Is Jesus seen as a False Prophet and Failed Messiah according to Judaism?

October 23, 2023

Is Jesus seen as a False Prophet and Failed Messiah according to Judaism?

“If there arise in the midst of thee a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams—and he give thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spoke unto thee—saying: ‘Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them’; thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or unto that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God putteth you to proof, to know whether ye do love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” – Deuteronomy 13:2-4

According to Jewish perspective, Jesus is considered to be a false prophet and a failed messiah due to several theological and historical factors. The rejection of Jesus as a prophet and messiah in Judaism is primarily based on differences in theological beliefs and interpretations of messianic prophecies. The Talmudic references to Jesus generally portray him in a negative light and do not recognize him as a legitimate prophet or the King Messiah. Jewish tradition does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah or a prophet, as his teachings and claims diverge from Jewish religious teachings and messianic expectations.

In Judaism, the Messiah is envisioned as a future Jewish monarch, specifically a descendant of King David, destined to deliver and lead the Jewish people. Referred to as King Moshiach, this anointed figure is central to Jewish eschatology, anticipated to rule during the Messianic Age and the subsequent world order.

The term “mashiach” literally translates to “the anointed one,” a reference to the ancient practice of anointing kings with holy oil upon ascending the throne. This anointing ritual symbolizes the investiture of the chosen leader, emphasizing the sacred nature of the anticipated Messianic ruler.

The Hebrew phrase for Messiah, “melekh mashiach,” directly translates to “the Anointed King” or King Messiah. The emphasis on anointment underscores the divine consecration associated with the Messianic leader, who is expected to bring about a transformative era of global peace. Rooted in Jewish eschatology, the Messiah is anticipated to fulfill the role of a great human leader, mirroring the legacy of King David, rather than being perceived as a savior.

The concept of mashiach, according to Tanakh scriptures such as Jeremiah 23:5, 33:17, and Ezekiel 34:23-24, mandates that the Messiah must be a direct descendant of King David. This lineage is intricately linked to the prophesied role of ushering in an unprecedented era characterized by universal peace, as foretold in the sacred texts.

One aspect that contributes to the view of Jesus as a false prophet is the failure to fulfill messianic prophecies found in the Hebrew Bible. Jewish belief holds that the messiah will be a military leader who will triumph over Israel’s enemies, restore the Jewish people to their homeland, and bring peace and prosperity. However, Jesus did not fulfill these expectations. He was not a military conqueror, did not restore political independence to Israel, and his ministry was followed by the eventual destruction of the temple rather than peace yet King Messiah is supposed to restore the temple not lead to its destruction. This is why the Ebionites who followed Jesus and his brothers saw him as a “prophet” calling for an end of temple sacrifice not as the King Messiah, whereas the Nazarenes who followed Paul saw him as a human “messiah” with Joseph as his father.

Another reason is that they believe that Jesus did not fulfill the messianic prophecies in the Hebrew Bible. For example, the prophecies say that the King Messiah will come from the line of King David, but Christians assert that Jesus didn’t have an earthly father, tribal affiliation comes through the father not the mother in Judaism and thus disqualifies him from being Messiah. Additionally, the prophecies say that the King Messiah will bring peace and prosperity to Israel, but Jesus’s ministry was followed by the destruction of the temple. In Judaism if an attempt King Messiah is cut off or killed they are a failed Messiah. The earliest followers of Jesus didn’t believe he was resurrected, they didn’t believe he was born of a virgin and they didn’t see him as savior those theologies were added later as Christianity apotheosized him. Additionally, some scholars believe that Jesus did not claim to be the King Messiah himself. They point to the fact that Jesus often referred to himself as “Son of Man,” which was a title that was used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to a human being with a human father, not to God.

Within Jewish theological discourse, the Messiah is not perceived as a savior in the conventional sense but rather as an exemplary human leader in the tradition of King David. This distinction is rooted in the belief that the Messiah will emulate the virtues of King David, steering the world toward a harmonious state.

Another reason why some historical Jesus scholars say Jesus is a false prophet is that they believe that he made false prophecies and that he did not rise from the dead. This is a central tenet of Christian belief, but it is not something that can be verified historically and the earliest followers, the Ebionites didn’t believe he was raised. They believed he was human and they believed Joseph was his father. There are no contemporary records of Jesus’s resurrection, and the earliest accounts of it were written decades after the event.

According to normative Judaism, some Jews believe that Jesus was a false prophet. This is because they believe that the King Messiah has not yet come. They also believe that Jesus did not fulfill the messianic prophecies in the Hebrew Bible. Additionally, Jesus did not meet the specific criteria outlined in the Hebrew Bible for the messiah. Jewish tradition expects the messiah to be a descendant of King David, while Jesus did not have an earthly father according to Christianity which would disqualify him from being King Messiah. Moreover, Jewish law and teachings differ from the theological concepts propagated by Christianity, such as their teachings on the Trinity, which are seen as polytheistic from a Jewish perspective. Additionally, they believe that Jesus’s teachings lead some to sin and that Jesus himself sinned.

In the Talmud there are a few passages that could be interpreted as such. For example, one passage says that Jesus was “hanged on the eve of Passover” (Sanhedrin 43a). This passage could be interpreted as a reference to Jesus’s crucifixion. Additionally, there are a few passages that refer to Jesus as a “sorcerer” or a “magician” (Sanhedrin 43a; Shabbat 104b). These passages could be interpreted as a way of saying that Jesus was not a true prophet and that his miracles were magic and sorcery not of divine origin.

According to Judaism, Jesus is regarded as a false prophet and a failed messiah. Three verses are often cited to support this perspective:

“And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.” – Matthew 16:18
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!” – Mark 9:1
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:27

These verses imply that certain individuals would witness the arrival of the Kingdom of God or the Son of Man before their deaths. However, these prophecies did not come to pass, leading to the conclusion that Jesus was a false prophet. The passage in Deuteronomy 13:2-4 states that if a prophet or dreamer performs signs or wonders and then encourages the worship of other gods, that prophet is to be disregarded. Jewish authorities argue that Jesus’ teachings and claims, including Christianities claims about him being divine, led to a departure from the monotheistic principles of Judaism and thus he is a false prophet.

In Judaism, the concept of the king (melech) mashiach (messiah) centers around a distinguished human leader, such as King David, rather than a savior figure. This individual is expected to be a remarkable political leader with lineage tracing back to King David through his father, as mentioned in Jeremiah 23:5.

The role of the king mashiach involves bringing about the political and physical redemption of the Jewish people from captivity to freedom and Independence as a nation. This entails gathering the Jewish community and returning them to Israel, as well as the restoration of Jerusalem, as indicated in Isaiah 11:11-12, Jeremiah 23:8, Jeremiah 30:3, and Hosea 3:4-5. Additionally, the mashiach will establish a government in Israel, serving as the center of global governance for both Jews and non-Jews, as described in Isaiah 2:2-4, Isaiah 11:10, and Isaiah 42:1. The reconstruction of the Temple and the reestablishment of its worship are also anticipated, as mentioned in Jeremiah 33:18. Furthermore, the king mashiach will reinstate the religious court system, the Sanhedrin of Israel and establish Jewish law as the prevailing legal system, according to Jeremiah 33:15. Jesus didn’t do these things instead after his lifetime the Temple was destroyed during the Zealot revolt around 70 CE.

In summary, Judaism maintains that Jesus’ prophecies went unfulfilled, and he did not meet the criteria expected of the king mashiach. Therefore, he is regarded as a false prophet and a failed messiah in Jewish belief.

Furthermore, the Talmudic references to Jesus, such as Sanhedrin 43a, which states: “On the eve of Passover Yeshu was hanged. For forty days before the execution took place, a herald went forth before him proclaiming, ‘He is going forth to be stoned because he has practiced sorcery and enticed Israel to apostasy.’ Anyone who could bring forth proof to exonerate him was permitted to do so.”

As Jesus did not fulfill these expectations, he is considered a failed messiah according to Judaism. References to Jesus in the Talmud, such as Sanhedrin 43a and Gittin 56a, depict him as a sorcerer who led Israel astray and was executed for his blasphemous teachings. In the tractate Shabbat 146a, it is said that “the deceiver will come and deceive many.” In the tractate Sotah 48b. In this passage, it is said that “when Malachi died, the prophecy departed from Israel.” Such portrayals in Jewish texts have contributed to the view of Jesus as a false prophet and a figure not recognized within Jewish religious teachings.

Further it says in Gittin 56a states: “Jesus the Nazarene practiced magic and led Israel astray.” This passage does suggest that he was a magician who led Israel astray.

In summary, Jesus is seen as a false prophet and a failed messiah in Judaism due to his failure to fulfill messianic prophecies, Christianities teachings diverging from Jewish theological beliefs, and negative portrayals of him in Jewish texts. The theological and historical differences between Judaism and Christianity have shaped the perspectives on Jesus within Jewish tradition.

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The Pulling the Threads Podcast’s primary objective is to study and analyze Jesus within his Jewish context through the lens of Judaism before Christianity. Our primary objective is to study and analyze Jesus within his Jewish context, specifically from a pre-Christianity perspective. Seeking a Jewish Reclamation of Jesus, relying on Jewish and secular biblical scholars who specialize in Second Temple Judaism, the Qumran community, the Parting of Ways around 90 CE, the Historical Jesus, and Textual Criticism. Some notable scholars mentioned include Geza Vermes, Hyam Maccoby, Alan Segal, Carol Harris-Shapiro, Lawrence Kushner, Samuel Sandmel, Bart Ehrman, James Tabor, Robert Eisenman, Paula Frederiksen, and Hugh Schonfield.

The site aims to approach the New Testament using the historical-critical method and textual criticism within the realm of secular Jewish scholarship, reflecting the perspectives of mainstream Judaism today. Engaging in scholarly and polemical discussions, the group seeks to question and challenge established Christian doctrines. The main goal is to establish an independent Jewish understanding of Jesus, emphasizing his significance within a Jewish context and distancing him from centuries of Christian interpretations. Furthermore, the group aims to conduct a comprehensive historical examination of Jesus, employing textual criticism to counter Christianity’s claims regarding the New Testament. The focus is on understanding Jesus within Judaism based on the Torah and Talmud.

This is about Jewish and Secular Scholarship into the New Testament using the Historical Critical method and Textual Criticism within Jewish scholarship. For us Jews, the Tanakh and Talmud inform our view of scripture. In the modern age, as Jews, we struggle with texts with an academic approach. The site is pro-Tanakh and will explore history, archaeology, and textual criticism to comprehend the development of the Jesus movement before the parting of ways with Judaism. It aims to emphasize that Jesus and his followers were seen as Jewish and part of Judaism, and that the conversion of Gentiles to Judaism by the community of James and Peter continued, with some Jewish followers remaining distinctly Jewish for centuries. It is important to note that this is not a study of Jewish-Christians, but rather an examination of Jews who followed Jesus within Judaism before the emergence of Christianity. Anti-Judaism is not welcome in this group, which focuses on Jewish perspectives within an academic framework.

This is an attempt to work out the Jewish Reclamation of Jesus, trying to understand him within Judaism before Christianity existed. The group’s objective is to understand Jesus within Judaism before the influence of Christian perspectives during the historical Jesus movement. It seeks to reclaim Jesus within Judaism, separate from Christianity, Messianic, or Hebrew Roots movements. The study incorporates textual criticism, historical Jesus research, and Jewish scholarship into the New Testament to assert the following beliefs:

The New Testament lacks historical accuracy.
The New Testament is not divinely inspired.
The New Testament has not been divinely preserved.
The New Testament was written by individuals decades and even millennia after the events it portrays.
Original autographs of the New Testament do not exist.
Consequently, the New Testament is not the most reliable source for understanding the historical Jesus as a Jewish figure.
To ascertain historical accuracy, we rely on modern Jewish and secular scholarship and engage in historical reconstruction.
Through textual criticism, we strive to identify the potentially most authentic sayings of Jesus, following the Q hypothesis in relation to the synoptic gospels.
The New Testament bears the influence of Roman culture and language, making it a non-Jewish text with glimpses of Jewish source material.
Greco-Roman influences, including Hellenistic, Stoic, Gnostic, and paganistic elements (e.g., Zoroastrianism) and the Roman imperial cult, have shaped New Testament ideas of salvation and hell in a manner contrary to Jewish tradition, resulting in a narrative distinct from the Jewish religion.
Both Jewish and secular scholarship acknowledge approximately 500,000 textual errors among the 5,800 New Testament manuscripts. These variations include theological revisions that were added by later editors and were not believed by the original followers.
The seven most authentic epistles of Paul were written prior to the gospels, with the gospels reflecting the addition of Pauline theology.
Jesus might have been an actual person, with the only point of agreement among Jewish scholars being that he was baptized by John for the repentance of sins and was crucified.
Jewish scholars concur that Jesus was not born of a virgin, was not resurrected, is not a savior, may be considered a false prophet, and failed as the Messiah.
Judaism represents the religion of Jesus, while Christianity is a religion centered around Jesus.
The term “Jewish-Christian,” used to describe the early understanding of Jesus in Judaism, is a misnomer.

Understanding Jesus within Judaism can aid us in grappling with a culture in which Christianity has altered the Jewish message. Given the history of crusades, pogroms, the Holocaust, and inquisitions that have harmed the Jewish people, recognizing Jesus within a Jewish context becomes crucial.

The Catholic Church, in Nostra Aetate, ceased evangelizing Jews and acknowledged them as a covenant people within Judaism. In response, Jewish scholars released Dibre Emet, recognizing the place of Righteous Gentiles, including the offspring of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, in Olam HaBa (the world to come). While agreement may not be necessary, it is important to foster understanding and coexistence.

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