Why don’t Jews believe in Jesus as the Messiah? This is a complex question rooted in theological differences and historical interpretations. At WHY.EDU.VN, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of this topic, exploring the reasons behind the Jewish perspective on Jesus. Explore contrasting views, religious divergence, and messianic expectations.
1. Understanding the Jewish Concept of the Messiah
The Hebrew word “Mashiach,” translated as “Messiah,” means “anointed.” In Jewish tradition, this term refers to an individual chosen to serve God, typically through anointing with oil. (Exodus 29:7, 1 Kings 1:39, 2 Kings 9:3) The Jewish concept of the Messiah involves a leader who will bring about a time of universal peace, prosperity, and spiritual understanding.
1.1 What the Messiah Is Expected to Accomplish
Central to Jewish messianic belief is the expectation of a future era of perfection, characterized by global peace and recognition of God. (Isaiah 2:1-4, 32:15-18, 60:15-18; Zephaniah 3:9; Hosea 2:20-22; Amos 9:13-15; Micah 4:1-4; Zechariah 8:23, 14:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34)
Here’s a breakdown of the specific tasks the Messiah is expected to complete:
- Rebuild the Third Temple: The Messiah will oversee the construction of the Third Temple in Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 37:26-28)
- Gather the Exiles: The Messiah will gather all Jewish people back to the Land of Israel. (Isaiah 43:5-6)
- Establish World Peace: The Messiah will usher in an era of global peace, ending hatred, oppression, suffering, and disease. “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall man learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)
- Promote Universal Knowledge of God: The Messiah will spread universal knowledge of the God of Israel, uniting humanity as one. “God will be King over all the world – on that day, God will be One and His Name will be One” (Zechariah 14:9).
1.2 Failure to Fulfill Prophecies
In Jewish thought, if a person claiming to be the Messiah fails to fulfill even one of these conditions, they cannot be the Messiah. Because these prophecies have not yet been fulfilled, Jews continue to await the coming of the Messiah. Historically, individuals like Jesus of Nazareth, Bar Cochba, and Shabbtai Tzvi, who claimed to be the Messiah, have been rejected because they did not meet these criteria.
Some Christians argue that Jesus will fulfill these prophecies during a Second Coming. However, Jewish sources maintain that the Messiah will fulfill these prophecies outright, and the concept of a second coming is not present in the Bible.
2. Jesus and the Personal Qualifications of the Messiah
Jewish tradition also outlines specific personal qualifications that the Messiah must possess. Jesus did not meet these requirements, which is another reason why Jews do not believe in him as the Messiah.
2.1 The Messiah as a Prophet
Jewish sources state that the Messiah will be the greatest prophet in history, second only to Moses. (Targum – Isaiah 11:2; Maimonides – Teshuva 9:2)
The ability to prophesy is linked to the presence of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel. Prophecy can only occur when the majority of world Jewry inhabits Israel, a condition that has not been met since 300 BCE. Prophecy ceased during the time of Ezra, with the death of the last prophets – Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi – when most Jews remained in Babylon.
Jesus appeared approximately 350 years after prophecy had ended, making it impossible for him to be a prophet in the Jewish understanding.
2.2 Descent from King David
Numerous prophetic passages refer to a descendant of King David who will rule Israel during the messianic age. (Isaiah 11:1-9; Jeremiah 23:5-6, 30:7-10, 33:14-16; Ezekiel 34:11-31, 37:21-28; Hosea 3:4-5)
The Messiah must be a direct descendant of King David on his father’s side (Genesis 49:10, Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5, 33:17; Ezekiel 34:23-24). According to Christian belief, Jesus was born of a virgin, meaning he had no human father. Therefore, he could not fulfill the requirement of being descended from King David through his father. (1)
Jewish sources also specify that the Messiah will be born of human parents and possess normal physical attributes, without supernatural qualities or being a demi-god. (2)
2.3 Adherence to Torah Law
The Messiah will lead the Jewish people to full observance of the Torah. The Torah states that all mitzvot (commandments) are eternally binding, and anyone who attempts to change the Torah is considered a false prophet. (Deut. 13:1-4)
In the Christian New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as contradicting the Torah and suggesting that its commandments are no longer applicable. For instance, John 9:14 states that Jesus made a paste on Shabbat, violating the Sabbath laws, which led the Pharisees to accuse him of not observing Shabbat (verse 16).
3. Examination of Mistranslated Biblical Verses
Jews rely on the original Hebrew text of the Bible for accurate interpretation. Christian translations often differ, leading to misunderstandings of verses that are sometimes used to support the claim that Jesus is the Messiah.
3.1 The Concept of Virgin Birth
The Christian notion of a virgin birth stems from Isaiah 7:14, which refers to an “alma” giving birth. The Hebrew word “alma” traditionally means “young woman,” but Christian theologians later translated it as “virgin.” This interpretation aligns Jesus’ birth with pagan beliefs of mortals being impregnated by gods, which were prevalent in the first century.
3.2 The Suffering Servant
Christianity interprets Isaiah 53 as referring to Jesus as the “suffering servant.” However, Isaiah 53 continues the theme of chapter 52, describing the exile and redemption of the Jewish people. The prophecies are written in the singular form because the Jewish people (“Israel”) are regarded as a single unit. Throughout Jewish scripture, Israel is repeatedly referred to as the “Servant of God” in the singular form (see Isaiah 43:8). In the chapters leading up to Isaiah 53, Isaiah refers to Israel as the Servant of God no less than 11 times.
When correctly understood, Isaiah 53 refers to the Jewish people being “bruised, crushed, and as sheep brought to slaughter” at the hands of other nations. These descriptions are commonly used throughout Jewish scripture to depict the suffering of the Jewish people (see Psalm 44).
Isaiah 53 concludes that when the Jewish people are redeemed, the nations will acknowledge and accept responsibility for the excessive suffering and death of the Jews.
| Point | Jewish Interpretation | Christian Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Subject of Prophecy | The Jewish People (Israel) | Jesus Christ |
| “Suffering Servant” | Represents the collective suffering of the Jewish people | Represents the sacrificial suffering of Jesus |
| Context of Suffering | Exile and persecution experienced by the Jewish people | Jesus’s crucifixion and atonement for sins |
| Redemption and Atonement | Redemption of the Jewish people through historical events | Atonement for humanity’s sins through Jesus’s sacrifice |
| Recognition by Nations | Nations acknowledging their role in the suffering of Jews | Recognition of Jesus as the Messiah by all nations |
4. The Foundation of Jewish Belief: National Revelation
Throughout history, numerous religions have been founded by individuals claiming to be God’s true prophet. However, relying solely on personal revelation is a weak foundation for a religion, as it is impossible to verify its truth. Others must take the individual’s word for it, even if they perform miracles, which only demonstrate certain powers but do not prove prophetic claims.
Judaism differs from other major religions by basing its beliefs on national revelation – God speaking to the entire nation. If God intends to start a religion, it is logical that He would communicate with everyone, not just one person.
Maimonides states in Foundations of Torah, ch. 8:
The Jews did not believe in Moses, our teacher, because of the miracles he performed. Whenever anyone’s belief is based on seeing miracles, he has lingering doubts, because it is possible the miracles were performed through magic or sorcery. All of the miracles performed by Moses in the desert were because they were necessary, and not as proof of his prophecy.
What then was the basis of [Jewish] belief? The Revelation at Mount Sinai, which we saw with our own eyes and heard with our own ears, not dependent on the testimony of others… as it says, “Face to face, God spoke with you…” The Torah also states: “God did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us – who are all here alive today.” (Deut. 5:3)
Judaism is rooted in the personal, eyewitness experience of every man, woman, and child who stood at Mount Sinai 3,300 years ago, rather than solely on miracles.
Further reading: “Did God Speak at Mount Sinai?”
5. Jewish Perspectives on Jesus Throughout History
Over time, the Jewish views on Jesus have varied. Some Jews see Jesus as a Jewish teacher, while others dispute his historical accuracy. While some acknowledge him as a teacher or prophet, they do not accept him as the Messiah due to the unfulfilled messianic criteria, such as the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the establishment of global peace.
5.1 Maimonides’ View on Jesus and the Path to Messianic Era
Rabbi Moses Maimonides (1135-1204), a prominent medieval scholar, offered an intriguing perspective. In his Mishna Torah, Maimonides noted Jesus’ death and the persecution of Jews by Christian mobs. He proposed that both Christianity and Islam, as monotheistic faiths originating from Judaism, serve God’s plan to prepare the world for the messianic era. He stated that the actions of Jesus and Muhammad would “only serve to prepare the way for the [true] messiah’s coming and the improvement of the entire world, motivating the nations to serve God together”. (Maimonides, the Laws of Kings and Wars, 11:7).
6. Awaiting the Messiah and Redemption
The world is in dire need of messianic redemption. The more aware we are of societal problems, the more we yearn for this redemption. The Talmud states that one of the first questions asked of a Jew on Judgment Day is: “Did you yearn for the arrival of the Messiah?”
6.1 Hastening the Messiah’s Arrival
We can hasten the coming of the Messiah by:
- Loving all humanity generously
- Keeping the mitzvot of the Torah to the best of our ability
- Encouraging others to do the same
Despite the challenges, there are positive signs suggesting that the world is moving toward redemption. These include the return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel and its revitalization, as well as a growing movement of young Jews returning to Torah tradition.
The Messiah can arrive any day, depending on our actions. As King David said, “Redemption will come today – if you hearken to His voice.”
7. Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
There are several misconceptions about why Jews do not believe in Jesus. Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for fostering mutual respect and understanding between different faith traditions.
| Misconception | Clarification |
|---|---|
| Jews hate Jesus. | This is untrue. Jews may not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, but they do not hate him. Some respect him as a teacher or historical figure. |
| Jews are unaware of Jesus. | Jews are aware of Jesus and his role in Christianity. The disagreement lies in the interpretation of his role and whether he fulfilled the messianic prophecies. |
| Jewish rejection of Jesus is a recent phenomenon. | The rejection of Jesus as the Messiah dates back to the first century. The early followers of Jesus were Jewish, but as Christianity developed and diverged from Judaism, the differing beliefs led to a separation. |
| Jews deny Jesus existed. | Most Jews acknowledge that Jesus was a historical figure. The disagreement is about his messianic status and divinity. |
| Jews are stubborn and refuse to accept the truth. | Jewish people base their beliefs on the Torah, the Prophets, and centuries of rabbinic interpretation. The reasons for not accepting Jesus as the Messiah are rooted in these religious and historical foundations, not in stubbornness. |
8. Answering Key Search Intents
This article addresses the following search intents related to the question of why Jews don’t believe in Jesus:
- Understanding Jewish Theology: Providing insights into the Jewish concept of the Messiah and its prerequisites.
- Historical Context: Examining the historical reasons and events that contributed to the divergence between Judaism and Christianity.
- Biblical Interpretation: Analyzing key biblical verses and the differences in interpretation between Jewish and Christian perspectives.
- Comparative Religion: Offering a comparison of Jewish and Christian beliefs regarding the Messiah.
- Promoting Interfaith Dialogue: Fostering understanding and respect between different religious traditions.
9. FAQs: Addressing Common Questions
9.1 Do Jewish People Believe In Jesus?
Jewish people acknowledge that Jesus existed, but they do not accept him as the Messiah. The reasons are rooted in the failure to fulfill messianic prophecies, differences in scriptural interpretation, and the foundational role of national revelation in Jewish belief.
9.2 Was Jesus Jewish?
Jesus was born a Jew and lived his life as a Jew. Whether he is considered Jewish today depends on one’s definition. From a Jewish perspective, if one does not adhere to Jewish law and belief, they are not considered Jewish.
9.3 What do Jews believe about the messiah?
The Messiah will be a human leader, descended from King David, who will bring about an era of world peace, rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and gather all Jews back to Israel.
9.4 Do Jews believe in the Old Testament?
Yes, Jews believe in what Christians call the Old Testament, which is known as the Tanakh in Judaism. It contains the Torah (the Five Books of Moses), the Nevi’im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings).
9.5 How is the Jewish concept of the Messiah different from the Christian concept?
The Jewish concept of the Messiah is a human leader who will bring about an era of peace and prosperity, whereas the Christian concept of the Messiah, Jesus, is divine and already came to redeem humanity through his death and resurrection.
9.6 What are the key prophecies that Jews believe the Messiah must fulfill?
Key prophecies include rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, gathering all Jews back to Israel, establishing world peace, and spreading universal knowledge of God.
9.7 What are the differences in scriptural interpretation between Jews and Christians?
Jews rely on the original Hebrew text of the Bible, while Christians often use translated versions. This leads to different interpretations of key verses, particularly those related to the Messiah.
9.8 What is the Jewish view of the New Testament?
The Jewish view of the New Testament is that it is not a divinely inspired text. It is viewed as a historical document reflecting the beliefs of early Christians.
9.9 What role does the concept of national revelation play in Jewish belief?
National revelation, particularly the revelation at Mount Sinai, is the foundation of Jewish belief. It emphasizes that God spoke to the entire nation, not just one individual.
9.10 Can a Jew believe in Jesus and still be considered Jewish?
This is a complex question with varying opinions. Some Jews who believe in Jesus may still consider themselves Jewish, while others within the Jewish community may not accept them as such. It largely depends on their adherence to Jewish law and customs.
10. Conclusion: Seeking Understanding and Respect
The question of why Jews don’t believe in Jesus is multifaceted, involving theological differences, historical context, and scriptural interpretations. Understanding these reasons is crucial for fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting mutual respect between Judaism and Christianity. At WHY.EDU.VN, we are committed to providing clear, accurate, and respectful information to help bridge understanding between different perspectives.
Do you have more questions about Judaism, Christianity, or any other topic? Visit why.edu.vn at 101 Curiosity Lane, Answer Town, CA 90210, United States. Contact us via WhatsApp at +1 (213) 555-0101 or through our website. Our team of experts is ready to provide you with comprehensive answers and insights.
(1) In response, it is claimed that Joseph adopted Jesus, and passed on his genealogy via adoption. There are two problems with this claim:
a) There is no biblical basis for the idea of a father passing on his tribal line by adoption. A priest who adopts a son from another tribe cannot make him a priest by adoption.
b) Joseph could never pass on by adoption that which he doesn’t have. Because Joseph descended from Jeconiah (Matthew 1:11) he fell under the curse of that king that none of his descendants could ever sit as king upon the throne of David (Jeremiah 22:30; 36:30). (Although Jeconiah repented as discussed in Talmud Sanhedrin 37a and elsewhere, it’s not at all clear from the early sources that his repentance was accepted to the degree that the royal line continued through him. See e.g. Bereishit Rabbah 98:7 that the line continued through Zedekiah.)
To answer this difficult problem, apologists claim that Jesus traces himself back to King David through his mother Mary, who allegedly descends from David, as shown in the third chapter of Luke. There are four basic problems with this claim:
a) There is no evidence that Mary descends from David. The third chapter of Luke traces Joseph’s genealogy, not Mary’s.
b) Even if Mary can trace herself back to David, that doesn’t help Jesus, since tribal affiliation goes only through the father, not mother. cf. Numbers 1:18; Ezra 2:59.
c) Even if family line could go through the mother, Mary was not from a legitimate messianic family. According to the Bible, the Messiah must be a descendent of David through his son Solomon (2-Samuel 7:14; 1-Chronicles 17:11-14, 22:9-10, 28:4-6). The third chapter of Luke is irrelevant to this discussion because it describes lineage of David’s son Nathan, not Solomon. (Luke 3:31)
d) Luke 3:27 lists Shealtiel and Zerubbabel in his genealogy. These two also appear in Matthew 1:12 as descendants of the cursed Jeconiah. If Mary descends from them, it would also disqualify her from being a messianic progenitor.
(2) Maimonides devotes much of his “Guide for the Perplexed” to the fundamental idea that God is incorporeal, meaning that He assumes no physical form. God is eternal, above time. He is infinite, beyond space. He cannot be born, and cannot die. Saying that God assumes human form makes God small, diminishing both His unity and His divinity. As the Torah says: “God is not mortal” (Numbers 23:19).
