Synoptic title: Messiah Flashcards
What are the origins of the word messiah?
Comes from the hebrew word ‘mashiach’, meaning ‘the anointed one’ or ‘the chosen one’
Who was anointed in Old Testament times?
Prophets, priests and kings were all anointed upon being appointed to a position of authority
What did an anointing ceremony involve?
Pouring oil and hair into the beard to make it shine
What was an anointing of?
A sign that God had chosen that person
How did the definition of the word messiah change over time?
It stopped meaning anyone who had been anointed by God to become a leader and started to mean a particular person who was chosen by God for a very special destiny
What did 1st century Jews believe about the Messiah?
The would be one particular Messiah sent by God to free the Jewish people from their oppresors and begin a messianic age, a sort of golden age on Earth
Who did 1st century Jews believe the Messiah would be a descendent of?
King David (Isaiah 11:1)
Where did first century Jews believe the Messiah would be born?
Bethlehem in Judah (Micah 5:2)
What did Jews expect the kingly Messiah to do?
Drive out the occupying Romans from Judea and set up an independent Jewish Kingdom
What did Jews expect the priestly Messiah to do?
Reform the corrupt temple in Jerusalem and bring back the true worship of God
What did Jews expect the prophetic Messiah to do?
Arrive before judgement day
What did Jews believe the suffering Messiah would do?
Die an atoning death for the sake of mankind; but this is largely a Christian view
What is the Greek equivalent to ‘Messiah’?
Christos (Christ)
Who do the people think Jesus is according to Mark 8: 27-30?
- Some think he is the prophet Elijah come back to Earth
- Others say that he is John the Baptist brought back to life
Who does Peter say Jesus is when asked in Mark 8: 27-30?
‘You are the Christos’, meaning ‘you are the Messiah’
