9.5 The Nature and Role of the Messiah

• What does the word Messiah mean in the Tenakh?

  King of Israel
• What else does the Messiah mean?

  The Anointed One
• Who was the first King of Israel?

  Saul
• What did the Prophet Samuel do to Saul when he became the Messiah?

  Anointed him with oil to show he was chosen by God
• What is the word Messiah used for today?

  The Future King of Israel
• What do Orthodox Jews believe?

  There is a worthy descendant of King David in every generation, and will only be guided by God to the role of Messiah if God thinks all the Jews are worthy of redemption
• What do Jews believe the Messiah will be like?

  • Rule over humanity with kindness and justice
  • Uphold the Law of the Torah and teach it
  • Bring in world peace and unite humanity
  • Rebuild the Temple and guide all the Jews back to Jerusalem
• What do Reform Jews believe instead?

  There isn't a future messiah, but that all the things they're promised to do can be done if all Jews work together
• Is Jesus the Messiah?

  • Christians believe he is as he brought the Kingdom of God to Earth during his resurrection
  • Jews don't believe he is as he didn't uphold the Law of the Torah very well