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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Jul 297 min read

How Are We to Understand False Messiahs and the Jewish Expectation?

False Messiahs and the Jewish Expectation


After Jesus’ death, numerous individuals claimed to be the Messiah, which aligns with Jesus’ prediction in Matthew 24:5: "For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray." These false messiahs reveal the intense longing among Jews for deliverance from Roman oppression and a restoration of the Davidic kingdom.


Historical Context of False Messiahs


Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, documents several messianic claimants before the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E. These individuals promised liberation from Roman rule and garnered significant followings. One notable figure was Bar Kokhba (Bar Koziba), who led a major revolt against the Romans in 132 C.E. Bar Kokhba was hailed as the Messiah by many Jews, and his revolt led to a catastrophic loss of life.


The Jewish Encyclopedia details the emergence of 28 false messiahs between 132 C.E. and 1744 C.E., including figures like Moses of Crete, who claimed he would part the sea between Crete and Palestine, and Serenus, who misled Jews in Spain. These false messiahs illustrate the persistent hope for a political and personal Messiah, rather than merely a messianic era or nation.



Genealogical Proof and the Timing of the Messiah


The genealogical records, crucial for establishing messianic claims, were likely destroyed during the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E. This poses a significant problem for any post-70 C.E. messianic claimants, as they could not definitively prove their descent from David. This destruction underscores the importance of the Messiah's appearance before 70 C.E., aligning with Jesus’ timeline.


Jesus' Genealogy and Messianic Credentials


The New Testament provides detailed genealogical accounts of Jesus, establishing His Davidic lineage. Matthew 1 traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph, his legal father, while Luke 3 provides a genealogy that many scholars believe traces His lineage through Mary. Both genealogies affirm Jesus’ right to David’s throne, a critical aspect of His messianic claim.


Matthew 1:1: "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."


Luke 3:23-38: "Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli..."



Jesus as the Accepted Messiah


The Gospels provide extensive evidence that Jesus was recognized and accepted as the Messiah by many contemporaries. This acceptance was not blind faith but based on witnessing His works, hearing His teachings, and seeing the fulfillment of Hebrew Scriptures.


Testimonies of Jesus’ Messiahship


Peter’s Confession: Peter explicitly acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah in Matthew 16:16, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus affirms Peter’s declaration, further solidifying His identity (Matthew 16:17).


Samaritan Woman’s Encounter: In John 4:25-26, Jesus directly reveals His identity as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman: "The woman said to him, 'I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.' Jesus said to her, 'I who speak to you am he.'"


Public Acknowledgment: Various individuals publicly recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" (John 1:49). Martha, in her grief, affirmed her faith in Jesus as the Messiah: "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world" (John 11:27).


Jesus’ Miracles as Messianic Evidence


Jesus’ miracles served as powerful evidence of His Messiahship. In John 10:24-25, when asked directly if He is the Christ, Jesus points to His works: "The Jews gathered around him and said to him, 'How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.' Jesus answered them, 'I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me.'"



The Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecies


Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection fulfilled numerous Messianic prophecies, confirming His identity as the promised Messiah.


Prophecies of Birth and Lineage


Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." This prophecy is fulfilled in the virgin birth of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 1:22-23.


Micah 5:2: "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfills this prophecy, as noted in Matthew 2:1-6.



Prophecies of Ministry and Miracles


Isaiah 35:5-6: "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy." Jesus’ healing miracles, such as restoring sight to the blind and making the lame walk, fulfill these prophecies (Matthew 11:4-5).


Prophecies of Suffering and Death


Isaiah 53:3-5: "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief... But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds, we are healed." This passage describes the suffering servant, a role fulfilled by Jesus in His crucifixion (1 Peter 2:24).


Psalm 22:16-18: "For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet... they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." These details of crucifixion are mirrored in Jesus’ death, as recorded in the Gospels (John 19:23-24).


Prophecies of Resurrection


Psalm 16:10: "For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption." Peter references this prophecy in Acts 2:31-32, affirming that it foretold Jesus’ resurrection: "He foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses."



Theological Implications of Jesus as Messiah


Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah has profound theological implications for believers and the Christian faith.


Jesus as the Fulfillment of God’s Promises


Jesus' fulfillment of Messianic prophecies confirms God’s faithfulness and the reliability of Scripture. It demonstrates that God’s promises to His people are trustworthy and have been fulfilled in Christ.


The Messianic Kingdom


Jesus' Messiahship inaugurates the Messianic Kingdom, where He reigns as King. This kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope. Believers are called to live as citizens of this kingdom, embodying its values and awaiting its full realization.


Luke 17:20-21: "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, "Look, here it is!" or "There!" for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"



Personal Application for Believers


Faith and Trust in Jesus


Believers are called to place their faith and trust in Jesus as the Messiah. This involves not only intellectual assent but a personal relationship with Him, marked by obedience and discipleship.


Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."


Living Out the Messianic Mission


Christians are to live out the mission of the Messiah, participating in the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. This involves evangelism, social justice, and personal holiness.


Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."


Emulating the Messiah’s Character


Believers are called to emulate Jesus’ character, displaying the love, humility, and servanthood He exemplified. This transformative process is central to the Christian life.


Philippians 2:5-8: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."



Conclusion


The declaration that "Jesus is Messiah" is rich with meaning and significance. It affirms His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, His divine mission, and His role as King, Prophet, and Suffering Servant. Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah calls believers to a life of faith, discipleship, and participation in the mission of God's kingdom. Through Jesus, the promised Messiah, believers find the assurance of God's faithfulness, the reality of His kingdom, and the model for living a life pleasing to God.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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