In the Old Testament are many evidences of the people's hope for a deliverer or a great prophet who would inspire or lead them. The prophets had glimpses of the Messiah, and others of the great Old Testament characters showed some recognition of the Christ. Whenever the Christ-element in their natures was uppermost, they did great things for their nation. The concept of the Christ was present, even though it was often confused with expectations of material power and was misunderstood in its interpretation and application.
When Christ Jesus came, he fulfilled all the requirements of a Messiah in a more comprehensive and satisfying manner than mere human outlining could have anticipated. His character was unique because he identified himself with Christ, the nature of God.
Jesus did not fulfill the hope of a material king, but he introduced the kingdom of God to men as a present and available attainment. He fulfilled the desire for a deliverer by showing how the reign of Christ, Truth, in individual consciousness conquers want and woe, sin, disease, and death and elevates human character. He demonstrated by his life, his resurrection, and his ascension the manner in which each one may attain eternal Life.
