Week 35 Matthew 2
When the Three Wise Men came looking for Jesus King Herod called in the Jewish leaders and asked them: where is the Christ to be born? The bible I’m reading has a margin-note that says that the title the Christ is the same as the Messiah.
I check the name ‘Messiah’ in a word book. It’s only used four times in the bible (twice by Daniel & twice by John). I flip over to John’s gospel.
Andrew went and told Peter: we have found the Messiah (which translated means Christ). Of course Andrew only said the we have found the Messiah part. John added the brackets to help readers know these are two names for the same person. (My bible adds a note saying that in Greek Christ means ‘the Anointed One’). So it looks like ‘the Messiah’ & ‘the Christ’ & ‘the Anointed One’ can be used interchangeably.
John uses ‘Messiah’ again in Jesus’ conversation at the well in Samaria. The woman says: I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ). John again adds the bracketed note that ‘the Messiah’ is ‘the Christ’. Almost all the other versions use that same formula: the Messiah (who is called Christ). (One version did throw-a-curve by saying: I know that the Anointed One is coming, who is being called ‘the Messiah’.)
But I’m on safe ground saying that the Messiah = the Christ = the Anointed One. Three transferable names…same person.
Note: quotes from Matthew 2:4 John 1:41 (NASB) & 4:25 (NASB & ISV)