Over the last two thousand years, the concept of the Messiah has been used repeatedly, but few truly understand its meaning. Throughout history, many have claimed to be “the messiah” — promising to save nations or humanity.
However, only one person fulfilled every prophecy and truly deserves that title — Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He came to seek and save the lost, to reconcile humanity to God, and to offer eternal life to all who believe.
If you’ve ever wondered why Jesus is called the Messiah, or what that means for your faith, keep reading.
What Does “Messiah” Mean?
The word Messiah comes from the Hebrew word “Mashiach”, which means “the Anointed One.” The Greek equivalent is “Christos” — from which we get the name Christ.
In ancient times, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil as a symbol of God’s empowerment and divine appointment. The anointing set them apart for a sacred mission.
Therefore, when we say “Jesus the Messiah” or “Jesus Christ,” we are saying “Jesus, the Anointed One” — the One chosen and empowered by God to redeem humanity.
Jesus, the Anointed Messiah
Jesus Himself declared His divine anointing and mission in Luke 4:18–21, saying:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
When Jesus finished reading, He boldly proclaimed, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21)
Others also recognized His divine identity:
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Andrew told his brother Simon, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41).
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Peter, by divine revelation, confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
Jesus didn’t just claim to be the Messiah — He proved it through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection.
Why Do We Need a Messiah?
The need for a Messiah arose because of the fall of man. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered the world, separating humanity from its Creator.
From that moment, humanity needed a Savior — someone who could restore the broken relationship between God and man.
In the Garden of Eden, God Himself gave the first prophecy of the coming Messiah:
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” — Genesis 3:15
This verse foreshadowed the coming of Jesus, who would ultimately defeat Satan and redeem mankind through His death and resurrection.
The Mission of the Messiah (Isaiah 61:1–4)
The prophet Isaiah revealed the purpose of the Messiah’s coming:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me
to preach good tidings to the meek;
He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound…” — Isaiah 61:1–2
From this passage, we see five major reasons why humanity needs the Messiah:
1. To Preach the Good News
Jesus came to bring good news — the message of salvation and the kingdom of God.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” — Matthew 4:17
He offered hope to the hopeless, light to those in darkness, and salvation to those trapped in sin.
2. To Heal the Brokenhearted
The brokenhearted are those crushed by life’s burdens, guilt, grief, and despair. Jesus came to heal and restore them.
He gives beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and peace for those who are weary.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
3. To Proclaim Liberty to the Captives
Sin enslaves, but Christ sets free. The Messiah came to deliver humanity from the bondage of sin, addiction, fear, and spiritual death.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17
Through His Spirit, believers experience true liberty and victory over darkness.
4. To Open the Prison of Those Bound
Before Christ, humanity lived under the weight of guilt and condemnation. But through Jesus, believers are released from spiritual captivity.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32
We no longer live under the law’s curse but under grace — free from the power of sin and death (Romans 6:14).
5. To Proclaim the Acceptable Year of the Lord
This refers to the season of God’s grace and redemption — the time when salvation is freely offered to all.
Through Jesus, the Messiah, the age of mercy replaced the era of law. God’s vengeance against sin was satisfied at the cross, and now grace reigns through righteousness.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16
Conclusion
The coming of Jesus the Messiah fulfilled centuries of prophecy and provided the ultimate solution to humanity’s greatest need — salvation.
Through His sacrifice, we are no longer broken, helpless, or separated from God. Instead, we have been reconciled, healed, and made whole through His grace.
The Messiah has come — and His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Do you believe in Him?
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“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13
