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Studies in John—The Claims of Jesus Studies in John—The Claims of Jesus

Jesus’ Claims in Relation to Messianic Jesus’ Claims in Relation to Messianic Hope Hope

The Greek term Christ and the Hebrew word

Messiah are both from words which mean to anoint.

Both priest and kings were anointed. Lev. 4:3; 1 Sam. 24:6; 2 Sam. 19:21;

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The Messiah

David

The Messiah would build a house for God’s name, and God would establish his kingdom forever. (2 Sam. 13, 16)

David describes the idea rule which resulted from God’s covenant with him. (2 Sam. 23:1-7)

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Jewish Expectations of the Messiah from the

Old Testament

Rules Righteously Rules in the Fear of God

Is LightTender as Grass After a Rain

Cast Away the WorthlessDeal with the Worthless with Iron and a

SpearThe Worthless Are Burned

Isaiah

As a sign to the house of David a Immanuel would be born to a virgin. (Isa. 7:14)

This child would be “Mighty God” and “Eternal Father”. There would be no end to His government and he would sit on David’s throne. (Isa. 9:6-7)

This root of Jesse is described as anointed with the Spirit of God, judging righteously and in equity. (Isa. 11:1-5) In him the Gentiles will hope. (Isa. 11:10)

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The Jewish Expectations of the Messiah from the

Old TestamentGod in the flesh would be with

Israel. (7:14) The child would rule in justice and

righteousness. (9:6-7) He would rule on the throne of

David forever. (9:7) In him the gentiles would hope.

(11:10)

Micah

In the day (4:6) that God’s house (4:1) is established the former dominion will come (4:8). Former dominion—the throne of David.

The ruler whose goings forth are everlasting will be from Bethlehem (5:2).

The ruler will shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord. (5:4)

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Jewish Expectations of the Messiah from the

Old Testament

Jeremiah (Jer. 23:5-6)

Describes the ruler of David as a righteous branch.

He will reign as king and act wisely. He will carry out righteousness and justice

in the land. He will be the Savior of Israel and Judah.

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Jewish Expectations of the Messiah from the

Old Testament

Zechariah

The branch (Ref. Jer. 23:5-6) will build the temple of the Lord and rule on His throne. He will be both priest and king. (6:12-13)

Their king is just and endowed with salvation. He will ride on a colt, the foal of a donkey. He will not expand his empire by military might. (9:9-10)

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Jewish Expectations of the Messiah from the

Old Testament

God’s anointed be of David’s seed, he would build the house of

the Lord and his rule would be everlasting. (2 Sam. 7:13, 16) His rule would in righteousness, he would be light, tender as

grass and yet tough as iron on the worthless. (2 Sam. 23:1-7) He would be born of a virgin and yet the same nature as God.

(Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7) He will rule on the throne of David from then on and forevermore. In Him the gentiles will hope. (11:10)

He would restore the “former dominion”. This eternal ruler would be born in Bethlehem and shepherd the flock of God. (Micah 4:8; 5:2-4)

He is a righteous branch who acts wisely and enforces justice. He is Judah’s savior and protector. (Jer. 23:5-6)

He is both priest and king (Zech. 6:12-13) who is humble enough to ride on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (9:9-10)

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Summary:

He would appear suddenly and his origins would

be unknown. (John 7:27) He would perform many signs. (John 7:31; Ref.

Isaiah 35:5-6) Some looked for the physical return of Elijah, a

prophet and a king. (John 1:19-25; John 7:40-41) Jesus seems to be identified in Galilean thinking as

prophet and king. (John 6:14-15) Jews today are looking for a Messiah who is just a

man (but anointed by God) and he will restore a perfect world order (Ref. Isaiah 11:1-10).

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The Jews Intermingled Their Concepts of the Messiah with

Old Testament Teaching.

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In John 4, Jesus plainly declared to the woman

at the well that he was the Messiah. (John 4:25-26)

In John 10, when questioned about being the Messiah (10:24) Jesus stated that his works in the Father’s name testify of his identity (10:25). A false Messiah might simply make a claim.

Jesus appealed to his works.

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Jesus Confessed Himself to be the

Messiah

In John 6, after feeding the 5,000 men with five

barley loaves and two small fish, the Jews were ready to make Jesus king. (6:15) Jesus claimed to be the solution to their spiritual

problems (“I am the bread of life”) not their political savior. As a result many stopped following him. (6:66)

In John 12, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the foal of a donkey to the chants “Hosanna!”.

In John 18, Jesus admits to Pilate that he is a king who rulers over a spiritual kingdom. (John 18:33-37)

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Jesus Acknowledged Himself to be King

In John 1 & 7, the Jews were looking for a

prophet and a king. (1:19-25; 7:40-41) The Old Testament promised of a prophet like

Moses (Deut. 18:18-19). One who was a prophet/redeemer/savior. (Isa. 59:20-21)

In John 4, the woman calls Jesus a prophet (19), and two days later Jesus spoke of himself as a prophet (44).

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Jesus Claimed to Speak from God—Therefore a

Prophet.

Jesus WORKS were from God. Jesus’ works were the Father’s works. (John 5:19) Jesus’ works were the will of the One who sent him. (John 6:38) Jesus’ works were in obedience to the Father. (John 14:31)

Jesus WORDS were from God. Jesus’ teachings were the teachings of Him that sent Jesus. (John

7:16) Jesus taught what He heard from the Father. (John 8:26-28) Jesus spoke the commandments of the Father. (John 12:49 ff.) Jesus words are the Father’s words. (John 14:24) All things Jesus heard from the Father He has made known. (John

15:15) Jesus was truly a lawgiver like Moses. (Matt. 7:28-29; Gal. 6:2)

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Jesus Claimed to Speak from God—Therefore a Prophet.

In Ezek. 34, the poor shepherds of Judah were contrast

with the good shepherd—Jehovah. Isaiah foretold of a shepherd who would gather his

lambs in his arms and take them into his bosom. (Isa. 40:11)

Micah spoke of a ruler who would shepherd in the strength of the Lord. (Mic. 5:4)

Jesus claimed to be the “good shepherd” (John 10:14-15)

Zechariah foretold of a time when Jehovah would strike His shepherd and the sheep would be scattered (Zech. 13:7). This was fulfilled in Jesus (Mark 14:27).

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Jesus Claimed to be the “Good Shepherd”—a

Messianic Hope

Prophecy concerning the Messiah as priest

and king. (Zech. 6:12-13; Psalm 110:1-5) The Jews understood Psalm 110 to be

Messianic (Matt. 22:41-46) Hebrews (1:13; 5:5-6) states that Jesus is the

fulfillment of Psalm 110 in both senses (as king and priest).

Jesus is our intercessor (Hebrews 7:25). In John 14:6, Jesus claims to be the only way

to the Father.

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Jesus Is Identified as the Priest on His

Throne.

• John 20:30-31— Therefore many other signs

Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

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Jesus Is the Messiah

Do we demonstrate by our lives that we really

believe Jesus is our Messiah? As our Prophet...to whom we are to listen as

God's spokesman and obey? As our King...to whom we grant absolute

authority and rule in our lives? As our Shepherd...in whom we place our

complete trust and find our greatest source of comfort?

As our Priest...through whom we approach our Heavenly Father in prayer and through whose sacrifice we have confidence to enter heaven?

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Jesus Is the Messiah