Has the Messiah already come? By Marcel & Jacqueline Bruff

Has The Messiah Already Come?

For centuries, the Jewish people have awaited the arrival of the Messiah, who would bring salvation, restore the kingdom, and establish Jerusalem as the eternal capital. However, the question remains: Has the Messiah already come?

"Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect another?”

The Question of the Messiah's Identity

In Matthew 11:2-6, Mark 6:14-20, and Luke 7:18-23, we find the account of John the Baptist's inquiry about Jesus' identity. John asked, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect another?"

John the Baptist, as well as most Jews, were expecting and perceiving the Messiah coming with conquest and establishment of his eternal City, Jerusalem, and His forever reign. However, His first coming was in flesh, to be a substitute and the suffering servant.

Jesus' response, as recorded in Matthew 11:4-5, provides clear evidence of His messianic identity.

Biblical Evidence:

The Old Testament Prophecies- The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that point to the coming of the Messiah. One of the most significant prophecies is found in Daniel 9:26, which states that the Messiah will be "cut off" and the temple and city will be destroyed. This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 CE, when the Roman Empire destroyed the Second Temple.

The Suffering Servant- The book of Isaiah contains a vivid description of the Messiah as the Suffering Servant. In Isaiah 52:13-53:12, we read about the Messiah's sacrifice, death, and resurrection. This passage is a clear reference to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled these prophecies through His life, death, and resurrection.

The Messiah's Death and Resurrection-

Psalm 22 is another significant prophecy that points to the Messiah's death and resurrection. Verse 16-18 describes the Messiah's crucifixion, while verse 22-31 speak of His resurrection and glorification.

Testimonial Evidence: The New Testament Accounts- The New Testament accounts provide eyewitness testimony to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all record the events surrounding Jesus' ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection.

Conclusion

The evidence from both the Old and New Testaments confirms that the Messiah has already come. Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecies of the Suffering Servant, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead on the third day.

Reflections and Questions

- How do the Old Testament prophecies point to Jesus Christ as the Messiah?

- What evidence from the New Testament accounts confirms Jesus' messianic identity?

- How can we apply the knowledge of Jesus' messianic identity to our lives?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for sending Jesus Christ, the Messiah, to save us from our sins. Help us to understand and apply the evidence from both the Old and New Testaments to our lives. May we recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecies and the Savior of the world.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Marcel and Jacqueline Bruff

@walkgoodinchrist