Explains the importance of the title and role of Messiah in each of the Gospels and argues that Christianity was a messianic movement rooted in its Jewish context.

Michael Bird engages the subject of the messianism of the four Gospels. While the title and role of 'Messiah' ascribed to Jesus in the Gospels has long been regarded as a late add on, a fabricated claim, or an insignificant feature, Bird argues in contrast that the messianic claims are the most significant for the portrayal of Jesus.