Messias (3323 in Strong's Concordance) is a Greek noun and it is derived from the Hebrew noun Mashiach. While Mashiach is broad and used for multiple anointed people (Saul, David, David's offspring), Messias is exclusively used in discussion about Jesus.
The first reference comes from Andrew. As he returns from listening to Jesus speak and meets his brother, Simon Peter, he tells Peter that he encountered the Messiah. Helpfully, the author then adds that Messias means Christos, confirming that they considered the two words the same.
The second reference is a little later in the story. Jesus sits by the well and speaks to a Samaritan woman. After her initial shock, and some important dialogue, she says to Jesus that the 'Messiah is coming and will disclose all things'. Jesus responds: 'I who to speak you am he'. We see here that Jesus claims to be the Messiah, but also, that she responds by asking people to come see if he is the Anointed One.
It should therefore be clear to us that the Bible teaches three things:
Messiah and Christ are the same
Jesus taught that he was Christ
People believed Jesus was The Christ
We too are called to consider Jesus' claims and the claims of others. Our response should be like Andrew and the Samaritan woman; believe and tell others the good news.
Related Terms
The following terms are often used in connection with Messias:
Mashach - to anoint
Mashiach - to be anointed
Messias - Messiah, Anointed One
Christos - Christ, Annointed One
Chrió - to anoint
Chrisma - an anointing
Christianos - a follower of Christ
Pseudochristos - False Christ
Usage
Messias is used 2 times across 2 verses. Below is a list of both references to Messias in the New Testament.
He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).
John 1:41 ESV
The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.”
John 4:25 ESV
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