+DEV+ His Name Is Not Christ

Date: May 26, 2010 11:58 PM
Topic: +DEV+ His Name Is Not Christ

His Name Is Not Christ

"These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name" (John 20:31).
Scripture Focus: Acts 2:22-36

"Christ" is not Jesus' last name. Actually, "Christ" is His title-the Greek translation for the Hebrew title "Messiah." It means "the anointed one."

By the time of Jesus' birth, the nation of Israel longed for the coming of the Messiah. The Messiah was to be a descendent of King David, who they thought would throw off the shackles of Roman rule and restore Israel to her former exalted status among the nations of the world.

Scriptures such as Daniel 9 and Psalm 2 spoke of His coming. But a close examination of the Bible shows that God had another purpose for the Messiah. Before Israel could be restored to her position of glory in the world, she needed to be restored to her God. And the only one who could do that was God Himself.

Throughout Israel's history, God's prophets spoke of the coming of His Anointed One-His Messiah. He would first come as a suffering Servant. Then He would return as a victorious King. But Israel did not recognize the One Whom God had sent. Do we?

Insight: What is your motive for following Jesus Christ? Focus not on what God can do for you in this life, but on eternity.