[Uniqueness of Christ] Jesus' Unique RoleSýnishorn

Jesus' Uniqueness Has Marked Human History

From the beginning of time, God desired to have a close relationship with us. For this reason, the Son was sent into the world with a unique purpose that no other being could fulfill—our redemption and eternal salvation through His death on the cross.

In the Gospels, which are the narrations of Jesus' life and the various encounters He had with people, Jesus declared His purpose distinctly. He did this on several occasions to His disciples, religious leaders, and the people. He told them who He was—the Messiah, the Anointed One.

Before He began His ministry, Jesus led a normal life, just like any ordinary man. That was how He was known to His neighbors, brothers, and the people close to Him.

However, the moment His ministry began, it was necessary for Jesus to let those closest to Him know what role the Father had given Him. He did this in the synagogue. After reading a prophecy of Isaiah, Jesus said, "This Scripture has been fulfilled today before you," showing the people that He was the One of whom the prophecy spoke.

At the onset of His ministry, Jesus had to make it clear that He was the One foretold in all the Old Testament prophecies. He was the One whom the Jews were expecting as the Messiah.

John the Baptist needed to hear from Jesus Himself and verify this truth. That's why he sent two of his disciples to ask Him if He was the Messiah or if they had to wait for someone else.

Jesus sent him a message—to look at the miracles and signs He was performing and the message He was proclaiming that the Kingdom of God had come near. For Jesus, this was the proof that John the Baptist needed to hear that He was indeed the long-awaited Messiah the Scriptures spoke about.

Even after His death and resurrection, Jesus continued to demonstrate and declare He was the Messiah. We see this in Jesus' encounter with the Emmaus travelers. Jesus asked them, "Was not the Messiah supposed to suffer all these things?"

Along with His identity, Jesus affirmed His position the Father had given Him from the beginning. This was for the benefit of all who believed then and all who believe in Him today.

Thank you, Lord, for sending Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Christ, the One who was able to lay down His life for my salvation!