| what does Messiah mean? | Anointed one |
| what do Jews believe the world will be like at the arrival of the Messiah | there will be peace on earth
as described in Isaiah 11:6-9 |
| what do Jews believe the Messiah will be like? | someone who will lead Jews back to the land of Israel
a prophet, teacher, leader |
| do Jews believe Jesus was the Messiah? | no
Jews believe the Messiah will be an ordinary human, who has yet to arrive |
| Is there any accurate description of the Messianic era? | no
it is a collection of ideas and hopes for the future
the details are uncertain |
| what are some beliefs about the Messiah? | They will come to earth when needed the most
They will usher in a world of peace
They will lead the Jewish people back to the land of Israel
They will be a prophet, leader and teacher
They will be an agent of God and not a saviour (as in the Christian sense)
They will be a descendant of King David
They will rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem
They will bring political and spiritual change
They will make Jewish law the law of the land
God will decide when to send the Messiah
The world is not yet at peace so the Messiah has not yet come |
| what does "the Messianic age" refer to? | to time of the Messiah |
| why do Rabbis discourage attempts to figure out when the Messiah arrives? | some fear that if predictions are proven wrong, people may lose faith in the Messianic idea or Judaism as a whole |
| why isn't there an accurate description of the Messianic age? | this idea did not originate in the Torah, it gradually developed during the time of prophets |
| what to Jews believe determines the time of the Messiah's arrival? | the behaviour of mankind
the messiah will come when he is most needed - as the world is so sinful
OR
the messiah will come when he is most deserved - as the world is so good |
| what is the importance of believing in the messiah and the messianic age? | In a world full of suffering it brings hope to believe we will live in peace in the future
All of God’s creation will live in peace with one another, animals and humans
It is an optimistic view. There will be a more fair society in the future
The idea that we are moving towards salvation allows Jews to believe that even great tragedies are just upsets along the road
Though it is brought about by the Messiah, all of humanity will participate in the Messianic Age. This shows we are equal in the eyes God
All Jews will be together and their laws will be followed by everyone
The existing world will end and there will be a new eternal world
Messianic Age will be a kingdom of fairness and peace, protected by God
People will live in harmony and free from fear
There will be no more wars |
