MASHIACH: CHRIST, MESSIAH

Understanding the Title

Mashiach is the Hebrew term for Messiah. In the New Testament, the Greek word Christos translates to “Christ,” meaning “Messiah” or “Anointed One.” This designation refers to someone chosen for a special mission.

In ancient cultures, anointing with oil was believed to bestow strength, health, and beauty. Oil held significant importance in biblical times, serving various purposes such as lighting, cooking, medicine, and hygiene. It symbolized wealth and joy—an abundance indicated God’s favor, while scarcity signified displeasure.

Oil was also used for sacred purposes, consecrating altars and vessels for worship, indicating that they were set apart for God. Not only were altars anointed, but individuals, particularly Israel’s kings, were anointed with oil rather than crowned. This anointing, often performed using a blend of olive oil and spices, symbolized the king’s right to rule, conveying God’s blessing of authority, strength, and honor.

The New Testament identifies Jesus as the Christ (“Anointed One”) over 530 times, leading many to mistakenly view “Christ” as His last name. Unlike the kings of Israel, however, Jesus was not anointed with oil; instead, He was anointed with the Holy Spirit during His baptism in the Jordan River. Early Christians recognized Jesus as Mashiach in a unique sense, as He was destined to mend the rift between God and humanity. To avoid political implications, Jesus often refrained from using the title “Messiah” until the end of His life, when He boldly affirmed it in response to the high priest's question: “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” with a resounding, “I am.” (Mark 14:61-62).

As time passed, oil became synonymous with the Holy Spirit, symbolizing divine favor, power, and protection. The English word christen (meaning "to anoint") derives from the Greek verb chrio (to anoint).

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Praying to Mashiach

Waiting for the Messiah

One of the most somber plays, Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, captures the essence of despair and waiting. The characters Vladimir and Estragon wait endlessly for Godot, who never arrives, emphasizing a sense of hopelessness. This raises a poignant question: Did the Jewish people ever despair of the arrival of their long-promised Messiah? Generations held onto this hope, unaware that many would not recognize Him upon His arrival. Jesus did not fit the expected mold of a conquering Messiah. Instead of toppling the Roman oppressors with power, He was crucified in an act of profound weakness.

The Jewish people struggled to grasp that Jesus was addressing more significant issues than their immediate political struggles. His mission was to liberate them from the bondage of sin and death, a much deeper need than they understood at the time.

Like the characters in Waiting for Godot, we often find ourselves waiting for God to intervene in our lives. What happens when the help we seek doesn’t come in the expected form? What if our Messiah is focused on resolving larger issues than those we perceive?

Unlike the characters who wait in despair, we anticipate a God who fulfills His promises. Jesus, our Messiah, continually comes to us, aiding, challenging, and transforming us, guiding us toward deeper understanding of His life-giving ways.

A Prayer for Clarity

Jesus Christ, our Messiah, open our eyes to how you are at work in the world today. Help us wait for you with confident expectation, trusting in your presence and purpose.

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Promises Associated with Mashiach

1. “You can depend on God. Our message to you isn’t false; it’s true. God’s Son, Yeshua Christ, whom I, Silvanus, and Timothy told you about, was true, not false. Because of him, our message was always true. Certainly, Christ made God’s many promises come true.” (2 Corinthians 1:18-20)

2. “But now Christ has come back from the dead. He is the very first person of those who have died to come back to life. Since a man brought death, a man also brought life back from death. As everyone dies because of Adam, so also everyone will be made alive because of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)

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Conclusion

The title Mashiach serves as a profound reminder of Jesus as the Christ, the Anointed One sent to restore humanity’s relationship with God. His anointing with the Holy Spirit signifies His unique mission to heal and redeem. As we wait for His continued work in our lives, we are called to trust in His promises and reflect His love and grace to the world around us. In recognizing Jesus as our Mashiach, we embrace our role in His transformative mission, anticipating His ongoing presence and guidance.