Unraveling the Mystery
Why did Jesus avoid being called the Christ?
Understanding this aspect of Jesus’ identity is pivotal to comprehending His mission and message.
Often referred to as the Messianic Secret, Jesus’ tendency to shun the title of Christ might seem perplexing at first glance. But delving deeper, we uncover a profound revelation about His true identity and purpose.
Preserving the Message
Jesus instructed His disciples not to disclose His Messiahship, not out of a desire to conceal His identity or prolong His life, but rather to safeguard the clarity of His message. In a time rife with messianic expectations and political turmoil, Jesus sought to distinguish Himself from the conventional notion of a political liberator. His frequent use of the term “Son of Man” was not a veiled attempt to obscure His identity but a deliberate assertion of His divine nature and unique mission.
Preventing Confusion
Throughout His ministry, Jesus’ avoidance of the title Christ served to prevent confusion. Unlike the prevalent expectation of a political Deliverer, Jesus emphasized His identity over His function. He desired to be known foremost for who He was—a divine being incarnated in human form—before fulfilling His role as Messiah.
Strategic Choice
Jesus’ decision to eschew the title of Christ did not stem from a fear of controversy or a desire to preserve His life. Instead, it was a strategic choice to uphold the integrity of His message and ensure that His true identity was not overshadowed by societal expectations.
Divine Foreknowledge
Furthermore, Jesus refrained from assuming the title of Christ because He understood that the fulfillment of messianic prophecies would occur not in His first coming but in His second. His reluctance to be hailed as Messiah during His earthly ministry was a testament to His foresight and divine knowledge.
Embracing the Truth
By reclaiming the identity of Jesus as portrayed in the scriptures, we gain a deeper understanding of His mission and purpose. Jesus was not merely a political revolutionary or a temporal ruler; He was the Son of God, the divine embodiment of love and salvation.
Scriptural References
- Matthew 16:20 – Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
- Luke 19:10 – For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
- Daniel 7:13-14 – In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
In Conclusion
Rediscovering the identity of Jesus entails recognizing His deliberate avoidance of the title Christ during His earthly ministry. By prioritizing His identity over His function, Jesus revealed Himself as the divine Son of Man, ushering in a kingdom that transcends earthly confines. Embracing this profound truth enables us to grasp the essence of Jesus’ message and the depth of His love for humanity.