Understanding Jesus as Messiah: Differing Expectations in Jewish and Christian Beliefs

There is a belief that Jesus was a messiah in the same sense as other messiahs before him. Scripturally, Jesus was not the apocalyptic messiah who was predicted by the Hebrew prophets to establish God's kingdom in the Holy Land. Could you kindly provide an explanation for the meaning of the preceding statement?

The belief that Jesus was a messiah in the same sense as other messiahs before him refers to the idea that he was seen as a savior figure who would bring about spiritual redemption and salvation. In this context, messiah is understood as a leader or deliverer chosen by God to fulfill a specific role in the divine plan.

However, scripturally speaking, Jesus was not the apocalyptic messiah that many Jews were expecting based on the prophecies found in Hebrew scriptures. The traditional Jewish understanding of the apocalyptic messiah was of a powerful political and military leader who would liberate Israel from its enemies, establish God's kingdom on earth in the Holy Land, and rebuild the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Jesus' teachings and actions did not align with these expectations of a conquering warrior king. Instead, he preached about love, forgiveness, and spiritual transformation. He emphasized inner righteousness over outward displays of power. This led many Jews to reject Jesus as their expected messiah, that is, the apocalyptic messiah.

In Christian theology, Jesus is believed to be the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in a different way than what was traditionally expected. Christians see Jesus as the ultimate savior who brings salvation through his sacrificial death and resurrection, rather than through political conquest.

So, when it is said that Jesus was not the apocalyptic messiah predicted by Hebrew prophets to establish God's kingdom in the Holy Land, it means that his role and mission were different from what many people at that time were anticipating based on their interpretation of scripture.

Who in the Old Testament is anointed with sacred oil to be God's Messiah?

Numerous figures in the Old Testament were consecrated with holy oil to symbolize their appointment as holy messengers, commonly known as messiahs (anointed ones). Among them were:

1. Kings: The most prominent examples are the kings of Israel and Judah. For instance:
Saul: Anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10, verse 1).
David: Also anointed by Samuel to succeed Saul as king (1 Samuel 16, verse 13).
Solomon: Anointed by the priest Zadok and the prophet Nathan to succeed David (1 Kings 1, verse 39).

2. Priests: The high priests and their successors were also anointed with sacred oil, signifying their holy office. For example:
Aaron: Anointed by Moses to serve as the first high priest (Leviticus 8, verse 12).

3. Prophets: Occasionally, prophets were anointed to signify their special role and mission. For example:
Elisha: Anointed by Elijah to be his successor as a prophet (1 Kings 19, verse 16).

In the Old Testament, the act of anointing priests, kings, and prophets with holy oil was a crucial ceremony that identified them as "messiahs" or "anointed ones" in their specific positions.
The term "Messiah" is not restricted to one person but refers to different individuals who are anointed for specific purposes as directed by God.

Does the Quran mention Muhammad as the Messiah whom the Jews await?

In the Quran, Muhammad is not explicitly referred to as the Messiah whom the Jews await. However, there is an indirect mention in Surah 2, verse 89, that can be interpreted in this context.

Surah 2, verse 89, states, "And when there came to them a Book from Allah confirming that which was with them - although before they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieved - but [then] when there came to them that which they recognized, they disbelieved in it; so the curse of Allah will be upon the disbelievers."

This verse is believed by some scholars and interpreters to refer to a prophecy mentioned in Jewish scriptures about a future prophet who would come after Moses. According to this interpretation, the Jews were awaiting this promised prophet or Messiah.

Muslims believe that Muhammad is the final prophet sent by Allah and consider him as fulfilling various prophecies mentioned in previous religious texts. Therefore, some Muslims interpret Surah 2, verse 89, as indirectly referring to Muhammad as the awaited Messiah.

It's important to note that interpretations of religious texts can vary among different scholars and individuals. While some may see a connection between Muhammad and the awaited Messiah based on this verse, others may have different interpretations or understandings.