An often asked question is: “But why don’t Noahides believe in Jesus?” This blog addresses this query, examining Messiah criteria from Jewish tradition in contrast with Jesus’ claims.
An answer to this question is important, not to discredit another religion, but rather to clarify the Noahide position. This blog will address this question as briefly as possible. At the end of the article, there will be sources of information.
From our perspective, the Messiah must meet several “job requirements” before we recognize him as Messiah.
These are described by the Prophets in the Tanach. They teach that the Messiah:
- He must build the Third Temple (Ezekiel 37:26-28).
At the time of j’sus, the Second Temple was destroyed.
- He will make all the Jews go back to the land of Israel (Isaiah 43:5-6).
The Diaspora started in 586 BCE and continues to this day.
- He will spread universal knowledge of the G-d of Israel, which will unite humanity as one. As it says, “G-d will be King over all the world – on that day, G-d will be One and His Name will be One” (Zechariah 14:9).
There are still many “religions” in the world. Especially ch’ristianity is extremely divided, today, therefore, one cannot yet say that there is universal knowledge of the G-d of Israel.
- Because this knowledge of G-d will then be known worldwide, there will be world peace and no more hatred, oppression and disease. As it says: Nation shall not take up Sword against nation;They shall never again know war..” (Isaiah 2:4)
There are still wars, many have their origin in false religions. Christianity in particular has a history with much bloodshed.
- The Messiah is a direct paternal descendant from King David. II Samuel 7:12-16 tells us that the Messiah (from the tribe of Judah as promised in Genesis 19:10) will come from the dynasty of King David through King Solomon, so he must be a direct descendant (from a Jewish father to a Jewish son). Notice that the tribe to which a Jew belongs goes through the paternal line.
Although Joseph came from the tribe of Judah, he does not bring the line back to King David. His descent goes through king Jeconiah (Matthew 1:11). This king was cursed by G-d that none of his descendants would sit on the throne of David. ((Jeremiah 22:30; 36:30).
Remember Joseph was not the father. We see in Tenach that important functions are not passed on to the adopted son. When a Cohen adopts a son, the son cannot work in the Temple. (Numbers 18:4,7,22)
Even if you wanted to believe that the line could go through Mary there is the problem that there is no evidence that she would be descended from King David. Some point to Luke’s lineage, however, it goes through David’s his son Nathan and not Solomon and it is Solomon from whom Messias will come forth.
In addition, an immaculate conception is not mentioned in the Tenach and Messiah is an ordinary person with a father and a mother. Texts used for this are based on mistranslations and interpretations of the Tenach. For example Isaiah 7:14. The prophet speaks of an “alma” as giving birth. The word “alma” has always meant a young woman, not “virgin.”
Descent – in the form of adoption of Joseph also does not bring a direct line to King David. His descent goes through King Jeconiah (Matthew 1:11). This king was cursed by God that none of his descendants would sit on the throne of David. ((Jeremiah 22:30; 36:30).)
In addition, in the time of Messiah, the dead will rise, and this prophecy has not yet been fulfilled either.
If an individual fails to fulfill even one of these conditions, then he cannot be the Messiah.
By Angelique Sijbolts
More information:
Why do Jews not believe in j’sus
Several online books on the subject
Youtube Chanel or Rabbi Tovia Singer
Sources: Noachieden en de messias., Chabad Article
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There are two errors I noticed. The first is where you quote a prophet, but the translation you use is … stilted sounding and word choice interesting. Where it says “nation shall not lift up sword against nation,” you have “elevator up.”
The second is the Immaculate Conception does not refer to the conception of Yeshu HaMamzer, but rather that of Mary, his mother. The Catholic dogma is that man is stained by the sin of Adam. Mary, being a human, would thus also inherit that stain. The time of that staining is normally at conception, but in Mary’s case, her parents did everything exactly right, without any lust or anything, and thus her life from her conception up to giving birth to Jesus was perfect, without sin. I think the Church claims that Mary was 14 at the time of the birth of Jesus, so she can credibly be believed to have been able to so far, live a sinless life.
Thank you for correcting the text from Isaiah. That was a weird translation error. Thank you.
Interesting point you make. I will take this to Rabbi Tovia Singer and it might be good to use at the zoom meeting we will have here on May 3th.