Who is The Christ?

• A. A nickname for John the Baptist.
• B. 'The Christ' is the title affirming that Jesus is the Messiah.
• C. A title for Peter.
• D. A general term for prophets.

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that “The Christ” is a title identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah. The word Christ comes from Greek Christos, echoing the Hebrew Messiah, both meaning “the Anointed One.” In Jewish expectation, the Messiah was the one anointed by God to bring salvation and establish God’s kingdom. The New Testament presents Jesus as that fulfillment, so to call him Jesus Christ is to affirm his messianic role and authority. This isn’t a nickname for John the Baptist, who is described as the forerunner rather than the Anointed One. It isn’t a title for Peter, though Peter may confess that Jesus is the Christ. And it isn’t a general term for prophets; it’s a specific title for the one God promised to send.