The 411 - Why do Jews not believe Jesus as Messiah, when he was Jewish?

The rejection of Jesus as the Messiah by many Jewish individuals is rooted in theological differences between Judaism and Christianity. It's important to note that there is a diversity of beliefs within both religious traditions, and the perspectives discussed here are generalizations.

1. Messiah in Judaism:

   • In Judaism, the concept of the Messiah (Mashiach in Hebrew) is rooted in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh). The Messiah is expected to be a human descendant of King David, a righteous and knowledgeable leader, who will bring about the ultimate redemption of the Jewish people, rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and establish an era of peace and universal knowledge of God.

2. Christian Concept of Messiah:

   • In Christianity, Jesus is seen as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Christians believe that Jesus is both divine and the saviour who came to atone for humanity's sins. The Christian understanding of the Messiah involves a different interpretation of key messianic prophecies.

3. Divergent Interpretations:

   • Jewish scholars and religious authorities argue that the messianic prophecies in the Hebrew Bible have not been fulfilled in Jesus. They contend that Jesus did not fulfill the criteria outlined in the Jewish messianic expectations, such as rebuilding the Temple and bringing about world peace.

4. Different Views of Divinity:

   • Another fundamental difference is the Christian belief in the Trinity, where Jesus is considered the Son of God and part of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). This concept is incompatible with the Jewish understanding of God's oneness.

5. Historical Context:

   • The historical context in which Jesus lived and the subsequent developments in Christian theology also contribute to the divergence of beliefs. For Jews, Jesus did not fulfill the messianic role during his lifetime, and the subsequent deification of Jesus in Christianity further separates the two faiths.

It's crucial to approach discussions on religious beliefs with respect and sensitivity, recognizing that individuals may hold deep convictions based on their religious upbringing, cultural context, and personal experiences. Interfaith dialogue, when conducted with mutual understanding and respect, can provide an opportunity for people of different faiths to share their perspectives and learn from one another.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model