The Messiah

Question 1

What is the Messiah?

Answer 1

Throughout history, Israel has been ruled by various leaders. Most Jews today believe that God will one day directly intervene in this leadership through a Messiah. The word Messiah means ‘anointed one’ and originates from the times of the kings of Israel, who used to be anointed.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the Messiah?

Answer 2

The Messiah is believed to be a righteous king who will be sent by God to unite people all over the world regardless of race, culture or religion.

Question 3

What do Jews believe that the Messiah will do?

Answer 3

Jews believe that when the Messiah comes, he will do the following:

• rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem
• bring a Messianic age, in which all people will live in peace
• bring an awareness of God to all people

Question 4

What are the characteristics of the Messiah?

Answer 4

he book of Jeremiah states that the Messiah will be a great leader and will descend from King David.

The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous branch, a king who will reign wisely.
Jeremiah 23:5

The book of Isaiah states that the Messiah will be a political leader and judge. He will create a fair and just government in Israel, which will become a center for politics worldwide.

Human, not a divine being
A man very close to God
There is no reference to the Messiah in the Torah, the teaching comes from the Nevi’im which are the books of prophecy in the Tenakh.

Question 5

What is the Messianic age?

Answer 5

The Messianic age is often referred to by Jews as olam ha-ba, meaning ‘the world to come’. Many Jews believe this will be a time of peace with a total absence of war and hatred. During the Messianic age, God will be accepted by everyone, and Judaism will be known as the one true religion.

Question 6

What are the divergent views?

Answer 6

Orthodox Jews
- The Messianic age will only begin once the Messiah has come to Earth.
- Some Orthodox Jews believe the Messiah will come once the Mitzvot are followed fully

Reform Jews
-The Messianic age can be brought about by all humans joining together to create a better world. It will not necessarily be started by one man.