The Messiah

Question 1

What does the word Messiah mean?

Answer 1

‘Anointed one’ and was used to refer to the kings of Israel who were anointed.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the Messiah?

Answer 2

1. Rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
2. Unite all people and all people will accept Jewish God and religion.
3. Bring in the Messianic Age, peace and justice in all nations.
4. Establish God’s kingdom and Jews will return from exile to Israel.
5. No sin or evil as everyone will obey the commandments.

Question 3

What is the nature of the Messiah?

Answer 3

1. A descendant of David
2. A human, not divine.
3. A man with great piety.
4. A man of great learning.
5. Great leadership qualities.

Question 4

What are some of the different understandings of the Messiah?

Answer 4

1. Some believed when all the destined souls arrive, he will come.
2. Others say he will come when no Jew breaks a commandment.
3. Orthodox: physical body resurrected in Messianic Age, no cutting body.
4. Reform, no physical cremation and don’t believe in Messiah making the world perfect.

Question 5

What is the importance of the ideas about the Messiah?

Answer 5

1. Belief in the coming of the Messiah is one of the 13 principles of faith.
2. They also pray three times a day for the coming of the Messiah, rewarding the righteous and rebuilding the temple.