Biblical Answer

The Implications of a 'Non-Royal' Understanding of the Messiah on the Doctrine of Christology

The implications of a 'non-royal' understanding of the Messiah on the doctrine of Christology are multifaceted and far-reaching. If Jesus did not claim to be the Messiah in a royal sense, but rather as a fulfillment of a deeper, more eschatological understanding of messiahship, this would significantly alter our understanding of Christology.

A Shift from Royal to Eschatological Understanding of Messiahship

A non-royal understanding of the Messiah would imply that Jesus' messianic claims were not necessarily tied to a national, political, or military restoration of Israel, but rather to a more profound, eschatological understanding of redemption. This would mean that Jesus' understanding of messiahship was not centered on a literal, earthly kingdom, but rather on a spiritual, heavenly realm. This shift in understanding would have significant implications for our understanding of Christology, as it would emphasize the spiritual, redemptive aspects of Jesus' mission over his earthly, political role.

Implications for Christology

A non-royal understanding of the Messiah would also imply that Jesus' messianic claims were not necessarily tied to his divine nature, but rather to his human, prophetic role. This would mean that Jesus' understanding of himself as the Messiah was not necessarily tied to his divinity, but rather to his role as a prophetic figure who fulfilled the messianic expectations of the Jewish people. This would have significant implications for our understanding of Christology, as it would emphasize the human, prophetic aspects of Jesus' mission over his divine, messianic role. In conclusion, a non-royal understanding of the Messiah would significantly alter our understanding of Christology, emphasizing the spiritual, eschatological, and prophetic aspects of Jesus' mission over his earthly, political role.