Matthew 1:1

This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:

The very first verse of the New Testament Bible, Jesus is called the Messiah. The Hebrew translation is “Mashiach”. It refers to someone who is anointed with oil, signifying their consecration to a specific role or office. In the Hebrew Bible, it is used to describe priests, kings, and sometimes prophets who were anointed as part of their divine appointment. Over time, “mashiach” came to be associated with the anticipated deliverer and king, the Messiah, who would establish God’s kingdom.

In ancient Israel, anointing with oil was a symbolic act of setting someone apart for a holy purpose. Kings like Saul and David were anointed by prophets, signifying God’s choice and empowerment for leadership. The concept of a future “Anointed One” or Messiah developed during the intertestamental period, as Jewish expectations grew for a divinely appointed leader who would restore Israel and bring about God’s reign on earth.

In Greek, the term “Messias” is used in the New Testament to refer to the “Anointed One,” the promised deliverer and king prophesied in the Old Testament. In the context of the New Testament, it specifically identifies Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of these messianic prophecies. The term is synonymous with “Christ,” which is the Greek equivalent.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!