In the Old Testament, the Messiah (or Christ) was understood to be the anointed king through whom God would establish his kingdom on earth. Israel was anxiously awaiting this coming king who would conquer his enemies and rule the nations in righteousness. Moreover, one of the distinguishing marks of this long-expected Messiah was that he […]

“The chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe'” (Mark 15:31-32). As Jesus hangs upon the cross, suffering the physical pain of crucifixion and spiritual anguish of the […]

The first reference to a king as an anointed one, or messiah, is found at the conclusion of Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving after the birth of Samuel: “…he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.” This beautiful prayer, however, is more than just a psalm of praise declaring the majesty of God or a […]