logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2024
44m 54s

Did Jesus Think He Was the Messiah?

Bart Ehrman
About this episode

Jesus' followers have always called him the "messiah," from the earliest days of the religion -- so much so that "Christ" (the Greek word for Messiah) became his second name. But most Jews, both then and now, rejected the claim, pointing out that Jesus in fact was nothing like the messiah.

Do they have a point? If so, why did Jesus' early followers call him that? Did they begin thinking so during his lifetime? Is it what Jesus himself claimed? How would we know?

Tune in to the episode and find out!

Up next
Yesterday
Did Christians Invent Jesus' Teachings?
We've been talking a lot about the revolutionary message of altruism in Jesus' teachings recently - but how do we know what the historical Jesus actually taught? Today, Dr. Bart Ehrman joins me to discuss exactly how scholars reconstruct his message. 
43m 57s
Mar 17
The Surprising Truth Behind "Love Thy Neighbor"
Jesus' most famous commandment might be to "love thy neighbour" - but what exactly does "love" mean, and how do you love your neighbour? Today, Dr. Bart Ehrman joins me to talk about the different meanings of love in the New Testament, and how that informs our understanding of Je ... Show More
34m 26s
Mar 10
Did Jesus Invent Charity?
Bart's newest book, Love Thy Stranger, will be released on March 24th - but really, how much can you say about Jesus' impact on the moral conscience of the west? As it turns out, quite a lot - and this week, we'll be getting into exactly what you can expect to read. 
42m 21s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
Episode 2225 - What Happened
Various Verses in the Gospels. We are studying about John the Baptist and how he went from being absolutely sure Jesus was the Messiah, to sending his disciples to ask Jesus is He was the promised one or if they should look for another. What happened? We look at various reasons w ... Show More
18m 35s
Oct 2023
#195: Who Do You Say I Am?
Jesus began to speak to the disciples about His upcoming death and resurrection. When Peter stated that Jesus was the Messiah, He could not fully understand what that meant. Jesus came to save Israel in a way they were not expecting. Jesus asks all of us to answer this question…” ... Show More
15m 21s
Sep 2024
Christ is the Answer! P2
The theme throughout the old testament is that of the coming Messiah. We learn in today's passage that Jesus - the Messiah - came not to negate the law, but instead, as the fulfillment of all the law and the prophets. He is the true Messiah for whom the people had long-awaited. J ... Show More
29m 30s
Sep 2025
John: The Return Of Jesus Christ
In John 21, Jesus talked about His ‘return.’ He would leave. In due time, He would come back. But for what purpose? And at what point? That will be the focus of today’s study. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why did Jesus suggest that John would remain? B) How do the events of 70 ... Show More
24m 40s
Dec 2024
Jesus as the Greater Tabernacle: Understanding the True Meaning of Christmas with Jonny Ardavanis
Discover how Jesus fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament tabernacle in this in-depth exploration of John 1:14. Pastor Jonny Ardavanis breaks down seven powerful ways Christ is the greater tabernacle, from His incarnation to His second coming. Learn why grace isn't just a conce ... Show More
31m 32s
Dec 2023
The Advent of Christ
The earliest pages of Scripture promise a Deliverer who will crush evil and bring redemption for God's people. Today, R.C. Sproul explains how Jesus' arrival into the world brought the fulfillment of this ancient promise. Get R.C Sproul's 'The Advent of Glory' and 'Coming of the ... Show More
26m 26s
Oct 2025
What Do Other Religions Have to Say About Jesus?
J. Warner Wallace examines the way in which Jesus is described by the world's other religious systems. What role does Jesus play in these belief systems and how is He characterized? If Jesus is venerated or described accurately by these world religions, shouldn't seekers examine ... Show More
1h 11m
Aug 2025
Finding Jesus
<p>In John 5, Jesus heals a lame man, and then he begins to teach about himself. He makes some astounding claims, and the people challenge him. “Why should we believe you?” </p> <p>In the context of Jewish jurisprudence, if a claim was made, you had to have two or three corrobora ... Show More
34m 14s
Sep 2025
Jesus as Prophet (Part 1)
<p>By saying Jesus is a prophet, we mean he is a revealer. He communicates truth. He’s the revealer of who God is and what his will is. As a prophet, Jesus comes and speaks to you and to me for God.</p> <p>Even though Jesus is far more than a prophet, he is a prophet. And the fac ... Show More
48 m