Christianity & Judaism

Why Do Christians Believe Jesus Is the Messiah?

Christians believe Jesus is the Messiah because of his descent from David, the pattern of suffering-then-glory they read in the prophets, and above all his resurrection. Jews who do not accept him point, reasonably, to the messianic age that has not yet arrived, no world peace, no rebuilt Temple, no regathering of all Israel, and to the difficulty of a divine Messiah within strict monotheism. Here is each case, fairly, so you can weigh it.

The Christian case

Christians point to Jesus’ descent from David, his birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and the prophetic pattern of a servant who suffers and is then vindicated (Isaiah 53). Above all they point to the resurrection as God’s vindication of Jesus, and they hold that the Messiah comes twice: first to save through suffering, then to return and complete the age of peace. On this reading, the messianic age is begun and not yet finished.

The honest Jewish objection

Traditional Judaism answers, sincerely and reasonably, that the visible marks of the Messiah are not met: the world is not at peace, the Temple is not rebuilt, the exiles of Israel are not gathered, the Torah is not universally kept (the criteria of Maimonides). And Judaism’s strict monotheism, the Shema, ‘the LORD our God is one LORD’ (Deuteronomy 6:4), does not expect a Messiah who is divine. These are serious objections, and a Jewish reader should recognize them stated fairly here.

How to weigh it

The two views turn on a few real questions: Does the Messiah come once or twice? Is Isaiah 53 an individual or the nation? Did the resurrection happen? We cannot settle these for you, and we will not pretend the honest objections away. The best next step is to read Isaiah 53 and one of the Gospels side by side, and see what you find.

Hebrew Bible quotations: King James Version; for the Jewish rendering, compare the JPS Tanakh at sefaria.org. Jewish interpretive positions (Rashi, Maimonides) are summarized from recognized Jewish sources. Every reference on this page was checked against its primary source.

Frequently asked questions

Why do Christians believe Jesus is the Messiah?

Because of his descent from David, his birth in Bethlehem, the suffering-servant pattern of Isaiah 53, and above all the resurrection, which Christians see as God's vindication of him. They hold the Messiah comes twice, first to save, then to reign.

Why don't Jews believe Jesus is the Messiah?

Because the visible signs of the messianic age, world peace, the rebuilt Temple, the regathering of Israel, have not come, and because strict Jewish monotheism does not expect a divine Messiah. These are sincere and reasonable objections.

Can Christians and Jews discuss this respectfully?

Yes. The most fruitful path is to read the shared Scriptures together, represent each other's views accurately, and weigh the real questions honestly, without pressure or caricature.