The Messiah

Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Owen Lynch answers:

What did I like about today’s passage?

I love all of the Messianic imagery in these chapters.

I love the image in chapter 9 of the Messiah King riding into Jerusalem like a victorious King returning after vanquishing an enemy, but riding on the humblest of creatures - a donkey - not on a chariot or a Stallion!

The Messiah will be a humble, servant King who will not exploit and dominate.

I love the image of the Messiah as a Shepherd in chapter 11, who searches for the lost, takes care of the young, heals the injured and feeds the healthy.

The Messiah will care for humanity, like a good shepherd cares for their sheep.

I love the image of the Messiah in chapter 12 as confronting evil in all its forms and bringing justice and compassion to every community.

The Messiah will rule with justice and compassion.

I love the image of the Messiah in chapter 14 restoring the earth and reconciling humanity both one to another and with God.

The Messiah will reconcile all things to himself in heaven and on earth.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

Not only does it show me what Jesus Messiah (‘Christ’ in Greek) is like and is doing; it also shows me that this is has been going on for a long time. That this story of God becoming a human being called Jesus is BIG and I am very small. It leaves me feeling humbled and se- cure in his unconditional love for me.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

I’m going to meditate on these images of the Messiah so that I associate them more readily with the Jesus we read about in the gospels.

Who am I going to share this with?

My wife and you all.