Christ

Lore & Background

Luke's Gospel announces the birth of 'a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord' in the city of David (Luke 2:11). Throughout the passion narratives, Jesus is mocked as 'Christ the King of Israel' (Mark 15:32) and Pilate refers to him as 'Jesus which is called Christ' (Matthew 27:17, Matthew 27:22). The title thus spans Jesus' birth, ministry, trial, and crucifixion.

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Christ as a divinely appointed figure whose identity is both revealed and contested. In Matthew, the title is genealogically grounded (Matthew 1:1, Matthew 1:17) and linked to miraculous conception (Matthew 1:18). Peter's confession (Matthew 16:16) and the high priest's adjuration (Matthew 26:63) show Christ as the Son of God. Yet Jesus commands secrecy about this identity (Matthew 16:20), and false claimants are warned against (Matthew 24:5, Matthew 24:23-24). Mark similarly emphasizes Christ as Son of God (Mark 1:1) and records Peter's confession (Mark 8:29) and the high priest's question (Mark 14:61). The title is used in teaching about Davidic sonship (Mark 12:35) and in warnings about deception (Mark 13:6, Mark 13:21-22). Luke's nativity account (Luke 2:11) and the mockery at the cross (Mark 15:32) frame Christ as both savior and suffering king. The passages consistently present Christ as a unique, prophesied figure, but also note that many will falsely claim the title.

Did You Know?

• Matthew's genealogy explicitly counts three sets of fourteen generations from Abraham to Christ (Matthew 1:17).
• Both Matthew and Mark record warnings that false Christs will perform signs and wonders to deceive even the elect (Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22).