What Does the Torah Say About Jesus?

Jewish Beliefs Regarding Jesus

The Torah, the foundational text of Judaism, does not mention Jesus. However, Jewish beliefs and perspectives on Jesus have evolved over time.

Jesus and the Messiah

Jews do not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. The Torah describes the Messiah as a descendant of King David who would restore the kingdom of Israel and bring peace and prosperity. Jesus did not fulfill these criteria and did not claim to be the Messiah during his lifetime.

Messianic Jews

Some Jews adhere to the belief that Jesus is the Messiah. This movement, known as "Jews for Jesus," is not recognized as Jewish by the broader Jewish community. Their beliefs are considered incompatible with traditional Jewish teachings.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

The Torah does not account for the crucifixion of Jesus. The Roman authorities, not the Jews, crucified Jesus as a threat to their authority. The Gospel of Matthew's "blood cry" has been used to justify centuries of antisemitism against Jews, but this antisemitic interpretation was condemned by the Vatican in the 1960s.

Jesus' Teachings and Judaism

The Torah does not comment on the teachings of Jesus. However, some Jewish texts, such as the Talmud, mention a figure named Yeshu who may or may not refer to Jesus of Nazareth. These references have often been altered or removed due to Christian persecution.

Jewish Texts on Jesus

The Torah does not make any mention of Jesus. Josephus and the Talmud mention someone named Yeshu, but these references have been altered or removed over time due to Christian persecution. Maimonides, a famous Jewish philosopher, described Jesus as a failed messiah who led Jews astray and caused their suffering.

20 Key Points on Jewish Views on Jesus

1. Judaism does not believe Jesus was the Messiah or the Son of God.
2. Jewish belief in monotheism rejects the worship of Jesus as divine.
3. Judaism's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah is based on eschatology involving the rebuilding of the Temple and a Messianic Age.
4. Judaism does not accept Christian claims that Jesus fulfilled messianic prophecies.
5. Jews who claim Jesus as the Messiah are not considered Jewish by Israel's Chief Rabbinate.
6. Jewish theology considers the idea of a triune God heretical and incompatible with monotheism.
7. Judaism prohibits claiming to be God or part of God, as Jesus did.
8. Maimonides emphasized the oneness and indivisibility of God, rejecting any concept of a duality or trinity.
9. Judaism holds that God has no physical form or body.
10. The Jewish view of the Messiah differs from Christianity, emphasizing tasks such as rebuilding the Temple and leading the nation.
11. Jesus did not fulfill any of the Jewish Messiah qualifications, such as being a bloodline descendant of King David.
12. Judaism considers Christian claims of Jesus as the textual Messiah based on mistranslations and a lack of fulfillment of Jewish prophecies.
13. According to Torah, a prophet must follow God of Israel, not espouse different teachings, or contradict existing laws.
14. Jesus' teachings and actions were seen as violating biblical principles, disqualifying him as a prophet in Judaism.
15. Judaism does not share the Christian concept of salvation through Jesus, believing that people are born to strive for perfection and follow God's word.
16. The Talmud contains references to Yeshu, which may or may not refer to Jesus of Nazareth, with varying scholarly interpretations.
17. The "Toledot Yeshu" portrays Jesus as leading Jews away from Judaism.
18. Maimonides condemned Jesus' teachings as an attempt to destroy Judaism and create a new faith.
19. Karaite Judaism traditionally held a more positive view of Jesus, seeing him as a righteous man but not a prophet or the Messiah.
20. Some modern Jewish thinkers have expressed more positive views of Jesus, recognizing his potential benefits for non-Jews and his connection to Jewish teachings.

Jewish Perspectives on Jesus

In Judaism, Jesus is not considered a prophet, messiah, or divine figure. Historically, Jewish views on Jesus have been influenced by societal and political contexts, often influenced by Christian persecution.

Today, most Jews approach Jesus with respect, acknowledging his historical existence and his teachings as having value. However, they reject the notion that he fulfilled Jewish messianic expectations.

Rabbi Irving Greenberg suggests viewing Jesus as a "failed messiah," recognizing his good intentions while denying his role as the Jewish messiah. Emily Soloff sees him as a compassionate leader who criticized societal failures.

Dr. Amy-Jill Levine emphasizes the diversity of Jewish perspectives, ranging from seeing Jesus as a wise teacher to viewing him as a heretic. She also notes that many Jews have limited knowledge of Jesus and New Testament studies.

While there are commonalities between world religions, Judaism distinguishes itself by not recognizing Jesus as a prophet or messiah. This distinction marks the departure point for various Jewish interpretations of Jesus' life and teachings.

What does the Torah say about Jesus?

The Torah does not mention Jesus.

Did Jesus fulfill the messianic prophecies in the Torah?

Jews do not believe that Jesus fulfilled the messianic prophecies in the Torah. They believe that the Messiah has not yet come.

Does the Torah say that Jesus is the Son of God?

No, the Torah does not say that Jesus is the Son of God.