John 1:41 – “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is the Christ)”
Have you ever discovered something so exciting you couldn’t wait to share? I stumbled upon a massive fifteen-dollar dress sale at Macy’s and the first thing I did was call my friends, (while guarding the rack of course). The news was just too exciting to keep to myself.
In scripture, Andrew discovered something so great, the first thing he wanted to do was share the news.
“We have found the Messiah, the Christ,” Andrew announced to his brother.
It is noteworthy that Andrew proclaimed he had found the Christ. He did not say he found Jesus. Consider for a moment the boldness of Andrew’s unwavering statement. A safer option would have been for Andrew to wait and observe this man named Jesus and validate His claim as the Christ. But Andrew was so confident of his discovery, he ran to share the news.
I came to appreciate the vast distinction in the words, Jesus and Christ when I spent time in Saudi Arabia. The nation’s constitution being the Qur’an meant bringing a Bible, any religious materials, or religious icons into the country was strictly forbidden. In Saudi Arabia, uttering the word, Christ was considered blasphemy, but interestingly, speaking the name of Jesus was allowed because to the Saudi people, Jesus was considered a virtuous prophet, nothing more.
The distinction between Jesus and the Christ, is the distinction between a name and a title. Many years ago, I recall my father addressing my mother as the “Queen of our house.” Her name was Maxine, but her title was “Queen.” Likewise, His name was Jesus. His title was the Christ.
Jesus was the name used among the people with whom He walked through life. Tragically, for us to acknowledge Jesus, but not the Christ, is to miss the best part of the story: a story of incredible love, incredible sacrifice, and an incredible ending.
Jesus, the Christ chose to leave heaven and live a sinless life here on earth. He chose death on the cross. And He unequivocally rose from death, proving to be much more than a prophet. He was the Christ, the anointed, the Son of God, the Savior of the world. This beautiful story of the Christ is the very foundation of our faith. Sisters, this news is far better than any fifteen-dollar dress sale! So, what are we waiting for? It is time to share the Good News!
Blessings in Christ,
Rita Cochrane