The Current Messianic Idea in Judaism

First, let us review the level of denial required to refuse to accept the Messianic role of Jesus Christ, most specially by Jews, throughout history and today.

It is basic, if not elemental, psychological know-how that humans, in general:

(a) want to belong to the "in" group;
(b) want to be richer than "their neighbors" or have what "their neighbors" do not have;
(c) want to be honored and admired;
(d) do not want to be persecuted nor subjected to suffering; and
(c) a very long and shameful related etceteras.

It is a concrete historical reality that Constantine allegedly converted to Christianity, making Christianity the official Imperial Religion, in an effort to save the Roman Empire from collapsing. (1) He did so because Christianity had spread far and wide and had become a social and spiritual force to contend with.

Now then, how could Christianity become a social and spiritual force of that magnitude considering that, to the potential converts, Christianity had none of the physical benefits sought by most humans. On the contrary, not only it failed to have the physical benefits sought by most humans but, on top of that, converts would be marginalized, persecuted, tortured and killed.

Now we must ask: How could so many, up to today, be blind to the reality that Jesus Christ - the corner stone and foundation of that religion - had to be someone well beyond human?

That in itself is more than enough physical confirmation that Jesus is indeed the Messiah. If to that one adds the great number of fulfilled prophecies from the Old Testament confirming it, steadfast denial is the only explanation why He is not recognized as the expected Messiah by most Jews.

DETAILS

To find some logical explanation to this level of blindness we decided to look into what Jews expect from a Messiah. For that we visited a page called 'Judaism 101'. They inform the reader that their "...site is written predominantly from the Orthodox viewpoint,...." because they "....believe that is a good starting point for any inquiry into Judaism."

From their on-line page (2) dealing with the coming Messiah (mashiach) we will now quote some key and revealing statements:
[our underscoring]

"In the Shemoneh Esrei prayer, recited three times daily, we pray for all of the elements of the coming of the mashiach: ingathering of the exiles; restoration of the religious courts of justice; an end of wickedness, sin and heresy; reward to the righteous; rebuilding of Jerusalem; restoration of the line of King David; and restoration of Temple service."

"The word "mashiach" does not mean "savior." The notion of an innocent, divine or semi-divine being who will sacrifice himself to save us from the consequences of our own sins is a purely Christian concept that has no basis in Jewish thought. Unfortunately, this Christian concept has become so deeply ingrained in the English word "messiah" that this English word can no longer be used to refer to the Jewish concept. (to avoid confusion) The word "mashiach" will be used throughout this page."

"The mashiach will be a great political leader descended from King David (Jeremiah 23:5). The mashiach is often referred to as "mashiach ben David" (mashiach, son of David). He will be well-versed in Jewish law, and observant of its commandments (Isaiah 11:2-5). He will be a charismatic leader, inspiring others to follow his example. He will be a great military leader, who will win battles for Israel. He will be a great judge, who makes righteous decisions (Jeremiah 33:15). But above all, he will be a human being, not a god, demi-god or other supernatural being."

"...In English, we commonly use the term "messianic age" to refer specifically to the time of the messiah." which.... "will be characterized by the peaceful co-existence of all people (Isaiah 2:4). Hatred, intolerance and war will cease to exist. "

CONCLUSION

Tragically for them, their entire concept collapses with the conditional that "he will be a human being, not a god, demi-god or other supernatural being" and " ....the time of the messiah.... will be characterized by the peaceful co-existence of all people (Isaiah 2:4). Hatred, intolerance and war will cease to exist. ".

Nobody purely human in history - not even the most revered ones by Judaism (3) - have come even close to fulfill their qualifications for the Messiah. How can they possibly expect for it to happen now?

For the purpose illustrating the impossibility of that notion, let us believe for one moment that one would indeed appear. The moment he would die the world would start to collapse into chaos again.

The greatest military and charismatic leader humanity has known was Alexander the Great and the moment he died, even after living the examples he taught to his generals and soldiers, the empire that he had assembled was torn apart by his generals as they divided it among themselves.

That has been the case with all great political and military leaders everywhere in the world because they were all fully human.

Before we looked into current Messianic expectations among Jews we actually expected some level of logic - even if it was supernatural logic. Instead, we have found a most pathetic picture - a picture which explains why 42% of Jews are currently rejecting their faith (4).

EPILOGUE

Let us continue pray for them - there may still be some of the Elect among those who are in denial.

______________________
(0) Old Testament Prophecies Identify Jesus as THE ONE and ONLY Messiah
(1) Constantine and Christianity
(2) Judaism 101 - Mashiach: The Messiah
(3) Poor examples by Chosen Ones
(4) Breaking Israel News Reports

Published on September 23rd, 2018 [Observance of the Conception of John the Baptist]

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