What would the Messiah be like? (10 mins.)
Throughout history, many people have wondered what the Messiah promised by God would be like. For the people of Israel, this expectation was very important, as they awaited the liberator and ruler whom Jehovah would send.
Centuries before Jesus was born, Jehovah inspired several Bible writers to give clear details about who the Messiah would be and how he would rule. One of the prophets who provided the most information was Isaiah.
Today we will analyze three outstanding aspects that Isaiah revealed about the Messiah and see how they were perfectly fulfilled in Jesus.
He would be a descendant of Jesse through his son David
Long before the time of the prophet Isaiah, other biblical writers had already announced the coming of the Messiah. Texts such as Genesis 49:10, Deuteronomy 18:18, and Psalm 118:22, 26 spoke of a special leader whom Jehovah would send to his people. However, Isaiah added a very significant detail about his origin.
LET'S READ ISAIAH 11:1
“A shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.”
Jesse was the father of King David. When Isaiah wrote these words, the royal house of David seemed to have been reduced to a mere “stump,” that is, without its former splendor and power. Even so, Jehovah promised that from that lineage a “branch” or a “shoot” would spring up, someone who would produce good fruit.
The expressions “branch” and “shoot” clearly indicate that the Messiah would be a descendant of Jesse through his son David, who had been anointed king of Israel. Jehovah had promised that a descendant of David would permanently occupy the throne.
The fulfillment of this prophecy is clearly seen in Jesus. The evangelist Matthew explained that, growing up in Nazareth, he was called a “Nazarene,” a term that seems to relate to the Hebrew word used for “shoot” in Isaiah 11:1. Thus, even the place where Jesus grew up fit with what the prophets had foretold.
Thus, Jesus did not appear unexpectedly or without biblical support. His lineage confirmed that he was the promised Messiah, the fruitful offspring of the house of David.
He would have the spirit of Jehovah and fear God
But Jehovah not only revealed the origin of the Messiah, but also what kind of person he would be.
LET'S READ ISAIAH 11:2, 3
“And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3He will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees, nor reprove by what he hears.”
These words show that the Messiah would not be a cruel or arrogant ruler, like many human leaders. On the contrary, he would be fully guided by Jehovah’s holy spirit.
Jesus was anointed, not with literal oil, but with the Holy Spirit of God. At his baptism, John the Baptist saw the Holy Spirit descend upon him in the form of a dove. From that moment on, Jesus perfectly manifested the qualities mentioned by Isaiah: wisdom, understanding, the power to counsel, profound knowledge, and spiritual strength.
Furthermore, Isaiah says that the Messiah would “enjoy himself in the fear of Jehovah.” This does not mean that Jesus lived in fear of God. Rather, he had a respectful awe, a deep and loving reverence for his Father. Jesus always desired to do what pleased Jehovah, just as he himself said at John 8:29.
Through his example, Jesus taught us that the fear of Jehovah does not limit happiness, but rather leads to true joy. Living in accordance with God's will brings inner peace and a close relationship with our Creator.
He would be a fair and merciful judge
Another fundamental characteristic of the Messiah has to do with his way of judging.
LET'S READ ISAIAH 11:3
“And he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by appearances or reprove simply by what he hears.”
What a comforting description! Let's think for a moment: if we had to appear in court, wouldn't we feel relieved to know that the judge wouldn't be swayed by rumors, appearances, or prejudices?
As Judge of all humanity, the Messiah is not swayed by wealth, social status, or deceptive arguments. He sees beyond outward appearances and examines “the secret person of the heart.” Jesus demonstrated this ability during his ministry on Earth. He treated with dignity and mercy those whom others despised, and he discerned the true motives of those who approached him.
This example is especially valuable for those who have judicial responsibilities within the Christian congregation. As mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:1-4, Christians should reflect the Messiah's justice and mercy in handling internal matters.
However, Jesus’ justice is neither weak nor permissive. Although he lovingly corrects his disciples, those who deliberately practice evil will not go unanswered. The Bible explains that when the time comes to settle accounts with this system of things, the Messiah will execute Jehovah’s judgment with authority. With “the rod of his mouth,” he will sentence all the wicked to destruction.
The result will be wonderful: no one will remain to disturb the peace of the human family. As Psalm 37:10, 11 says, the wicked will disappear and the meek will inherit the earth. Jesus is fully qualified to carry out this work, for he rules with justice and faithfulness.
Illustration
In the image, we can see Jesus as a king reigning from heaven with his hand outstretched over the earth, symbolizing the promise that he will soon bring peace, justice, and happiness to humanity. Jesus will reign over all creation, and the earth will be transformed into a paradise where peace and harmony will prevail, and all creation will rejoice in his presence.
Conclusion
So, what would the Messiah be like?
The Bible shows us that he would be a descendant of Jesse through David, that he would be filled with the Spirit of Jehovah, and that he would rule as a just and merciful judge. All these prophecies were perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Knowing these truths strengthens our faith and fills us with hope. It assures us that the Kingdom of God is in the hands of the ideal ruler, someone who loves justice, cares for people, and will act decisively to eliminate all evil.
May this knowledge motivate us to trust more in Jehovah and to closely follow the example of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
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