Luke 9:18-22

     This portion of the story sounds as if it could have taken place at the same day and approximate time as the feeding of the multitude. If it wasn’t one speech given, but a moving of Jesus to one group to another, this might have taken place in a moment when he stopped for prayer and guidance in his ministry to the people. Whether it was that day or not, it was Jesus with only his disciples close by.
     And Jesus asked his disciples what the people were saying about him. And the disciples reported the same kinds of things that Herod had been told. That maybe Jesus was Elijah returned, or one of the prophets, or even John the Baptist returned from death.
     Jesus looks them in the eye and requires them to say who they thought he was. Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”
     Christ is the Greek word meaning Messiah. So when we refer to Jesus as Christ, we are also saying “Messiah.” The term has meaning because of our long usage, yet its significance may vary for Christians, along with its meaning.
     Messiah or Christ means “anointed one.” The King in Israel was referred to as the anointed one of Yahweh. It also referred to a special figure who would be God’s anointed King of the end of time. It has extensive theology, and various biblical authors used the image in their own way.
     The Israelites of the first century seen to have had definite expectations of a Messiah. The Messiah would come, possibly/likely as a great military leader and kick out all the oppressors, most specifically, the Romans. People who are oppressed want a deliverer.
      It is significant that the idea of a Messiah who would suffer and die on behalf of the people was not part of Messianic thought. Yet this is clearly part of Jesus’ concept of his mission, as verse 23 demonstrates, so it is not surprising that he cautioned the disciples not to spread talk of him being the Messiah.
     A legitimate question could be raised in today’s Christian world of whether “Messiah” is the most meaningful title we could use. We refer to Jesus as the Christ, or as if it is his surname. There have even been theologians who have questioned if Jesus was the “Messiah”—not to “demote” Jesus, but to recognize that he might have been someone else entirely in God’s plan. We also use the term “Immanuel” which means God with us. That is not necessarily the same as Messiah, but indicates a powerful purpose in the presence of Jesus.
      Whether or not “Messiah” is a meaningful concept in your theology, it can simply be taken to mean one whom God has set apart or designated for a special task.
      Visit the bible, a hymnal or Christian book of poetry and you will find that multiple titles and images have been used of God and Jesus.
     Among them: Redeemer, King, Master, savior, head, Sun of Righteousness, Lord, Lamb of God, Maker, Father, Ancient of Days, incarnate word, holy Comforter, Spirit of holiness, Spirit of power, Creator, Lord God Almighty, King of heaven, everlasting King, Lord of Hosts, Shield, Defender, Ancient of Days, Almighty, Friend, advocate, guide, Most High, the Word, God of glory, Lord of love, Giver of immortal gladness.
       Well spring of the joy of living; ocean depth of happy rest; Christ our brother; Gift Divine; Source of all our gifts; Star child; God the first, God the last; Creating God; Sustaining God; Indwelling God; mighty fortress; Friend and Partner; Love unconfined, a father kind, a mother strong and sure; Wisdom; Source and Sovereign; Rock and Cloud; Fortress; Fountain; Shelter; Light; Judge; Mercy; Might; Life; Root and vine; Shepherd; Servant; Well and Water.
      Bread and Wine, Way, I AM, Storm and Stillness, Breath and Dove, Thunder, Tempest, Whirlwind, Fire, Comfort, Counselor, Presence, Love, Energies that never tire, God of change and glory, God of time and space, Giver, God of many colors, God of many signs, Freshness of the morning, newness of each night, mother, eagle, sculptor, God of Abraham, Ancient of Everlasting Days, God of love, Jehovah, the Eternal.
       God of the: sparrow, whale, swirling stars, earthquake, storm trumpet blest, rainbow, cross, empty grave, hungry, sick, prodigal, neighbor, foe, pruning hook, ages.
      God near at hand, God of the loving heart, El shaddai (God Almighty), El Elyon (the Most High God), na Adonai (O Lord), One, Strong deliverer, the heavenly potter, ruler, Stem of Jesse's Rod, Crucified, my Life, my Feast, my Strength, my Joy, my Love, my Heart, my Light, my Truth, Man of Sorrows, glorious king, King of Glory, captain, Day spring from on high, Day star, Radiancy divine, the Rock of all ages.
     Hope of every contrite heart, joy of all the meek, Hope of the world, my yearning, companion, Word almighty, Word made flesh, Word eternal, saving Word, Word of truth, Word of life, Alpha and Omega, the source and ending, Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, Lord of all the nations, Joy of our desiring, Love the Guest, Love the Rose, Love the Star.
      The Lord's Anointed, great David's greater Son, Emmanuel, God with us, Key of David, Desire of nations, Son of Mary, infant holy, infant lowly, love's pure light, Prince of Peace, God head, seed of Manitou, morning star. Crown of gladness, Lord of the Dance, David's royal son, Blessed One, sacred head, Good shepherd, Rock of ages, king of glory, host, risen conquering Son, risen Lord, the health of the world, giver of good, lover and author of concord, Galilean King, universal Savior, Paschal Lamb, King of Kings, Lord of lords.
      Sweet sweet spirit, sweet heavenly Dove, gentle savior, still small voice of calm, the Nazarene, great high priest, all atoning Lamb, Spirit of the living God, guardian of my soul, Holy One, Fount of every blessing, Abba, Breath of God, crucified Redeemer, judge, captain Christ, lowly Lord, servant king, young and fearless prophet, parent, universal friend.
      Bright heaven's Sun, Ruler of all, lamb of Calvary, physician, flame of divine love, precious lord, Dove, Wellspring of Wisdom, Dawn of a New Day, Garden of Grace, Call to Compassion, pilot, joy of the desolate, bread of life, lily of the valley, captain, coach, leader, hope of the world.
       Pacesetter, shepherd chieftain, refuge, solace, eternal home, priceless treasure, pearl beyond price, Lord of gladness, truest friend, spotless lamb, everlasting arms, Source of calm repose, holy wind and fire, wind of God, winged fire, breath of life, breath of love, three in one, healer, teacher, guardian, the cornerstone, master teacher, son of man, the unknown guest, crown of righteousness, king eternal.
      Liberator, rescuer, Enlightener, divine interpreter, light of light, living word, source, provider, challenger, risen king, perfect love, perfect life, joy of our desiring, windsped flame, hovering dove, voice of prophets, sign of blessing, power of love, love crucified, suffering servant, foe of pride, life bestower, truth beyond all thought's recall, womb of mercy, mysterious being, sinner's Friend, immortal one, shelter, Lord of Harvest, sanctifier, God of the ages, restorer of the spirit, Guest, triumphant lord, rest for the weary, eternal home, everlasting lord, foundation of life,

     Jesus might turn to us today, as he did to the disciples of old, and ask how do we say he is? Not who do others say. Not what do the theologians say. Not what we think we should say. But who is Jesus to us? How do we proclaim him to others? What significance do we give to him in our daily lives, actions, beliefs, words and decisions?