Jesus in Judaism

Jesus was not the Messiah

In Judaism, Jesus is seen as a historical figure but not as the Messiah (the person who would come to save the Jewish people) nor is he believed to be the incarnation of God (God living on Earth as a human being). 

Jews believe Jesus was a Jewish teacher (rabbi) who lived about 2,000 years ago in the region now known as Israel and Palestine.

Jesus’ teachings and life are mentioned in some Jewish writings, but these are often critical or sceptical. For example, the Talmud (a collection of Jewish laws and traditions) includes some references to Jesus, but they are brief and not focused on his divinity. 

In Jewish thought, Jesus is viewed as one of many teachers and reformers, rather than a central figure in their faith. 

Jews follow the teachings of the Torah and the prophets, and they focus on practicing Jewish laws and traditions rather than the teachings of Jesus.

• The master said, "Jesus the Nazarene practised magic and deceived and led Israel astray." (Talmud)

Prophecies

In the Tenakh there are certain prophecies made about a future saviour of the Jewish people - the Messiah. Whereas Christians believe that these Messianic Prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus (so Jesus was the Messiah), Jews do not.

According to Jewish teachings, the key prophecies that Jesus did not fulfil include:

• the Messiah will bring world peace

• the Messiah will rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem

• the Messiah will gather all Jews back to Israel.

Since Jesus did not accomplish these tasks during his lifetime, Jewish tradition does not accept him as the Messiah. 

A further point of disagreement is that Judaism teaches that the Messiah will be a human leader, not God himself. Jews are still waiting for a future Messiah who will fulfil these prophecies and restore Israel.