Knowing Jesus: Understanding His Role As Our Messiah Series

Knowing Jesus: Understanding His Role as Our Messiah

Introduction:

Today, we embark on a journey to explore the profound significance of Jesus as our Messiah. Often, we use the term "Messiah" without fully grasping its depth and implications. Let us delve into Scripture to uncover the transformative truth of what it means for Jesus to be our Messiah.

Point 1: Jesus, the Promised Redeemer

Isaiah 9:6 (NLT) - "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah's prophecy foretold the coming of a divine figure who would bring salvation and establish an everlasting kingdom.

This prophecy from Isaiah foretells the birth of a child who will hold significant titles, revealing his divine nature and the profound impact he will have on humanity. Jesus, the promised Messiah, embodies these characteristics perfectly.

Jesus fulfils this prophecy as the promised Messiah, embodying the attributes described: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

"Jesus did not come into this world to make bad people good; He came into this world to make dead people live." - Lee Strobel

Matthew 1:21 - "And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

Here, an angel reveals to Joseph the purpose of Jesus' coming—to be the Saviour of humanity, rescuing people from the power and penalty of sin. This aligns perfectly with Isaiah's prophecy of a child who will bring salvation.

Point 2: Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb

John 1:29 (NLT) - "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'"

In Jewish tradition, the sacrificial lamb was offered for the forgiveness of sins. John the Baptist declares Jesus as the Lamb of God, drawing a connection to the sacrificial system in Judaism where lambs were offered for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus, as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, would provide eternal forgiveness for all who believe in Him by offering Himself on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity and reconcile us to God.

"The cross is the lightning rod of grace that short-circuits God’s wrath to Christ so that only the light of His love remains for believers." - John Stott

Hebrews 9:22 - "In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness."

This verse underscores the importance of blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, emphasizing the necessity of Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross to atone for humanity's sins once and for all.

Point 3: Jesus, the Victorious King

Revelation 19:16 (NLT) - "On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords."

This imagery from Revelation depicts Jesus as the exalted victorious King who reigns over all creation. It emphasises his sovereign authority and ultimate victory over sin, death, and evil. His authority is absolute, and His reign is eternal. As our Messiah, Jesus not only saves us but also establishes His kingdom of righteousness and justice.

"The King of glory comes, the nation rejoices. Open the gates before him, lift up your voices." - Graham Kendrick

Philippians 2:9-11 (NLT): "Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

These verses celebrate the exaltation of Jesus as Lord, acknowledging his supreme authority and divine nature. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord, affirming his rightful place as the ruler of all.

Application:

These verses collectively illuminate the identity and mission of Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the King of kings and Lord of lords, and the exalted Saviour deserving of all honor and praise.

Understanding Jesus as our Messiah transforms our lives. It calls us to embrace Him as our Saviour, to surrender to His lordship, and to live in the hope of His eternal kingdom. Let us deepen our understanding of Jesus' role as our Messiah and allow this truth to shape every aspect of our lives.

Call to Action:

As we reflect on the significance of Jesus as our Messiah, let us commit to knowing Him more intimately, serving Him faithfully, and sharing His message of salvation with others. May our lives bear witness to the transformative power of Jesus as our Saviour and King.