Final answer:
Jesus Christ is recognized in Christian doctrine as a messiah who offers spiritual salvation rather than political liberation. His role as the "light of the world" extends beyond Jewish expectations, breaking social boundaries and affirming a universal spiritual equality. This reinterpretation of the messiah became a foundational aspect of early Christianity's divergence from contemporary social norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the role of Jesus Christ in breaking social boundaries and how he was perceived as the messiah within different communities. In Jewish doctrine, the messiah was expected to liberate the Jews and fulfill the Covenant made with God, ensuring the Promised Land was delivered for all eternity. Many Jews did not believe Jesus was the messiah as physical liberation from Roman rule did not occur. However, early Christians, influenced by Paul, believed that Jesus provided spiritual salvation and liberation, transcending earthly politics and redefining the concept of the old Covenant.
The depiction of Christ as the "light of the world" in mosaics, such as the Christ Pantokrator, aligns with this interpretation, highlighting the spiritual illumination he brought, contrasted against the physical liberation expected by many. This idea of Jesus as a light to the nations also underscores the transition in belief following the enslavement of Hebrews by the Neo-Babylonians, where Yahweh became understood as an omnipresent god rather than one confined to a single land or temple.
Christian universalism emerged as a radical departure from the social hierarchies of the time, positing that all humans are spiritually equal and calling for compassion towards all, regardless of social standing. This universality and the breaking of social barriers can be understood through the acts and teachings of Jesus depicted in Christian art and narratives, such as the Calling of Saint Matthew or the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple, where Jesus's role as the messiah and light to the nations is recognized and celebrated.