning "anointed one." This anointing signifies a person chosen by God for a special purpose, often associated with kingship, priesthood, or prophecy.

1. Genesis 3:15 · The first hint of a coming deliverer is found in the Protoevangelium, where God declares to the serpent, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." This passage is seen as the initial promise of a Redeemer who would defeat evil.

2. Genesis 49:10 · Jacob's blessing to Judah includes a messianic prophecy: "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples." This indicates the Messiah's royal lineage from the tribe of Judah.

3. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 · God's covenant with David promises an eternal kingdom through his offspring: "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom." This is understood as a prophecy of the Messiah's descent from David.

4. Isaiah 7:14 · The prophet Isaiah foretells a miraculous birth: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." This is interpreted as a prophecy of the virgin birth of the Messiah.

5. Isaiah 9:6-7 · Isaiah further describes the Messiah's divine nature and eternal reign: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

6. Micah 5:2 · The birthplace of the Messiah is prophesied: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament presents Jesus of Nazareth as the fulfillment of the Old Testament messianic prophecies. The Gospels and other writings affirm His identity as the promised Messiah.

1. Matthew 1:22-23 · The Gospel of Matthew explicitly connects Jesus' birth to Isaiah's prophecy: "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')."

2. Luke 1:32-33 · The angel Gabriel announces to Mary the nature of her son: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end."

3. John 1:41 · Andrew, one of Jesus' first disciples, declares, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated as Christ).

4. Acts 2:36 · Peter, in his Pentecost sermon, proclaims, "Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

5. Revelation 5:5 · The vision of John in Revelation identifies Jesus as the Lion of the tribe of Judah: "Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.'"

Messianic Roles and Expectations

The Messiah is expected to fulfill several roles, including:

· King: As a descendant of David, the Messiah is to establish a kingdom characterized by justice and righteousness (Jeremiah 23:5-6).
· Prophet: Like Moses, the Messiah is to be a prophet who speaks God's words (Deuteronomy 18:15-19).
· Priest: The Messiah is seen as a priestly figure, mediating between God and humanity (Psalm 110:4).

Conclusion

The Coming Messiah is a foundational element of biblical theology, embodying the hope of redemption and the fulfillment of God's promises. Through the person and work of Jesus Christ, Christians believe that the messianic prophecies have been realized, offering salvation to all who believe.