The Christ
- Dr. Michael Stallings
- Nov 26
- 2 min read
“But you,” He asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” – Matthew 16:15–16 (HCSB)
When Peter confessed, “You are the Christ,” he wasn’t offering a nickname, he was declaring Jesus to be the fulfillment of Israel’s deepest hopes. Christ is the Greek word Christos, meaning “Anointed One,” equivalent to the Hebrew Mashiach—Messiah. Kings, prophets, and priests were anointed for service in the Old Testament, but this title belonged to the One uniquely chosen and empowered to redeem the world.
Matthew begins his Gospel with this name: “Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). In Matthew 2:4, Herod asks where the Christ is to be born, confirming that even political leaders were aware of this awaited figure. Later, in Matthew 26:63, the high priest demands, “Tell us if You are the Messiah, the Son of God!” That question that led directly to Jesus’ condemnation.
Jesus accepted Peter’s declaration not as flattery but as divine revelation. This wasn’t something Peter figured out by logic; it was given by the Father. And on that confession, Jesus promised to build His Church. To call Jesus the Christ is to confess Him as the divinely appointed Savior, the anointed Redeemer, and the One through whom God's kingdom comes.
When you call on Jesus as the Christ, you affirm that He is not just a good teacher or a powerful miracle worker, He is the fulfillment of every prophecy, the center of every promise, and the One sent to save. There is no other.
Reflection Questions:
What does it personally mean to you that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One sent by God to redeem the world?
How does confessing Jesus as the Christ shape the way you live, serve, and share your faith each day?
Prayer: Jesus the Christ, I believe You are the Anointed One. The promised, sent, and exalted. You are the hope of the prophets and the foundation of my faith. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me. Build my life on the truth of who You are. Amen.
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