“I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24)

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” (Matthew 15:21-24)

Why wouldn't Jesus help her?

We can see from the remainder of this exchange with the Canaanite woman that Jesus was not teaching that he will only help Israelites - as has been interpreted by many teachers. Jesus considered the character of the spirit-person within the body rather than the temporary physical body as important:

"Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." (Matthew 15:28)

Jesus illustrated his mercy with this statement. While Jesus understands his mission ("I was sent") from God related to bringing back the lost generation of Israelites, he will not turn away those in need.

What about the rest of us?

Jesus is illustrating his mission, but it doesn't mean his mission cannot be expanded. This was in fact what Jesus asked of his other disciples, including Peter, James, and Thomas.

Peter traveled throughout the Middle East preaching and converting people to love of God, as instructed by Jesus. And Thomas traveled widely, including to India, where he converted many people to Jesus' teachings.

These disciples of Jesus took Jesus' example and taught to those who were serious about having a change of heart. They taught widely but were not bent on creating institutions where they could exert power and authority.

This differed from Paul's strategy. Paul set out to attract many followers and created an institution where he could have authority. Paul argued with James and Peter about Jesus' teachings. Paul argued that Jesus' teachings should be amended to attract the "Gentiles."

While this may seem to be a virtuous agenda, we can see by the result that it was foolhardy. The result is that Paul's teachings (Pauline doctrine) cheapened Jesus' teachings. Yes, Paul may have made it easier for people to join his new church institution. But what was created was an institutional quagmire that allowed those who sought power to push up to the top of the institution and exert their quest for power and authority over others.

This in fact was the very same quagmire that Jesus fought against in the form of the institutional Jewish temple system and the Pharisees and high priests.

Thus, we find that Jesus carefully taught his disciples to avoid creating institutions that allowed people who weren't serious about coming to know and love God to use them to exert their own power. This is why James, John and Peter did not go out and develop institutions as Paul did.

The bottom line is that this event with the woman, along with the life of Peter and John illustrates that Jesus did want his teachings to be preached to people outside of the "sheep of Israel." But Jesus didn't want to cheapen those teachings and have them abused and used to promote people who would twist Jesus' teachings to satisfy their own agendas.

Jesus - and John before him - sought those who were serious and wanted to have a change of heart. This is why John the Baptist, Jesus and Jesus' disciples all taught:

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 3:1)

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matt. 4:17)

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’" (Matthew 10:7)

But we find Jesus also said:

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink." (John 7:37)

This is precisely what took place with this Canaanite woman, the Samaritan woman, and others who were not Jews as they approached Jesus. Jesus also instructed his disciples according to the Book of Luke (Lost Gospels of Jesus):

And he told them, “Thus it is written that the Anointed of God [Messiah, Christ] will suffer and rise up from the dead on the third day. And that the change of heart leading to the release from sin would be preached on his behalf to all peoples, starting from Jerusalem. (Luke 24:45-47)

Is Jesus the 'son of David'?

We notice here that Jesus is being referred to by the woman as the “son of David.” Jesus appeared probably a thousand years or more after the time of David. So how could he be referred to as David’s son?

There are two genealogies for Jesus given in the books of the New Testament, but these do not agree. Matthew 1:1-17 traces back to Abraham.

But in Luke 3:23-28 we see a totally different genealogy tracing back to Adam, with many differences from Matthew's version. Both include David, but differ in many other respects. In Matthew, for example, David is followed by Solomon. In Luke, David is followed by Nathan, and there is no mention of Solomon. Why these discrepancies?

And on top of this is the conflict between this and a virgin birth: Jesus was supposed to have not had a physical father, yet in both Luke and Matthew, the genealogy connects Jesus to David through Joseph, assuming Joseph is Jesus’ father. And neither genealogy connects to Mary.

The key to understanding Jesus' real relationship with David lies in the meaning of the Greek word that has been translated to “son.” The word is υἱός (huios) - which can mean "son" only "in a restricted sense" according to the lexicon; but also, "used to describe one who depends on another or is his follower" according to the lexicon.

David was born somewhere around a thousand years before Jesus. It would thus be inappropriate to say that Jesus was the "son of David" because David was not Jesus' father. And according to the scriptures, even Joseph was not Jesus' father. The more appropriate translation, as defined above, would be "follower of David," "disciple of David" or "loving servant of David" within this context.

Yes, there is a connection between Jesus and David. What is that connection? David was a spiritual teacher that passed his teachings on to his students, who then passed it on to theirs. Yes, some of these were father-son relationships. But others are not. For example Eli was not the father of Samuel - even though he called him son. Eli was Samuel's spiritual teacher.

It is also illustrated by Joshua being Moses' student.

This same lineage of teachings was handed down from Jesus to his own students as well. And Jesus' students were told to take on their own students.

The great lineage of God's wisdom is illustrated in the Old Testament as it chronologically presents the teacher-student relationships for thousands of years. However, those eventual ecclesiastical translators and organizers of the books of the Bible eventually misunderstood the meaning of the teacher-student relationships that were presented by the Bible. This is because they were ecclesiastical scribes. They did not learn from a teacher within this great lineage of teachers and students.

Is Jesus part of a lineage of teachers?

Despite many mistranslations mischaracterizing dealings between the Prophets as family relationships, the books of the Old Testament describes a lineage of teachers each who handed down the Truth to students who passed that Truth to others.

Many of these teachers are described as "Prophets" or "anointed ones," the Hebrew of which can also be translated to Messiah or even Christ. While many ecclesiastical sectarian teachers like to say there was only one "anointed one" - this is not supported by scripture. Consider these statements:

[God speaking] "I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before my anointed one always. (1 Samuel 2:34-36)

[God speaking] "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." (1 Chronicles 16:21-23 and Psalm 105:14-16)

O LORD God, do not reject your anointed one. Remember the great love promised to David your servant." (2 Chronicles 6:41-42) (David referring to himself as "anointed")

For the sake of David your servant, do not reject your anointed one. (Psalm 132:9-11)

[God speaking] "Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so they may serve me as priests. Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue for all generations to come."

(Exodus 40:14-16)

[God speaking] Then the anointed priest shall take .... (Leviticus 4:4)

[God speaking] "This is the offering Aaron and his sons are to bring to the LORD on the day he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening. (Leviticus 6:19-21)

[God speaking] "The son [student or follower] who is to succeed him as anointed priest shall prepare it. It is the LORD's regular share and is to be burned completely. (Leviticus 6:21-23)

He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head and anointed him to consecrate him. (Leviticus 8:11-13)

[God speaking] "The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest is to make atonement. He is to put on the sacred linen garments. (Leviticus 16:31-33)

Those were the names of Aaron's sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. (Numbers 3:2-4)

[God speaking] I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in My heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before My anointed one always. (1 Samuel 2:34-36)

Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you leader over his inheritance? (1 Samuel 10:1-3)

Samuel said to them, "The LORD is witness against you, and also his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand." (1 Samuel 12:4-6)

When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD." (1 Samuel 16:5-7)

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:12-14)

He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD." (1 Samuel 24:5-7)

This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, 'I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD's anointed.' (1 Samuel 24:9-11)

What does being 'anointed' mean?

We can see from these statements that to be "anointed" was to become baptized or blessed as a student by the spiritual teacher. The teacher was accepting the student as a follower. And eventually, as their learning matured into the "priesthood." And what is the priesthood? The priesthood is the empowerment of being one of God's loving servants and messengers: Someone who passes the Supreme Being's message on to others, as did Jesus and the other prophets.

This empowerment of becoming anointed is not simply a ritual, however. It is a process. It is the process that Jesus' disciples underwent as they heard from Jesus and were disciplined by Jesus. It is, in other words, a process of learning and applying the teachings of the spiritual teacher, and then passing those teachings on to others. This process requires not just learning from a philosophical sense: It requires establishing a relationship with the Supreme Being through God's representative.

This is like an introduction. The best and easiest way to come to know someone we don't currently know is to be introduced by someone who already knows them, yes? This is also God's process. He utilizes those who have established a loving relationship with Him to also introduce Him to others. This is what the teacher-student process is: It is the process of establishing a loving relationship with God. This is why Jesus, Moses and all of the other empowered representatives of God taught:

“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38)

“But what about you? Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15)

Here is the context of Jesus' question, asked of his disciples:

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." (Matthew. 16:13-14)

And here is the answer given by Simon Peter:

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)

What does Messiah mean?

The word "Messiah" is being translated from the Greek word Χριστός (Christos), which according to the lexicon means, "anointed."

The word "anointed" is also used throughout the Old Testament, describing those where were empowered by the Supreme Being to serve Him as teachers:

"Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so they may serve Me as priests. Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue throughout their generations." (Exodus 40:15)

This word "anointed" is being translated from the Hebrew word מָשַׁח (mashach), which has also been translated into "Messiah" by institutional temple scribes translating and interpreting the Torah.

And for this reason, there is a debate amongst the modern Jewish and Christian sectarian institutions regarding who the real Messiah is.

But in reality, we can see clearly from Exodus 40 that Messiah or anointed is referring to someone who is empowered by the Supreme Being to represent Him. Someone who will represent the Supreme Being as a priest - taken from the Hebrew word כָּהַן (kahan) which means "a prophet" or "a deputy, delegate" according to Gesenius's Lexicon.

And is this not who Jesus was? God's representative?

Consider this statement:

“My teaching is not my own. It comes from the One who sent me." (John 7:16)

This states clearly that Jesus is teaching the message of the Supreme Being. This means that Jesus is God's representative.

Consider also this statement:

"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me." (John 6:38)

To do the will of the Supreme Being means to be the Supreme Being's servant. This is consistent with God's statement:

What does 'anointed' mean?

Being "anointed" means "one who has been chosen." In other words, "anointed one" requires someone else to anoint the "anointed." There has to be an “anointee” so to speak. In other words, Jesus had to be "anointed" or "chosen" by someone. Who was that? Was it a group of Israelites or some rabbis that got together to chose Jesus? Don't be ridiculous.

It was God. God chose or anointed Jesus as His representative. God chose Jesus to teach on His behalf. This is the meaning of Messiah: God’s representative who comes to save us with God's teachings must be chosen by God.

This can only mean that the ultimate Χριστός (Christos) or מָשַׁח (mashach) - the ultimate Messiah - also sometimes translated to "Savior" - is the Supreme Being.

Peter also says that Jesus is the “son of the living God.” The Greek word being translated to "son" is υἱός (huios). As stated in the lexicon, this can only indicate a father/son relationship in "a restricted sense." In this context, according to the Greek lexicon, it also means: "one who depends on another or is his follower."

This means that the most literal translation of Peter's statement would be something like:

"devoted follower of the living God."

or better:

"loving servant of the living God."

In this regard, we find that on occasion Jesus used the word “Abba” to refer to the Supreme Being. While Abba was translated from Aramaic to Greek and then English as “Father,” the real meaning of the word “Abba” has a more intimate flavor - one of complete reliance and commitment. According to one professor of Semitic Languages, the more realistic translation of Abba is conveyed with the word, “Daddy.”

Which relationship is more intimate?

A real relationship between a child and a father is more intimate and loving than the concept of seed-giver. Does a young child refer to their father as "father" - as in "hello father"? Only in the movies. In real life, a child who looks up to and depends upon his father will certainly call his father "daddy." This is because there is an intimacy between them.

In the same way, the relationship that existed between Jesus and the Supreme Being is an intimate relationship. It is not an official relationship, as is construed by many institutions and their teachers. It is a loving relationship, which is why Jesus also asked his followers - as Moses and others had asked their followers before - to love the Supreme Being with all their heart and soul.

Jesus indicated this sort of intimacy with the Supreme Being is required elsewhere:

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)

Consider how a child sees his father: With complete reliance and trust. Jesus is teaching that this attitude of reliance and innocence must be developed between ourselves and the Supreme Being in order for us to mature spiritually. This is the mood of a humble loving servant - someone who is intimately related in the mood of an innocent, reliant child.

Indeed, there are many who would like to falsely position Jesus into the stature of the only ‘son of God.’ Jesus himself did not agree with this position, however. For example, in Matthew we find that Jesus said:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons [servants] of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Here again, the Greek word υἱός (huios) is being used, but this time in the plural sense. As such, a claim that Jesus is the only son - even if we accept this mistranslation - of God would contradict Jesus' own teachings.

Does God only have one son?

To assume the Supreme Being can only have one son would be saying that the Supreme Being is impotent. While a human male can have many sons, God can only have one?

This is a preposterous conclusion. Just about every male human being can have multiple sons. Some men, who have donated sperm, literally have hundreds of sons and daughters. Yet God can only have one son? This is simply an ignorant statement.

This exchange between Jesus and Jesus' students allows us to see Jesus as he is. Jesus didn't want his students to misunderstand his role and purpose. He didn't want his students to think that he was claiming to be God. 

Jesus saw himself as a loving servant of the Supreme Being - someone who sees God as his life and soul. This is why Jesus kneeled with his head to the ground and prayed:

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39)

And this is why his most important teaching - consistent with Moses' teachings - was:

" 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:37-38)

“... whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17-19)

“Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 16:17-19)

Is Jesus pleased with Peter's response?

Jesus said this to Peter after Jesus asked:

"Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13)

Peter then replied to Jesus' question:

"You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16)

Why was Jesus so pleased by Simon’s (later renamed Peter by Jesus) response? Just saying that Jesus was the son of the living God? Why was this something that could not have been revealed to Peter by man? Certainly, as some sectarian teachers proclaim, it is pretty easy to answer that Jesus was the son of God. Why was Simon's statement revealed to him by God rather than man?

The two operators of Simon's statement are Jesus’ being the “son” or loving servant and child of God, and Jesus being the “Christ” or Messiah”.

Why is Jesus pleased with being called 'Messiah' and 'Son of God'?

As we have discussed with the previous verse, the translation of the Greek word υἱὸς can mean either "son" in the context of a physical family, or it can mean "one who follows or is dependent upon another," according to the Greek lexicon. This latter translation translates to being a follower or more appropriately, a loving servant.

But in the context of describing Jesus, the word υἱός (huios) would provide a further translation: specific to the loving servant teaching on behalf of God: This is being the representative of God. One who is dependent upon God and is serving God will also represent God in some situations. This was Jesus' role - he is representing the Supreme Being.

But when the context relates to one who is devoted to or a follower of God - then the relationship is one of service. Providing loving service to the Supreme Being.

In Luke 20:34-34, Jesus said:

“The people of this age…. And they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children…”

Here Jesus talks about people who grow in their spiritual maturity, and become elevated to the stature of becoming the Supreme Being's loving children - though "children" is also being translated from υἱὸς - and thus more appropriately translated to servants - "God's servants".

Regardless, we see the intimacy of such a relationship with the Supreme Being. Such was the intimate, devoted and loving relationship between Jesus and God.

In this we can also see that Jesus never configured that he was the only servant of God. This is a product of some sectarian interpreters who tried to create a monopoly among religious institutions. It is an illogical proposal anyway: Is God so limited (impotent) that He can have only one son?

To the contrary, Jesus also said:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons [servants] of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

and

"For they cannot die any more, because they are equal to angels and are sons [servants] of God, being sons of the resurrection." (Luke 20:36 RSV)

Jesus also uses the word υἱὸς (mistranslated to "sons") to refer to "servant" or "devoted follower" elsewhere:

"while the sons [servants or subjects] of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." (Matthew 8:12 RSV)

and

"Can the sons [servants or attendants] of the bride chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast." (Matthew 9:15 ASV)

In all of these statements, we find the Greek word υἱός being used by Jesus, and none of them refer to a physical offspring. Among the different versions they are translated differently - we illustrated those translations using "son."

To this, we add other statements from and there are multiple references to "sons of God" among the English Bible translations:

When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. (Genesis 6:2)

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown. (Genesis 6:4)

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. (Job 1:6)

Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. (Job 2:1)

When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:7)

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matt. 6:9)

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12)

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. (Romans 8:19)

In the Old Testament, the word translated to "sons" is בֵּן (ben) - which can also be either translated to "son" or "a member of a guild, order, class" - in other words, a devoted follower or servant.

We can see clearly that the references above are not to a "son" - a male child of a particular parent. The context is broader. The context is a devotional context.

A more appropriate translation given the context, is, "devoted follower of God" or “loving servant of God" rather than "son of God."

What does Messiah mean?

In terms of “Messiah,” we must understand the origin and meaning of this word and separate it from the institutional interpretation.

The origin of the word from Aramaic means "the anointed” or “anointed one.” The related word used interchangeably is the word “Christ” which is most closely translated as “savior.”

The concept of an “anointed one” comes from the ancient Hebrew concept of a person being chosen by God to unite the tribes of Israel and usher in a day of peace and prosperity. This has become termed as the “messianic age.” However, we can see that "anointing" was performed between a priest and student:

So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites and the Pelethites went down and put Solomon on King David's mule and escorted him to Gihon. Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. (1 Kings 38-39)

Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.
(1 Samuel 16:1-13)

So we can see that many of the prophets were in fact, anointed. We can also see the usage of anointed and "savior" also indicates a reference for someone who would lead his followers into spiritual realization. If we consider the Bible as a resource for spiritual growth rather than a history book, we can see that so many teachers, such as Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jacob and others were all chosen by God to teach to those around them in hopes of delivering them or saving them.

Who is doing the saving?

As we investigate further, we find that the intended meaning of the word “messiah” or “anointed one” to be a person who was chosen by God to deliver or “save” a person spiritually by introducing them to God and teaching them in such a way that they become loving servants of God. 

Messiah was a general term used to describe God's loving servants who taught on His behalf. It was stated as an esteemed post or position because anyone God chose to represent Him would be honored due to having a devout relationship with the Supreme Being.

In other words, prior to Jesus, Judean priests had considered the Prophets to be Messiahs. Thus it was considered a role, rather than a single person.

And interestingly, the Judean priests also were awaiting the arrival of the next Messiah - even as Jesus was in their midst.

Because the Messiah was seen as the messenger of God, ultimately this makes God the ultimate Messiah.

Jesus also saw this clearly. He didn't want others to proclaim his glory unless they connected it to the Supreme Being. This is why he said:

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Matthew 7:21-22)

Did God die?

The institutional doctrine offered from the First Council of Nicaea in 325 suggests that Jesus is “God the Son.” Other institutions and their teachers have expanded this doctrine to state that Jesus is quite simply God.

Accompanying this doctrine in many institutions today is the teaching that Jesus "died for our sins."

What is the problem with this doctrine? This doctrine has forgotten the very Person that Jesus came to teach us about. Instead of worshiping the Supreme Being that Jesus came to teach us about and doing the Supreme Being's will and loving the Supreme Being as Jesus taught, they figured that they would just slide Jesus in that role. Now Jesus is supposed to be the Supreme Being, and now they teach that "God became man (in Jesus) and God died on the cross."

So God died? This is what they are teaching. They teach that the Supreme Being died on the cross and then was resurrected in three days.

So they are saying that the Supreme Being, the Creator, and Controller of the universe, came down to earth and became a human being, and then died in order to save us.

First of all, why, if God was the Controller of everything, would He have to be beaten and suffer on a cross and die in order to save us?

And what happened to the universe between the time when God supposedly died and when He was resurrected? Who took care of the universe during that time?

These are, quite simply, falsehoods. God never became Jesus. The Supreme Being controls everything and He can save anyone with a simple thought. He doesn't need to subject Himself to any kind of sacrifice in order to save anyone.

Even the teaching that Jesus "rose after three days" makes no sense. First, because he was crucified on Friday and he supposedly "rose" on Sunday - two days later.

But secondly, the idea that Jesus rose in his physical body after that body was punctured and confirmed to be dead, and Jesus himself "breathed his last" and "gave up his spirit" according to the Gospels, indicates that Jesus left his physical body at the time of death:

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. (Matthew 27:50) 

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)

These verses indicate that Jesus' "spirit" left his physical body. When the body "gives up the spirit" the physical body dies. This means that the "spirit" - the person who animates the body - leaves the physical body at the time of death.

Since Jesus then appeared to his close disciples two days later this indicates that Jesus was able to produce an apparition for their eyes to see - much as angels can appear in this world.

Otherwise, Jesus could not have appeared in his physical body before his disciples. How could he have come through the locked door? How could he have shown his wounds, which would have been oozing with blood, leaking all over the place?

This was accomplished through apparition. Jesus' spirit was able to appear in a form similar to his last human body so his disciples could recognize him.

But some could not. When he appeared to Mary, she didn't recognize him. He was walking beside her asking her questions. Why didn't she recognize him? Because he was changing his appearance to suit the situation. He was appearing as an apparition. As an angel. This is also why he could suddenly appear and disappear, without walking away or walking in.

Is this about a change of heart?

Jesus' body was brutally tortured and murdered. And his suffering is a testament to his love for the Supreme Being. And yes, should a person come to understand Jesus' total dedication to the Supreme Being, this has the ability to save that person.

But it is not an automatic process. There must be realization. There must be a change of heart.

If God became Jesus, then who was Jesus praying to when he said:

"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39)

Jesus came to teach us to come to a loving relationship with a Person that Jesus himself had a loving relationship with: the Supreme Being. Jesus was the loving servant and child of God, who made great sacrifices in order to teach us to love God. This was his mission.

Yes, it is true, that the loving servant and representative of God can truly be perceived as connected with God. As the representative of God, they are connected with the Supreme Being. Thus they can and should be seen as a manifestation of God’s love for us. But they should never be confused with the Supreme Being Himself.

Jesus might be compared to an ambassador, or representative of a country, being in another country. The country treats this representative in the same way they would treat the country's president. Any disrespect of the ambassador would be offensive to the president. But at the same time, no one would say that this ambassador is the president or the government itself. It would be ridiculous to make that confusion.

The loving relationship between God and Jesus is the rock upon which one can build their own relationship with the Supreme Being. This is the essence of the spiritual world: Coming to love and lovingly serve the Supreme Being is our innate role and what will ultimately make each of us fulfilled.

"What do you think about the Messiah? ... " (Matthew 22:41-45)

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?" "The son of David," they replied. He said to them, "How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him 'Lord'? For he says, " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." ' If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" (Matthew 22:41-45)

Why is Jesus asking this?

Jesus asked the Pharisees and High Priests this because at the time they were teaching about the coming "Messiah," as they still do to this day. They taught that a future coming Messiah would save all of humanity. 

Even today the institutions that followed these teach that the Messiah has yet to come and will come in the future.

They also do not believe that Jesus was Messiah. Thus, they did not refer to Jesus as the "Messiah."

The Greek word Χριστός is being translated to "Messiah." This is also translated to “Christ” in other Biblical versions.

Why is Jesus speaking in the third person?

Note that Jesus refers to the Messiah in the third person. While many have assumed that Jesus is speaking of himself; his question is not a first-person question.

For example, let’s say Mr. Smith wants to know what people think of him. Will he say “what do you think about Mr. Smith?" Rather, he will say, “what do you think about me?” Or if he wanted to tell others that he was Mr. Smith he would simply say, "I am Mr. Smith."

In the same way, if Jesus were referring solely to himself he would say: "What do you think about me?" Or if he wanted to ask if they believed he was the Messiah: "Do you believe that I am the Messiah?"  

Yet Jesus doesn't say anything like this. Instead, he refers to the Messiah as if it were someone else. 

We should also note that the word “Messiah” (or “Christ”) had been used for thousands of years among the Prophets and the institutions that followed them. 

Further, and Jesus was speaking to teachers of those institutions. The Prophets of the Old Testament spoke of the Messiah in so many instances, referring to this person as "Savior" or "Anointed One."

In fact, the Greek word Χριστός can be translated to any of these: "Messiah," "Christ," "Savior," or "Anointed One."

So was Jesus trying to insert himself into the position as this "Messiah" that the traditions of the Prophets had spoken of for thousands of years? There is no evidence of this in this exchange with the Pharisees. There is also a quite different conclusion to the discussion than assumed by many of today's institutions.

What did they mean by 'son of David'?

One of the key issues in this exchange is the use of the word "son." The Greek word used is υἱός (huios). While υἱός can indicate a relationship of offspring in the context of a physical family, within the context Jesus is speaking of - that of an exchange between David and God, and the relationship between David and the Messiah - we must use the alternate definition of the word, according to the Greek lexicon: "one who depends on another or is his follower."

Therefore, the more appropriate translation of υἱός in this context is "follower" or "servant." Since David physically passed away over a thousand years before this conversation, we can hardly assume that Jesus or the Pharisees were referring to David's physical son. The only logical translation is to follower or servant. For this discussion, we will use follower. Once we make this appropriate translation, we have a significantly clearer statement by Jesus:

What do you think about the Christ [Messiah]? Whose follower is he?" ["The follower of David," they replied.] "How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him 'Lord'? For he says, 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet."' If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his follower?"

This exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees is a debate of logic. Jesus is showing the Pharisees that the Messiah they are waiting for cannot logically be a follower of David. This is because David is referring to the Messiah as "my Lord," and referring to God as ("The LORD"). David must therefore be the follower of the Messiah, not the reverse. Furthermore, according to David, God tells the Messiah that He will protect him ("Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.")

Who is David referring to?

Who, then, is the "my Lord" that David is referring to, who sits at the right hand of God and is protected by God? It is not a follower (or even son) of David, as Jesus proves.

We should note that Jesus' statements here stunned his disciples and the Pharisees:

No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions. (Matt. 22:46)

Since Jesus is challenging the position of the Jewish Pharisees that one day a "Messiah" - a follower of David - will come, when David himself refers to this person as "my Lord," we can logically conclude that Jesus does not agree with the assumption of the temple teachers that the "Messiah" David is speaking of will come one day in the future. This is the purpose of Jesus' challenge.

Why would Jesus be indicating that he was the Messiah that David refers to as "my Lord?" Jesus was disproving that the Messiah was a follower of David (considering that Jesus was a follower of David).

The answer to the puzzle is that the word Χριστός ("Messiah," "Christ," "Anointed One," or "Savior") can refer to a particular individual, as well as refer to a particular role or position - specifically, one who is "anointed by God."

We might compare this to the position of Lieutenant: Let's say a person has received the title of Lieutenant, and that puts him in charge of a legion of the military. When a Sergeant approaches the Lieutenant, he will salute, and call him "Lieutenant." Here the Sergeant is referring to a single, individual person when he says the word, "Lieutenant." 

However, we also know that there are many others who have also had this title. And if there were a room of Lieutenants, calling out "Lieutenant" would create confusion. Therefore, "Lieutenant" can be used to refer to an individual within a conversation, as well as considered a title that has been assumed by many over the years.

The pure meaning of "Messiah," as indicated by both David in his Psalm, and Jesus, with this debate, is "God's representative."

Indeed, David followed such a representative of God. Like any devoted disciple, David was dedicated to his teacher, and referred to him as "my Lord," and one who "sits at the right hand" of God.

A person who sits at the right hand of someone is that person's assistant. That person sitting at the right hand is the emissary of the person. God's representatives each "sit at God's right hand." They are each God's emissaries and messengers.

This is confirmed by the Supreme Being personally in the Old Testament, as he stated this about His "Anointed" - translated from the Hebrew word מָשַׁח (mashach) - which can also translate to "Messiah:"

"Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so they may serve me as priests. Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue throughout their generations." (Exodus 40:15)

What, do we think that God can only have one representative? One loving servant? Or even one "son"? Is this the same God Who has created the gigantic universes we see around us? Is this the same God Who, even with His dominance of this gigantic universe, still can exchange a personal relationship with each of us? 

The answer is that God has many assistants and servants, and any one of them can be empowered by God to come to the physical world and save people of any particular generation - acting as a "priesthood that will continue throughout their generations."

And yes, within the context of this meaning, Jesus was trying to also indicate that David indeed worshiped his teacher, who on a practical basis, saved him. In other words, we are speaking of David's spiritual teacher.

Who is 'my Lord'?

So who was David's spiritual teacher and personal savior ("my Lord")?

To understand this better, let's consider more of Psalm 110 (which Jesus was quoting from):

The LORD says to my lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."
The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth. The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
The LORD is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of His wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. He will drink from a brook beside the way; therefore He will lift up His head. (Psalm 110:1-7)

Notice that there are two “Lords,” one “LORD” (God) - translated from God's Name יְהֹוָה (Yĕhovah) or Jehovah - and then one “lord” - translated from the Hebrew word אֲדֹנָי ('Adonay) which refers to a superior. First David discloses that his lord was asked by God to sit at His right hand.

Then later it states that God will be at his right hand. This indicates a relationship of service between the two - the lord is serving the LORD (being at His right hand) and the LORD is empowering David's lord by giving him strength.

Then he continues to describe him. David says that his “lord” was made a priest by God: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Then David also describes that his “lord” is also a king. A king who will fight on behalf of God:

“The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth.”

So who was David referring to as "you" and "lord"? Was he referring to some person who would appear many centuries or even thousands of years into the future? Was he talking about Jesus? And what troops did Jesus have? What “scepter” did Jesus have? David is obviously not speaking of Jesus here.

The “my lord” David is speaking of in this Psalm is Saul who was appointed as king by Samuel, his spiritual teacher. Saul was the king of Israel, and David was referring to Saul as his superior, but also because Saul was anointed by Samuel - so David was humbly deferring to him as a priest in the order of Melchizedek, and thus also referencing the guidance of Samuel.

How is Samuel related to David?

Before he was anointed as king, David was an armor-bearer of Saul. This is a traditional way of saying that Saul was David's superior and teacher. But Samuel was Saul's teacher. Samuel also had the authority of appointing Saul as king. David was thus a follower of Saul and Samuel, and he referred to the authority of Samuel.

David would play on his harp and sing his Psalms to Saul and Samuel - often to Saul alone, and this confirms why "you" is used.

Samuel, their teacher, was an anointed king, priest and spiritual leader of Israel. This is why Samuel had the authority to teach to Saul and David. Samuel took study under his own teacher (and God's representative) Eli. Eli was also considered a great Prophet and servant of God.

As for the order of Melchizedek: This is referring to the lineage of teachers that pay homage to Melchizedek - who was Abraham's teacher. Melchizedek is described in Genesis:

"He was priest of God Most High" (Genesis 14:18)

How do we know that Abraham accepted Melchizedek as his spiritual teacher?

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (Genesis 14:18-20)

We see here that Melchizedek blessed Abraham. And then we see that Abraham gave him a tenth of everything - in the service of his teacher. This "blessing" is the same as "anointing" or "baptizing" - it is the process of initiation of a student by God's representative.

In some Talmud versions, Melchizedek is considered a nickname for Shem - who was the son and student of Noah.

This priesthood order of Melchizedek-Abraham-Isaac/Lot-Jacob-Joseph-Moses-Joshua-(et al)-Eli-Samuel-David-(et al)-John the Baptist-Jesus succession indicates a lineage of students and their teachers, with each student following their teacher and considering their teacher God's representative and their personal savior. It is a teacher-to-student succession. Let’s consider Samuel's relationship with his spiritual teacher, Eli:

The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. (1 Samuel 3:1)

This is very clear, and the next verses illustrate how Samuel loved and respected his teacher, Eli. It also illustrates that Eli instructed Samuel to establish his own personal relationship with God after Samuel was hearing God speak to him:

So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if He calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. (1 Samuel 3:9)

Once Samuel re-established his loving relationship with God, he became God's representative. This is confirmed by Samuel’s teachings later in his life:

The people all said to Samuel, "Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king."
"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. For the sake of His great Name the LORD will not reject His people, because the LORD was pleased to make you His own. As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear [honor] the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you." (I Samuel 12:19-24)

So we can see here that Samuel was guided by Eli, and then became empowered to also take on the role of spiritual teacher to these people. And both Samuel and Eli taught the very same things that Moses, Joshua, Abraham, Jacob, Job, John the Baptist and Jesus taught: To love, honor, and serve God. In other words, Samuel was presenting God's message to his people. He was, therefore, representing God, and thus was their savior, and "Messiah."

Now let’s investigate David’s relationship with Samuel:

Samuel did what the LORD said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, "Do you come in peace?"
Samuel replied, "Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me." Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, "Nor has the LORD chosen this one." Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these." So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?"
"There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep."
Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives."
So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:4-13)

We can see here that David became the student and servant of Samuel, and Samuel anointed him (same as baptism, or initiation). While Samuel may have physically selected David, it was God Who ultimately made the selection. In essence, Samuel became David's spiritual teacher. David thus worshiped his spiritual teacher Samuel as God's representative and his personal savior ("Messiah").

In the same way, David also became empowered by God to represent Him. And we see later that Solomon became David’s confidential student. In this case, because of the familial relationship, David sent his priests to anoint Solomon:

So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites and the Pelethites went down and put Solomon on King David's mule and escorted him to Gihon. Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. (1 Kings 1:38-39)

While this also made Solomon king, we cannot ignore that the anointing was made by priests, and this made the anointment of Solomon a spiritual initiation. Remember anointing (same as baptizing) according to God's own instructions in Exodus 40:15 (above). These anointings continue that tradition as instructed by God.

We also see that David was Solomon's teacher, and instructed Solomon in spiritual affairs:

When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements..." (1 Kings 2:1-3)

So here we see a lineage of God's loving servants and representatives, each of whom were the saviors of their students. Each was selected by God to pass on His message to those generations, and each was empowered by God to teach and save those who heard from them and became their students. In other words, they each assumed the role of "Messiah" to those they taught.

Was Jesus part of this 'Melchizedek order'?

This tradition was continued by Jesus, and he also baptized (anointed) disciples who then passed on those teachings to the next generation. This is the process.

With this exchange with the Pharisees, Jesus is indicating the error in their interpretation regarding a single coming Messiah in the future. Ironically, now sectarian institutions and their teachers who claim to be following Jesus also misinterpret Jesus' statement - claiming that Jesus is the only Messiah.

The reality is that the real Messiah - or Savior - is the Supreme Being. God's representative allows the Supreme Being to speak through them. This is confirmed by Jesus:

“My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me." (John 7:16)

Jesus also instructs his disciples to let the Supreme Being speak through them:

"But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matthew 10:19-20)

"Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit." (Mark 3:11)

Thus we find that Jesus is teaching his disciples the mechanics of being God's representative as they allow God to speak through them.

Is the Bible a history of Messiahs?

Yes. There are other historical events and lessons in the Bible, some of which have been expanded into symbolic discussions.

But running through the Bible is a lineage of teachers that all acted as God's representatives.

Here is a rough list of teachers found in the texts of the Bible, many of which would be considered as maintaining the role of Messiah:

• Abel
• Seth
• Enosh
• Mahalalel
• Jared
• Enoch
• Methuselah
• Lamech
• Noah
• Shem (Melchizedek)
• Ham
• Japheth
• Arphaxad
• Selah
• Elam
• Asshur
• Cush
• Gomer
• Meshech
• Elishah
• Nimrod
• Aram
• Terah
• Abraham
• Lot
• Isaac
• Esau
• Jacob
• Joseph
• Benjamin
• Judah
• Levi
• Reuben
• Simeon
• Gad
• Naphtali
• Dan
• Asher
• Issachar
• Zebulun
• Ishmael
• Ephram
• Manasseh
• Moses
• Joshua
• Eli
• Samson
• Samuel
• Saul
• David
• Solomon
• Elijah
• Elisha
• Hoshea
• Daniel
• Esther
• Ezra
• Obadiah
• Joel
• Jonah
• Amos
• Hosea
• Isaiah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Zephaniah
• Jeremiah
• Habakkuk
• Daniel
• Ezekiel
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi
• [Jeconiah
• Shealtiel
• Zerubbabel,
• Abihud
• Eliakim
• Azor,
• Zadok
• Akim
• Elihud,
• Eleazar
• Matthan
• Joda
• Rhesa
• Neri
• Addi
• Cosam
• Amos
• Levi
• Joseph]*
• Zachariah
• John the Baptist
• Jesus
• Jesus' disciples (at least 72)
• Disciples of Jesus' disciples, et al.

(*Listed as part of the lineage/mentorship of Jesus in Luke and Matthew, though their respective roles as teachers aren't confirmed.)

We find in Luke that Jesus had at least 72 disciples, whom he sent out to villages throughout Judea to teach on his behalf. This confirms that Jesus had more than 12 disciples. We can also include Mary and Martha as followers of Jesus.

Jesus' disciples also made their own disciples. For example, Matthias was a disciple of John. Thus we find that despite the false institutional hierarchy of the Roman Catholic church, the teachings of Jesus did continue through a succession of teachers.

Jesus' role in this succession is clear. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, who was the student of the priest Zechariah, in disciplic line with the students and teachers such as Malachi, Isaiah and others that followed David. David followed Samuel, Samuel followed Eli, and this succession of teachers went back to Moses, Abraham, Melchizedek, and Noah.

What we find running through the texts of the Bible is a history and lineage of many of God's representatives ("Messiahs"), which included Jesus - who each taught substantially the same teaching, which will essentially save us:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." (Matt. 22:36-38)

"You have said so" (Matthew 26:64)

But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God." "You have said so," Jesus replied.

Why was Jesus being interrogated?

After the other chief priests had interrogated Jesus, the Temple High Priest Caiaphus began interrogating Jesus. Jesus remained silent for the other priests' questions.

Jesus' response came only after Caiaphus asked him bluntly, "under oath by the living God."

Did Jesus affirm that he was the Messiah? Not exactly. He confirmed only that the high priest said it.

But this question indicates precisely why they were interrogating Jesus: They were envious of the fact that Jesus was a true teacher and representative of God. 

They were envious that people were saying that Jesus was the Messiah.

Why didn't Jesus say that he was the Messiah?

First, because he was speaking to the high priest, who is supposed to be, according to Jewish custom, the representative of God. To outwardly claim to be the Messiah would have offended the high priest. This is why Jesus instead said, "you have said so."

Second, because Messiah is a role, not an individual. The person who plays that role is authorized by God. It was not Jesus' right to insist he was playing that role.

The word "Messiah" is being translated from the Greek work Χριστός. According to the lexicon and according to Biblical scholars, this word can be translated to either mean "Anointed," "Messiah" or "Christ."

But we also find within this word, a deeper connection to the Supreme Being. And there is a connection between "Messiah" and "Son of God" according to this. The term, "Son of God" is not the best translation of the Greek.

Being "anointed" has a long and cherished meaning in Jewish history. All of the great saints and prophets of the Old Testament, indeed, were anointed. This includes Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Samuel, Saul, and many others. Just see this clear statement by God to the Israelites about what this meant:

"Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so they may serve Me as priests. Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue for all generations to come." (Exodus 40:15)

Those were the names of Aaron's sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. (Numbers 3:3)

In fact, an "anointed one" as confirmed in the scripture, is God's representative. His loving servant, who served as a priest to teach others about Him. Here is a clear statement by God about His anointed:

"I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in My heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before My anointed one always." (1 Samuel 2:10)

Notice that God also says "he will minister before My anointed one" here. This means that not only does God's anointed worship Him, but His anointed also serves His anointed. This refers to the service relationship between the teacher and student.

What is being anointed mean?

We find that Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon and so many others were anointed. They also each "ministered before" (served or subjected themselves to) their predecessor. While we do find anointing ceremonies among these, we also find that the sacred anointment was actually a confirmation of their growing relationship with God:

Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you leader over His inheritance?" (1 Samuel 10:1)

While some of the translations and interpretations of the Old Testament make it seem as though an anointing was specific to becoming the king of Israel as a governor, this is an oversight by professional sectarian translators. some of God's anointed were also kings. But in many of these cases, being a "king of Israel" more precisely meant being God's representative within the Jewish nation. Jesus was also from time to time referred to as a king of Israel, for example. And Jesus confirmed this definition regarding his particular service to God:

"I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." (Matthew 15:24)

Many other scriptural texts clarify that the anointing ceremony is a formalization of an appointment by God to represent Him. In the above verse (1 Samuel 10:1) for example, Samuel follows with these clear statements to Saul:

"The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person." (1 Samuel 10:6)

The verses afterward confirm Saul's relationship with God:

As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul's heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. (1 Samuel 10:9)

So we can see that while there was a ceremony, the actual change of consciousness came from God, as He changed Saul's heart.

What does it mean to change Saul's heart? Love. Saul became one of God's loving, devoted servants. From that point forward, he sought to please God, and teach on behalf of God:

When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying. When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, "What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Samuel 10:10-11)

Biblical translators and interpreters like to downplay what "prophesying" means. They have made it out like it was simply predicting the future.

This is not the case. The Hebrew word נבא (naba') might be translated to "prophesize," but it means, according to the lexicon, to come "under influence of divine spirit." In other words, it means to begin speaking on behalf of God. It means to represent God in one's teachings. This is also the same as being a Messiah (or Christ - 'savior'): God's messenger and representative.

This is confirmed in scripture:

Formerly in Israel, if a man went to inquire of God, he would say, "Come, let us go to the seer," because the prophet of today used to be called a seer. (1 Samuel 9:9)

And the meaning of being anointed? It is a ceremony that expresses a commitment by a person to God, and the teachings of the teacher representing God: It is disciple-ship. It is a commitment to the teachings of God's representative.

We can see this relationship between Samuel and Saul:

As they were going down to the edge of the town, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the servant to go on ahead of us"--and the servant did so--"but you stay here awhile, so that I may give you a message from God." (1 Samuel 9:27)

Samuel was teaching Saul about God. To give "a message from God" means to 1) be teaching on behalf of God; and 2) be teaching about God.

We also see that Samuel knew from God that God had chosen Saul to represent Him:

When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD said to him, "This is the man I spoke to you about..." (1 Samuel 9:17)

We see similar events between Jesus and John the Baptist. We also see in Jesus' life, a ceremony that was by all tense and purpose an anointing: His baptism by John the Baptist. Remember again that Samuel knew Saul's greatness and that God chose Saul at that time:

Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you leader over His inheritance?" (1 Samuel 10:1)

We also see that John the Baptist represented God:

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea, and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Matthew 3:1-2)

And John, like Samuel, saw that Jesus was being sent by God, as he ascribed (humbly, as loving servants of God will do) about Jesus:

"I would not have known him, except that the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'" (John 1:33)

After his baptism (or anointing), Jesus then went out and preached the very same teaching that John taught:

From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Matthew 4:17)

Was Jesus passing on John's teachings?

And Jesus later instructed his disciples to go out and teach the very same thing:

"As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'" (Matthew 10:7)

While this phrase does not encompass all of Jesus' teachings, it represents the reality of a lineage of teachings descending from John, Jesus and Jesus' disciples - which descended from the prophets.

And what does this "message" mean: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'? As we discussed with the Matthew 10:7 verse, the word "near" has been misinterpreted by some sectarian teachers who have taken it to mean the end of the world is almost upon us.

Rather, "near" is not a word indicating time: It is a word indicating distance. It means close by. The message is that God and His kingdom are close by, and all we have to do is submit ourselves to God and commit our lives to Him and we can enter the kingdom of God.

The sum and substance of this teaching is that the Supreme Being wants us back. He is trying to give us a clear message, through those who have already committed their lives to Him. This is how God reaches out to us - through teachings and example.

We don't need to argue about which religious faith is right. All we need to do is turn to God, and accept His message carried through His representatives. All we need to do is reach out to Him from within our hearts. Because God is truly near.

This very same message from God has also been taught by all of the ancient teachers like Samuel, Saul, Moses, Abraham, David, Job and so many others. They were all messengers of God, just as Jesus admitted he was:

"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me." (John 6:38)

and

"My teaching is not my own. It comes from Him who sent me." (John 7:16)

So we can see from scripture that by accepting himself as "Messiah," "Christ" or "Anointed," Jesus was not claiming to be anything other than God's loving servant and messenger. He came to give us God's message. 

Because God wants us back. He wants us to come home to Him. God knows that we will only be happy when we are back in His loving arms. This is why Jesus clarified His message:

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38)