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Recognizing Jesus as the Promised Messiah, the Christ of God

When Jesus asked His apostles who they thought He was, Peter answered, "You are the Messiah!" (Mark 8:27-30) Jesus complimented Peter on his answer and declared that this was not just Peter's answer, but also God's revealed message. (Matthew 16:17)

"Messiah" comes from the Hebrew language. "Christ" comes from the Greek language. Both of these words refer to someone who is anointed for for special office or task. Jesus came into the world as God's anointed. God demonstrated His pleasure and approval of Jesus as His anointed at His Son's baptism. The Spirit of God descended upon Jesus in bodily form as a dove and God declared, "You are my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with you." (Luke 3:21-22) Jesus' followers recognized that this was God's way of showing that He had anointed His Son with the Holy Spirit and with power. (Acts 10:38)

For centuries, God's people had expected a Messiah. Many of the prophets speak of the coming Messiah or "Anointed One." The Messiah would be God's chosen ruler. He would be like Moses and be a great leader. He would bring deliverance from sin. He would lead men and women closer to God. Now that Jesus was raised from the dead and had poured out the Holy Spirit, Jesus' apostles declared confidently that Jesus is God's promised Messiah, the Christ of God. Jesus' followers firmly believe this?