The Messiah

A. Jewish Beliefs on the Concept of Messiah

Messiah: The word ‘Messiah’ means ‘anointed one’ and refers to the future Jewish king from the Davidic line, who will rule the Jewish people during the Messianic Age.
The belief in the Messiah is one of the cornerstones of Judaism. It is believed that the Messiah will gather all Jews back to the Land of Israel and rebuild the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
The Messiah isn’t seen as divine in Judaism. He is viewed to be a great, charismatic leader with exceptional qualities. He is expected to be a human born naturally to a husband and wife.
Messiah is believed to fulfil the prophecies of the prophets of Judaism such as the prophecies outlined in the Nevi’im, the second main division of the Hebrew Bible.

B. The Expected Actions of the Messiah

Part of the Jewish belief in the Messiah includes that he will judge the nations: that is, he will make decisions in disputes among the people and make good, fair judgements based on the god-given wisdom and knowledge he possesses.
The Messianic figure in Judaism is expected to establish justice and peace: According to the Jewish beliefs, the Messiah will put an end to all kinds of evil and sinfulness and spread justice and peace in the world.

C. The Messiah and the World to Come

The arrival of the Messiah is believed to be synonymous with the inception of the Messianic Age or the World to Come. There are various opinions among Rabbis as to what the world will be like in this era.
Some views express the belief that the laws of nature will change while others opine that the world will continue as it is.
It is also widely believed that in the world to come, God will be universally recognised and His Oneness will be accepted by all.

D. Key Differences Between Jewish and Christian Views

Unlike in Christianity, where Jesus is seen as the Messiah and son of God, in Judaism, the Messiah is viewed to be a future Jewish King from the Davidic line.
The Jewish Messiah is not considered to be God, or a son of God.
Belief in the Messiah in Judaism is based on scriptural references from the Hebrew Bible, not the New Testament, which is not recognised as scripture in Judaism.