What Does Judaism Say About Christ
Judaism and Christianity share many common beliefs and some fundamental concepts. This is part of the heritage of both religions, which have a long and complicated history together. In spite of the similarities between the two faiths, there remain deep differences between them as well. One of the most fundamental of these differences centers on how each of them views the Christian concept of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the promised Messiah.
For adherents of Christianity, Jesus is the Son of God, sent to save the world from sin and death. For Jews, however, Jesus of Nazareth is not the Messiah, although He did bring change to Judaism through his teachings and his life. Jews believe that Jesus was a prophet and a teacher, but not the Son of God. To them, the belief that Jesus is the Messiah is a fundamental violation of the principles of Judaism.
The notion that Jesus could ever be divine runs afoul of the core beliefs of Judaism. According to Judaism, only God can be divine, and divinity cannot be shared or transferred. To a Jew, the idea of another being being part of God’s essence is anathema. Furthermore, the Jewish conception of the Messiah is very different from the Christian belief that Jesus is the Savior who died on the cross for the sins of all people. For Jews, the Messiah is a person who will be sent by God to bring peace to the world and restore justice and order. There is no conception of the Messiah being divine or dying on a cross. It should come as no surprise, then, that Jews reject the idea that Jesus is the Messiah.
Judaism holds that the Messiah is someone who will bring about the End of Days and usher in a new era of justice, peace, and prosperity. Although Jews respect Jesus as a historical figure, they believe that the prophesied Messiah has yet to come. To Jews, the belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior is considered repugnant, and believers risk being ostracized or even expelled from the Jewish community.
Despite the differences between Judaism and Christianity over the role of Jesus, they both share an emphasis on morality, a respect for the divine, and a commitment to doing good in the world. This is a testament to the shared heritage of both faiths and a reminder that people of different beliefs can still learn from each other and work together towards common goals.
The Conception of God
At the heart of Judaism is the belief in one God who is sovereign and eternal. The Jewish conception of God is very different from the Christian belief in a triune god made up of three distinct persons. For Jews, monotheism is a cornerstone of the faith, and any notion of a god other than the one true God is strictly forbidden. The idea that Jesus is part of an indivisible triune god is rejected by Judaism, as it compromises the core belief in the oneness of God.
Jewish monotheism is so strong that even concepts like the metaphor of God as a shepherd, or with other human attributes, are seen as dangerously close to idolatry. Nonetheless, the ancient prophets often spoke of God in human terms to make Him more accessible to people, and this approach is still used by many Jews today.
The belief that Jesus is part of the divine Trinity is antithetical to Jewish monotheism. Jews believe that, while recognizing how miraculous Jesus’ life was, to consider Him as part of the divine is a step too far. Messianic Jews, who believe that Jesus is the Messiah, are a minority within Judaism and are seen by many Jews as threatening the traditional beliefs of the faith.
The Role of Jesus
To Christians, Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save humanity from its sins. To Jews, Jesus is a prophet, teacher, and miracle worker, but not the Son of God. Jews do not accept that Jesus was divine, and even considering him as part of a divine trinity runs counter to their belief in the oneness of God. Furthermore, most Jews do not accept Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who will bring about the redemption of the world.
Messianic Jews, who believe that Jesus is part of the divine trinity and the Messiah, are a small minority within the Jewish faith. Despite their differences, Jews and Christians share a common heritage and many of the same values, such as a respect for God, a commitment to seeking justice, and a desire to do good in the world. Therefore, while they may disagree on the role of Jesus, they can still learn from each other and work together to make the world a better place.
The Jewish Messianic Hope
Judaism has long been awaiting the Messiah, and this is a central part of Jewish theology. This belief holds that one day a descendant of King David will emerge who will restore justice and order to the world. This figure, who is often referred to as “Moshiach” or “the Messiah,” will usher in a new age of peace and prosperity for all people.
Although Messianic Jews believe that Jesus was this promised figure, the majority of Jews reject this claim. To them, Jesus was a great teacher and prophet, but not the Messiah who will lead the world to redemption. Furthermore, the belief that Jesus is divine violates their concept of the oneness of God.
Jewish hope for the eventual arrival of the Moshiach has been a constant in Jewish history and theology. This hope is rooted in the ancient scriptures, and it is the basis for the Jewish messianic faith. Despite differences over the identity of the Messiah, both Jews and Christians share a belief in a better, more just future that will ultimately come about.
Respecting Differing Beliefs
Despite the deep differences between Judaism and Christianity over the role of Jesus, each faith can still learn from the other. Although Christians and Jews will likely never agree on their views of Jesus, they can still respect each other’s beliefs and find common ground in other aspects of their faiths.
For Jews, Jesus was a great prophet and teacher, but not the Son of God. Jews reject the concept of Jesus being part of a divine trinity, as this violates their belief in the oneness of God. Despite their differences, both Jews and Christians can still learn from each other and work together towards common goals.
The religious divide between Jews and Christians has persisted for centuries, but it does not have to define the relationship between the two faiths. By respecting each other’s beliefs, and by understanding one another’s history and traditions, Jews and Christians can still learn from each other and find common ground.
Jesus in The Tanakh
Although Jesus is not mentioned by name in the Jewish scriptures, there are many passages that foretell his coming. The books of Isaiah, Daniel, and Micah, in particular, contain prophecies of a mighty figure who would come to lead the world to justice and peace.
By studying the Tanakh and other Jewish texts, many Christians believe they can gain insight into Jesus and his mission. They believe that Jesus fulfilled many of the ancient prophecies, and that he was the promised Messiah who died on the cross to save humanity from its sins. Jews reject this interpretation, but there is no denying that the prophecies contained in the scriptures are powerful and profound.
It is clear that Jews and Christians differ fundamentally when it comes to how they view Jesus. While Christians believe that Jesus was part of an indivisible trinity and the promised Messiah, Jews reject this idea and instead focus on the coming of the Moshiach who will bring justice and peace to the world. Nonetheless, both faiths can still learn from each other and work together towards common goals.
Jesus and The New Testament
The New Testament, the part of the Christian Bible that documents the life and teachings of Jesus, is not part of the Jewish scriptures. Jews believe that the Tanakh, otherwise known as the Hebrew Bible, is the sole source of their faith. Jewish belief does not include th idea of Jesus as the Savior, and thus the New Testament is not viewed as authoritative in Jewish theology.
To a Christian, the New Testament is the ultimate source of authority and guidance. But to a Jew, the same books paint a picture of Jesus that is antithetical to the core beliefs of Judaism. However, the New Testament can still provide insight into Jesus’ mission and life. Jews and Christians can both learn from the teachings of Jesus and use them to better their lives and the world around them.
Ultimately, the differences between Jews and Christians concerning Jesus’ role will likely never be resolved. But that does not mean that Jews and Christians have to be opposed to each other. By understanding each other’s beliefs and respecting them, Jews and Christians can work together to make the world a better place.
