Why We Call Jesus “the Christ” - The One Year Unlocking the Bible Devotional

These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ.   John 20:31, ESV

If you were asked to summarize the Christian faith, what would you say? John boils the essence of the faith down to just four words: “Jesus is the Christ.” We know our Lord was given the name “Jesus,” so why do we call him “Jesus Christ”?

Our English word Christ comes from the Greek word Christos, which means “Messiah” or “anointed one.” Christ is a title that refers to one who was promised in the Old Testament, who would be anointed by God.

Throughout the Bible story, God “anointed” certain people as a sign that he would use them—to reveal himself so that we may know him (the prophets); to reconcile us to himself so that we can come to him (the priests); and to rule so that his purposes may be fulfilled (the kings).

God spoke to the prophets directly so that they could speak his Word to the people. At the end of Elijah’s life, he was told to “anoint Elisha” to be a prophet after him (1 Kings 19:16).

While the prophets spoke to the people on behalf of God, the priests spoke to God on behalf of the people, offering sacrifices for them. When Aaron was installed as high priest, he stood before the people in elaborate clothing, and Moses poured oil on his head to show that God had chosen and anointed him for ministry (see Psalm 133:2).

The kings were anointed for the work of ruling. Samuel anointed David as king of Israel by pouring oil over his head. When he did this, “the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David” (1 Samuel 16:13).

The prophets, priests, and kings of the Old Testament all pointed forward to one who would fulfill what they could only illustrate. God promised that there would be an Anointed One par excellence who would speak the Word of God, offer the sacrifice acceptable to God, and rout the enemies of God. How well does the phrase “Jesus is the Christ” summarize your faith?

For further reading, see 1 Samuel 16