Good morning. Today is Sunday, July 26th!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Matthew 16:16

What Does “Christ” Actually Mean?

A common misconception is that Christ is Jesus’ last name.

It isn’t.

Christ is a title.

The word Christ comes from the Greek word Christos, meaning “Anointed One.” It’s the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah (Mashiach), which also means “Anointed One.” So every time the New Testament says Jesus Christ, it’s really saying Jesus the Messiah.

But that raises an obvious question.

What exactly is an “Anointed One”?

In the Old Testament, anointing usually involved pouring oil over someone’s head as a public sign that God had chosen and set that person apart for a special purpose. The oil wasn’t magical. It symbolized God’s calling.

Kings were anointed. Samuel poured oil on David before he ever wore a crown (1 Samuel 16:13). Priests were anointed before serving in the tabernacle (Exodus 28:41). Even some prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). Each pointed to a role God had given them.

Then the Old Testament began looking beyond those leaders to one coming Messiah. Isaiah spoke of Him. Daniel called Him “the Anointed One” (Daniel 9:25–26, NIV). For centuries, Israel waited for the Christ.

That’s why the Gospels keep asking the same question: “Is Jesus the Christ?” It wasn’t asking, “Is Christ His last name?” It was asking, “Is this the promised Messiah we’ve been waiting for?”

Peter answered that question in Matthew 16:16:

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

He wasn’t introducing Jesus. He was recognizing Him.

Here’s what’s really fascinating. Jesus didn’t fulfill just one anointed role. He fulfilled all of them. He is the true King from David’s line (Luke 1:32–33), the perfect High Priest who offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:26–27), and the Prophet Moses said God would one day send (Deuteronomy 18:15).

Even the demons understood this title. They cried out, “I know who you are, the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24), while many people were still trying to figure out who He was.

The next time you read Jesus Christ, don’t let your eyes skip over it. You’re not reading His surname. You’re reading one of the greatest claims in the entire Bible:

Jesus is the promised Messiah, God’s Anointed One, the King, Priest, and Prophet Scripture had been pointing to all along.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Father, we praise You for sending Jesus, the promised Messiah.

Confession: Forgive us for not always living under Christ’s authority.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for fulfilling Your promises through Jesus.

Supplication: Help us know Christ more deeply and follow Him more faithfully.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“Idols” by Stephen Stanley (ft. Colton Dixon)

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See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God