Joshua Bennett
Catholics are taught that Jesus is the Messiah, a concept that is central to the Christian faith. The term Messiah, derived from the Hebrew 'māšīaḥ' and Greek 'messias', means 'anointed one' and is used to describe a saviour or liberator. In the context of Jesus, the Messiah is understood as the promised prince or king, sent by God, who will bring about a new era of peace and prosperity. While there are differing interpretations of messianic prophecies, Catholics believe that Jesus fulfilled these prophecies and that his resurrection is proof of his role as the Messiah.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of Messiah | Saviour or liberator of a group of people |
| Messiah in different religions | Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Hinduism |
| Number of Messiahs in Zoroastrianism | Three |
| Catholic belief | Jesus is the Messiah, Son of God and God the Son |
| Catholic teaching | Not the apocalyptic pre-millennial eschatology that Evangelicals teach |
| Messiah prophecies | Isaiah 11, Isaiah, Chapter 11 |
| Messiah texts | 4 Ezra, Chapter 12, Psalms of Solomon, Psalm 2, Psalm 109 |
| Messiah meaning | Anointed one |
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What You'll Learn
Jesus as Messiah
The belief that Jesus is the Messiah is central to Christianity. The English term "Messiah" is derived from the Greek "messias", which itself comes from the Aramaic/Hebrew "mešîḥā’", meaning "anointed one". The Greek "christos" and Hebrew "mashiach" are synonyms, both translating to "anointed one".
The New Testament is filled with references to Jesus as the Christ or Messiah. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all highlight Simon Peter's declaration: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt 16:16; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20). John's Gospel incorporates a similar parallel when Jesus addresses Martha following the death of Lazarus, to which she replies, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world" (John 11:27).
Jesus is said to have fulfilled the requirements of the Messiah as predicted in the Old Testament. He was a Hebrew of the tribe of Judah (Luke 3:30), born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4–7) to a virgin (Luke 1:26–27). He was a prophet akin to Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18), a priest in the order of Melchizedek (Genesis 14; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 6:20), and a king (Isaiah 11:1–4). He was also the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, a role linked to his claim to be the Messiah.
Jesus's resurrection is seen as further proof of his role as the Messiah, validating his ministry and his claim to be the Son of God. Christians believe that the rest of the prophecies will be fulfilled at his Second Coming, when he will return to judge the living and the dead, usher in a Messianic Age, and complete God's plan.
However, it is important to note that not all agree that Jesus is the Messiah. Jews, for example, do not accept Jesus as their Messiah, as they believe he did not fulfil the requirements or their prophecies.
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The Resurrection
The early Church Fathers also taught the doctrine of the general resurrection. Notable figures include St. Clement of Rome, St. Justin Martyr, Athenagoras, Tatian, St. Irenaeus, Tertullian, Minucius Felix, Origen, Hippolytus, and St. Cyril of Jerusalem.
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Messianic prophecies
In the Abrahamic religions, a messiah is a saviour or liberator of a group of people. The concept of the Messiah varies across different religions. In Judaism, there are several understandings of the Messiah, making the study of Messianic prophecy complex. In Zoroastrianism, there are three messiah figures, each of whom progressively brings about the final renovation of the world, or Frashokereti. In Hinduism, it is taught that additional Messiahs will appear in the distant future, but not until after a thousand years have passed.
Christian denominations such as Catholicism believe Jesus to be the Messiah and the Son of God. This is supported by various prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures, as well as his Resurrection. Jesus is the most successful messianic claimant in history, with even non-believers referring to him as "Jesus Christ" (the Greek word for Messiah).
Some Catholics believe that certain Old Testament prophecies that seem unfulfilled are about the Second Coming of Christ.
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The Second Coming
Catholicism, along with other Christian denominations, believes in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The concept of the Messiah, or 'anointed one' in Hebrew, has a complex history within Judaism, with multiple understandings of the term. However, in Christian theology, Jesus is considered the Son of God and God the Son, a concept that differs from Jewish and Islamic interpretations.
Catholics are taught that Jesus is the Messiah, and this belief is supported by various prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures. One such prophecy is found in Isaiah 11, which describes a figure who will "slay the wicked with the breath of his lips". Jesus himself re-interpreted the concept of the Messiah for his followers, emphasising that his kingdom would transcend political boundaries and include people from all nations.
The idea of the Messiah is also linked to the restoration of the monarchy and the hope for a new anointed king. Passages such as Psalm 2 and 4 Ezra, Chapter 12, combine the expectations of a Davidic messiah with the idea of heavenly deliverance. Jesus' claim to be the Messiah and his resurrection are central to Christian belief, and even those who do not follow Christianity often refer to him as "Jesus Christ", acknowledging his significance.
In conclusion, Catholics are taught about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of prophetic promises and the realisation of messianic expectations. This teaching is deeply rooted in the interpretation of Jesus' life and ministry, as well as the belief in his return to bring about a triumphant and prosperous future.
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The Anointed/Christ/Messiah
The Messiah, or "the Anointed", is a central figure in the Christian faith, which originates from the Hebrew Scriptures and the concept of the Jewish Messiah. The term "Messiah" comes from the Hebrew word "mashiah" or "mashiach", meaning "the anointed one", and refers to a promised deliverer or saviour.
In Christianity, Jesus of Nazareth is recognised as the Messiah, or Christ, a title derived from the Greek translation of the Hebrew word, "Khristós". Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, including his lineage from the Davidic line, his death, resurrection, and role as King of the Jews. His resurrection is considered a miracle that validates his ministry and his claim to be the Messiah.
The belief in Jesus as the Messiah is a defining aspect of the Christian faith, as he is seen as the Son of God and God the Son. His crucifixion and resurrection are understood as a triumph over sin and death, offering salvation to all. This belief sets Christianity apart from other religions and even other Christian denominations, such as Catholicism, which holds unique theological perspectives.
While the concept of the Messiah is shared by other religions, including Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism, the understanding and interpretation of this figure vary. In Islam, for example, Jesus is also recognised as a prophet, but Muslims await his second coming, believing he will return at the end of times to exercise his power of healing and lead the Muslims. In Judaism, the belief in a Messiah is more complex, with various interpretations and understandings, and the idea of a Messianic figure may have developed over time.
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Frequently asked questions
The English word Messiah is derived from the Greek term messias, which comes from the Hebrew word, Messiah, meaning "the anointed". In Abrahamic religions, a messiah is a saviour or liberator of a group of people.
Catholics believe that Jesus is the Messiah. This belief is supported by his Resurrection and his claim to be the Messiah figure.
Jesus re-educated his followers to understand the concept of Messiah in the light of Old Testament teaching. He taught that his kingdom would not be defined by political boundaries but would embrace people from every nation.
