What does it mean that Jesus is the Messiah?
John 4:25-26
25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
New International Version (NIV)
The answer
To say that Jesus is the Messiah means that He is the “Anointed One” whom God promised to send: the divine Son, chosen King, and Saviour who delivers sinners through His death and resurrection. “Messiah” comes from Hebrew, while “Christ” is the corresponding Greek word meaning “anointed.” Christ is therefore Jesus’ title, not His surname.
God’s promised Anointed One
Anointing marked someone out for a God-given work. Andrew expressed this hope when he told Simon, “We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ” (John 1:41-42). The Samaritan woman likewise expected the Messiah to come and reveal God’s truth. Jesus answered her directly: “I am he, the one who speaks to you” (John 4:25-26). He was openly identifying Himself as the One for whom God’s people had been waiting.
The King who saves through suffering
Daniel prophesied the coming of “the Anointed One, the prince,” and also said that “the Anointed One will be cut off” (Daniel 9:25-26). His mission was therefore royal, but His saving work would involve suffering. Isaiah explains its purpose: “He was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
The Messiah did not come merely to bring political relief. He came to bear sin, reconcile people to God, and conquer death. After rising, Jesus explained that the Christ had to suffer and rise again, so that repentance and forgiveness could be proclaimed to all nations (Luke 24:46-47).
The Son of God and Saviour of the world
Messiahship does not mean that Jesus is only a specially chosen man. Nathanael confessed Him as “the Son of God” and “the King of Israel” (John 1:49). The Samaritans came to know Him as “the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42). He is Israel’s promised King and the Saviour for people of every nation.
John gives the response this truth requires: “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). Confessing Jesus as Messiah means more than accepting a title; it means trusting Him as God’s Son, turning from sin, and receiving forgiveness and life through Him.
Answered from Scripture · reviewed November 11, 2026
To confess that Jesus is the Messiah is to declare that He is the long-awaited Anointed One in whom all God's promises converge. The title unites the three great Old Testament offices of Prophet, Priest, and King into one divine Redeemer sent to save the world.
The Meaning of Anointing
The Anointed One Promised from the Beginning
The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
John 4:25-26 (NIV)
Jesus plainly identifies Himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well.
In John 4:25-26, Jesus settles the ancient expectation of Israel with unmatched clarity: when the Samaritan woman speaks of the Messiah who will tell all things, Jesus answers, "I who speak to you am He." The Hebrew title Mashiach and its Greek counterpart Christos literally signify the "Anointed One." Throughout the Old Covenant, anointing with consecrated oil marked a person as set apart by God for a sacred office. Aaron and his sons were anointed with holy oil to serve as priests (Exodus 28:41), consecrated to bear the sins of the people before the sanctuary. Samuel poured oil over David (1 Samuel 16:13), and the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him to lead Israel as king. Elisha was anointed by Elijah's mantle (1 Kings 19:16) to execute the office of prophet, speaking the authoritative word of the Lord.
Yet these earthly ceremonies were shadows pointing forward. Psalm 45:7 sang of an exalted King whom God anointed with the oil of gladness far above His companions. The New Testament opens with the arrival of this reality: the long-awaited line of promise culminates in Jesus, "who is called Christ" (Matthew 1:16). Andrew recognized this immediately, telling his brother, "We have found the Messiah" (John 1:41).
Jesus did not receive anointing from earthly oil, but from the Holy Spirit Himself. Entering the synagogue at Nazareth, He cited Isaiah to announce, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news" (Luke 4:18). Peter affirmed this at Caesarea, declaring that "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power" (Acts 10:38). Though earth's rulers conspired against this holy Servant (Acts 4:26-27), God's sovereign anointing remains unshakeable. To say Jesus is the Messiah is to confess that He is the sole Redeemer uniquely consecrated by the Father to gather, ransom, and govern His people forever.
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| John 1:41 | Andrew declares to Peter that they have found the Messiah, which translates as the Christ. |
| Matthew 1:16 | The genealogy culminates in Jesus, who is called the Christ. |
| Exodus 28:41 | Aaron and his sons are anointed with oil to serve God as priests. |
| 1 Samuel 16:13 | Samuel anoints David as king, and the Spirit of the Lord comes mightily upon him. |
| 1 Kings 19:16 | Elisha is anointed to succeed Elijah in the prophetic office. |
| Psalms 45:7 | God anoints His chosen King with the oil of gladness above His companions. |
| Acts 10:38 | God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. |
| Luke 4:18 | Jesus reads Isaiah's prophecy in Nazareth, declaring the Spirit's anointing is fulfilled in Him. |
| Acts 4:26-27 | The early church confesses God anointed Jesus against the kings and rulers of the earth. |
The Final Prophet
Declaring the Whole Counsel of God
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him.
Deuteronomy 18:18 (NIV)
Moses prophesies that God will raise up a Prophet like him who speaks God's very words.
In Deuteronomy 18:18, the Lord gave Moses a foundational promise: "I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers, and I will put My words in His mouth." The prophet under the Old Covenant stood as God's herald, declaring divine truth with binding authority. Yet Moses warned that a greater Prophet was coming whom Israel was strictly commanded to hear (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19), a promise Peter directly identifies as fulfilled in Jesus (Acts 3:22-23).
Isaiah announced that the Spirit's anointing would empower this Servant to proclaim glad tidings to the poor (Isaiah 61:1), a prophecy Jesus read and fulfilled in their hearing at Nazareth (Luke 4:18-21). When Philip found Nathanael, he pointed to Jesus as the long-expected climax of the law and prophets (John 1:45). Those who heard Jesus marveled at His divine insight; the Samaritan woman confessed He told her everything she ever did (John 4:29), and the crowds in Jerusalem whispered, "This really is the Prophet" (John 7:40).
Christ does not merely relay God's words as past messengers did; He is the final Word of God incarnate. As the writer to the Hebrews explains, God spoke long ago in fragments through the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken decisively to us by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah receded, leaving only Jesus, as the Father commanded, "Listen to Him" (Matthew 17:5). To confess Jesus as Messiah is to submit entirely to His voice as the ultimate revelation of truth.
| Passage | What it says | Fulfilled |
|---|---|---|
| Deuteronomy 18:15 | Israel is commanded to heed the future Prophet raised up from among their brothers. | Acts 3:22-23 |
| Isaiah 61:1 | The Spirit of the Lord anoints the Servant to bring good news to the afflicted. | Luke 4:18-21 |
| John 1:45 | Philip declares that Jesus is the one written of by Moses in the Law and by the Prophets. | |
| John 4:29 | The Samaritan woman marvels at the man who told her everything she ever did. | |
| John 7:40 | Many in the crowd hear Jesus speak and confess that He is truly the Prophet. | |
| Hebrews 1:1-2 | God, who spoke through the prophets in various ways, has in these last days spoken by His Son. | |
| Deuteronomy 18:18-19 | The Lord promises to put His words in the Prophet's mouth, requiring all to hear Him. | Acts 3:22-23 |
| Matthew 17:5 | The Father's voice commands the disciples on the mount to hear His beloved Son. |
The Great High Priest
A Sacrifice That Puts Away Sin
“Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place.
Daniel 9:24 (NIV)
Daniel foretells the precise work of the Messiah to end sin, reconcile iniquity, and bring everlasting righteousness.
The prophet Daniel pinpointed the sacred work of the Messiah: to finish transgression, put an end to sin, atone for iniquity, and bring in everlasting righteousness (Daniel 9:24). Gabriel revealed that this Messiah the Prince would be "cut off, but not for Himself" (Daniel 9:25-26), foretelling Christ's substitutionary death at the exact fulness of time (Romans 5:6; Galatians 4:4).
No ordinary Aaronic priest could accomplish this work, for earthly priests died and offered animal sacrifices that could never take away sins. Therefore, the Lord swore an inviolable oath: "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:17-22). Zechariah foresaw that this coming Branch would unite the royal crown and the priestly garment, ruling as a priest upon His throne (Zechariah 6:12-13; Hebrews 8:1-2). Isaiah portrayed this Servant laying down His soul as a guilt offering, bearing the sins of many and interceding for transgressors (Isaiah 53:10-12; 1 Peter 2:24-25).
Jesus fulfilled this high-priestly calling not with the blood of bulls or goats, but by His own spotless blood (Hebrews 9:11-12). Because His life is indestructible, He holds a permanent priesthood and saves completely all who draw near to God through Him (Hebrews 7:24-27). By one offering, He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified (Hebrews 10:11-14). To acknowledge Jesus as Messiah is to rest wholly in His finished atonement and continual intercession as our Great High Priest.
| Passage | What it says | Fulfilled |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel 9:25-26 | Messiah the Prince is cut off, having nothing for Himself, fulfilling the appointed seventy weeks. | Romans 5:6, Galatians 4:4 |
| Psalms 110:4 | The Lord swears an unchangeable oath that the Messiah is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. | Hebrews 7:17-22 |
| Isaiah 53:10-12 | The Lord's righteous Servant makes His soul an offering for sin and makes intercession for transgressors. | 1 Peter 2:24-25 |
| Zechariah 6:12-13 | The Branch builds the temple of the Lord and rules as a priest upon His throne. | Hebrews 8:1-2 |
| Hebrews 9:11-12 | Christ entered the holy place once for all by His own blood, securing eternal redemption. | |
| Hebrews 10:11-14 | By one single offering, Jesus has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. | |
| Hebrews 7:24-27 | Christ holds an unchangeable priesthood forever, offering Himself once for all. |
The Everlasting King
The Sovereign Ruler of All Nations
Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
John 1:49 (NIV)
Nathanael confesses Jesus' divine sonship and royal office as King of Israel.
When Nathanael met Jesus, his confession sounded the ancient royal hope: "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" (John 1:49). Long before, God covenanted with David, promising that his descendant would sit upon an everlasting throne (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Gabriel announced to Mary that her child was that promised Son, who would reign over the house of Jacob forever (Luke 1:32-33).
In Psalm 2:6-8, the Father sets His anointed King on Mount Zion, decreeing that the ends of the earth will become His possession, a truth fulfilled in the resurrection and reign of Christ (Acts 13:33; Revelation 2:27). Solomon sang of this King whose dominion stretches from sea to sea, before whom all monarchs fall down (Psalm 72:8-11; Philippians 2:9-11). Isaiah heralded His divine identity as the Prince of Peace, upon whose shoulders the government rests without end (Isaiah 9:6-7). Daniel saw in the night visions the Son of Man approaching the Ancient of Days to receive an indestructible, universal dominion (Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 28:18; Revelation 11:15).
When cross-examined by Pontius Pilate, Jesus openly testified that He was born to be King, though His kingdom does not originate from this fallen world (John 18:36-37). Having conquered death, He is now highly exalted with the name above every name, commanding every knee to bow (Philippians 2:9-11). He rides forth as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). To confess Jesus as Messiah is to bow before His universal sovereignty and live as a loyal subject of His eternal kingdom.
| Passage | What it says | Fulfilled |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Samuel 7:12-13 | God covenants with David to establish the throne of his seed forever. | Luke 1:32-33 |
| Psalms 2:6-8 | The Lord sets His King on Zion, giving Him the nations for His inheritance. | Acts 13:33, Revelation 2:27 |
| Psalms 72:8-11 | The royal King rules from sea to sea, and all kings bow down before Him. | Philippians 2:9-11 |
| Isaiah 9:6-7 | The government rests on the shoulders of the Prince of Peace, whose kingdom has no end. | Luke 1:33 |
| Daniel 7:13-14 | The Son of Man receives an everlasting dominion that shall not be destroyed. | Matthew 28:18, Revelation 11:15 |
| John 18:36-37 | Jesus testifies before Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world, confirming He was born a king. | |
| Revelation 19:16 | The exalted Christ bears the name King of kings and Lord of lords. | |
| Luke 1:32-33 | Gabriel proclaims Jesus will reign on David's throne over a kingdom with no end. | |
| Philippians 2:9-11 | God highly exalts Christ, giving Him the name above every name where every knee bows. |
The Personal Summons
Trusting the Saviour of the World
They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
John 4:42 (NIV)
The Samaritans arrive at saving faith, acknowledging Jesus as the Christ and Saviour of the world.
In John 4:42, the townsfolk of Sychar profess the ultimate confession of personal faith: they have heard Him for themselves and know that this man is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. This title is not an abstract piece of theology or an honorary designation; it demands an urgent personal response from every human heart. Jesus Himself set the stakes in plain terms in John 8:24, declaring that unless a person believes that He is who He claimed to be, they will die in their sins. Scripture makes the messianic identity of Jesus the very fulcrum of eternal life.
John explains the very purpose of writing his Gospel in John 20:31: these signs are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. When Jesus asked His disciples whom they declared Him to be, Matthew 16:16 records Peter’s landmark confession: 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' This revelation is supernatural, transforming the heart from blindness into living faith. As the apostle confirms in 1 John 5:1, everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God.
Following the resurrection, the apostolic church preached this truth with unrelenting boldness. On the day of Pentecost, Peter announced to the assembled crowd in Acts 2:36 that God has made this Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ. Recognizing Him as the Anointed One means bowing to His sovereign rule and casting oneself upon His redemptive work. In Romans 10:9, Paul summarizes this glorious summons: if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. To receive Jesus as the Messiah is to surrender to the only Redeemer who can rescue us from death.
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| John 8:24 | Jesus warns that unless you believe He is the promised One, you will die in your sins. |
| John 20:31 | The Gospel is recorded so that readers believe Jesus is the Christ, obtaining life in His name. |
| Matthew 16:16 | Simon Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. |
| 1 John 5:1 | Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. |
| Acts 2:36 | Peter proclaims God made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ to all Israel. |
| Romans 10:9 | Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing God raised Him brings salvation. |
Where in the Bible
| Book | Passages |
|---|---|
| Exodus | 1 · Exodus 28:41 |
| Deuteronomy | 2 · Deuteronomy 18:15, Deuteronomy 18:18-19 |
| 1 Samuel | 1 · 1 Samuel 16:13 |
| 2 Samuel | 1 · 2 Samuel 7:12-13 |
| 1 Kings | 1 · 1 Kings 19:16 |
| Psalms | 4 · Psalms 45:7, Psalms 110:4, Psalms 2:6-8, Psalms 72:8-11 |
| Isaiah | 3 · Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah 53:10-12, Isaiah 9:6-7 |
| Daniel | 2 · Daniel 9:25-26, Daniel 7:13-14 |
| Zechariah | 1 · Zechariah 6:12-13 |
| Matthew | 3 · Matthew 1:16, Matthew 17:5, Matthew 16:16 |
| Luke | 2 · Luke 4:18, Luke 1:32-33 |
| John | 7 · John 1:41, John 1:45, John 4:29, John 7:40, John 18:36-37, John 8:24, John 20:31 |
| Acts | 3 · Acts 10:38, Acts 4:26-27, Acts 2:36 |
| Romans | 1 · Romans 10:9 |
| Philippians | 1 · Philippians 2:9-11 |
| Hebrews | 4 · Hebrews 1:1-2, Hebrews 9:11-12, Hebrews 10:11-14, Hebrews 7:24-27 |
| 1 John | 1 · 1 John 5:1 |
| Revelation | 1 · Revelation 19:16 |
The story in order
- Anointing of David (c. 1000 BC) · 1 Samuel 16:13 · Shows the king being anointed and empowered by the Spirit.
- Prophet promised to Israel (c. 1400 BC) · Deuteronomy 18:15 · God promises a future prophet like Moses to whom Israel must listen.
- Davidic Covenant (c. 990 BC) · 2 Samuel 7:12-13 · God promises David an everlasting dynasty and kingdom.
- Messiah's eternal priesthood (c. 970 BC) · Psalms 110:4 · The Lord swears the Messiah will be a priest forever.
- Prince of Peace prophesied (c. 740 BC) · Isaiah 9:6-7 · Foretells the birth of a ruler whose kingdom will be everlasting.
- Messiah the Prince cut off (c. 500 BC) · Daniel 9:25-26 · Prophesies the Messiah's coming and subsequent destruction.
- Jesus anointed by the Spirit (c. AD 30) · Acts 10:38 · Confirms Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus declares His anointing (c. AD 27) · Luke 4:18 · Jesus reads Isaiah, applying the prophetic anointing to Himself.
- Jesus' kingdom confessed (AD 30) · John 18:36-37 · Jesus testifies to Pilate that He is a King.
- Peter confesses Jesus as Christ (c. AD 32) · Matthew 16:16 · Peter's foundational confession of Jesus' identity.
- Jesus is Lord and Christ (AD 30) · Acts 2:36 · Peter proclaims Jesus' exaltation as Lord and Christ.
- Salvation through confession (c. AD 55) · Romans 10:9 · Confessing Jesus as Lord brings salvation.
- Christ's perfect sacrifice (c. AD 65) · Hebrews 10:11-14 · Jesus' single offering perfects believers eternally.
- Jesus, King of kings (c. AD 95) · Revelation 19:16 · The exalted Christ is identified as King of kings.
Offices Fulfilled in Jesus
| Old Testament Office | Anointed Servant | Reference | Passage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priest | Aaron and sons anointed | Exodus 28:41 | Exodus 28:41 |
| King | David anointed | 1 Samuel 16:13 | 1 Samuel 16:13 |
| Prophet | Elisha anointed | 1 Kings 19:16 | 1 Kings 19:16 |
| Prophet | The Servant anointed | Isaiah 61:1 | Isaiah 61:1 |
| Priest | Melchizedek's order | Psalms 110:4 | Psalms 110:4 |
| King | David's seed | 2 Samuel 7:12-13 | 2 Samuel 7:12-13 |
| Jesus: Prophet, Priest, King | Jesus anointed with Spirit | Acts 10:38 | Acts 10:38 |
Messianic Promises and Fulfilment
| Promise | Fulfilment | Reference | Passage |
|---|---|---|---|
| A future Prophet like Moses | Jesus is the Prophet | Deuteronomy 18:15; John 1:45 | Deuteronomy 18:15 |
| An everlasting King from David's line | Jesus reigns forever | 2 Samuel 7:12-13; Luke 1:32-33 | 2 Samuel 7:12-13 |
| A Priest forever after Melchizedek | Jesus is our eternal High Priest | Psalms 110:4; Hebrews 7:24-27 | Psalms 110:4 |
| Messiah the Prince will come and be cut off | Jesus fulfilled this prophecy | Daniel 9:25-26 | Daniel 9:25-26 |
| The Servant makes His soul an offering | Jesus' sacrifice for sin | Isaiah 53:10-12; Hebrews 9:11-12 | Isaiah 53:10-12 |
| He will be called Prince of Peace | Jesus is the Prince of Peace | Isaiah 9:6-7 | Isaiah 9:6-7 |
The Title 'Christ'
| Title | Meaning | Reference | Passage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messiah | Anointed One | John 1:41 | John 1:41 |
| Christ | Anointed One | Matthew 1:16 | Matthew 1:16 |
| Anointed King | Oil of gladness | Psalms 45:7 | Psalms 45:7 |
| Anointed Servant | Spirit of the Lord | Isaiah 61:1 | Isaiah 61:1 |
| Anointed Jesus | Holy Spirit and power | Acts 10:38 | Acts 10:38 |
| The Christ | Son of the living God | Matthew 16:16 | Matthew 16:16 |
| Lord and Christ | God has made Him both | Acts 2:36 | Acts 2:36 |
Key words
- Messiah (Mashiach (Hebrew))
- The promised Anointed One, King and Saviour. · John 1:41
- Christ (Christos (Greek))
- The Greek translation of Messiah, meaning Anointed One. · Matthew 1:16
- Anointed (mashach (Hebrew))
- Consecrated or appointed by God for a special office or work. · Exodus 28:41
- Prophet (nabi (Hebrew))
- One who speaks God's message, often foretelling future events. · Deuteronomy 18:15
- Priest (kohen (Hebrew))
- One who mediates between God and humanity, offering sacrifices. · Exodus 28:41
- King (melekh (Hebrew))
- A sovereign ruler, especially one who reigns by divine right. · 1 Samuel 16:13
- Lord (kyrios (Greek))
- Supreme authority and master; also used for God. · Acts 2:36
Knowing Jesus as the Messiah demands more than intellectual agreement; it requires yielding our lives to His word, His sacrifice, and His sovereign reign. He is the Christ, the Saviour of the world, and in Him alone is eternal life found.
39 passages, each cited once.
Scripture cited
- John 4:25-26
- John 1:49
- Daniel 9:24-26
- John 4:42
- John 1:41-42
- Isaiah 53:4-6
- Luke 24:44-47
- John 20:30-31