Messiah is God’s ‘anointed’ one; a son of David who will restore Israel and deliver people from bondage through battle.
what is Davidic Messiah?
Davidic Messiah is a conquering warrior who liberates people from their enemies. There is therefore a maleness associated with Christ: ‘the Messiah can only be imagined as male.’
what did Ruether say Jesus was?
Ruether argues that Jesus is not the traditional warrior Messiah. Traditional messiah is not expected to die and suffer. The future that Jesus brings is not the military victory of the male Messiah.
How was Jesus a servant king?
Jesus is a servant king focussing on serving his people rather than ruling over them, attending to the poor and disposed rather than highest in social order. He is critical of Jewish authorities.
what did Ruether argue that the Messiah concept should look like?
Ruether argues that Messiah concept should not contain the Davidic Messiah idea but self-sacrificing, servant Messiah.
