Topical Bible: The Jews: Christ: Expected By

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The expectation of a Messiah, a deliverer anointed by God, is a central theme in Jewish theology and is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. This anticipation is woven throughout the Old Testament, where numerous prophecies and promises point to the coming of a Savior who would restore Israel and bring about God's kingdom on earth.

Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament

The Jewish expectation of the Messiah is grounded in several key prophecies. One of the earliest is found in Genesis 3:15, where God promises that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent's head, hinting at a future victory over evil. This promise is seen as the first glimmer of hope for a coming Redeemer.

In Genesis 49:10, Jacob prophesies that "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples." This passage is interpreted as indicating that the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah and would command the allegiance of the nations.

The prophet Isaiah provides some of the most vivid Messianic prophecies. Isaiah 7:14 speaks of a virgin bearing a son named Immanuel, meaning "God with us." Isaiah 9:6-7 further describes this child as a ruler whose government and peace will have no end, and who will sit on the throne of David, establishing it with justice and righteousness.

Micah 5:2 foretells the birthplace of the Messiah, stating, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

The Expectation in Jewish Thought

By the time of Jesus, the Jewish expectation of the Messiah had become a fervent hope, especially under Roman occupation. The Jews longed for a political and military leader who would liberate them from foreign rule and restore the kingdom of Israel. This expectation is evident in the New Testament, where various groups and individuals express their anticipation of the Messiah.

In John 1:41, Andrew tells his brother Simon Peter, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated as Christ). This indicates that the expectation of the Messiah was a common hope among the Jewish people of that time.

The Gospel of Luke records the devout Simeon, who was "waiting for the consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25). Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. When he sees the infant Jesus, he recognizes Him as the fulfillment of that promise.

The Fulfillment in Jesus Christ

The New Testament presents Jesus of Nazareth as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. The Gospels emphasize His lineage from David, His birth in Bethlehem, and His role as the suffering servant described in Isaiah 53. Jesus Himself, in Luke 4:18-21, reads from the scroll of Isaiah and declares, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing," affirming His identity as the promised Messiah.

Despite the clear fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus' role as the Messiah was not universally accepted among the Jews of His time. Many were expecting a conquering king rather than a suffering servant. This misunderstanding of the Messianic role contributed to the rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leaders, as depicted in the Gospels.

Conclusion

The expectation of the Messiah is a profound element of Jewish faith, deeply embedded in the Scriptures and the hopes of the Jewish people. The New Testament claims that Jesus Christ fulfills these expectations, presenting Him as the long-awaited Savior who brings spiritual deliverance and the promise of eternal life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 14:7
Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD brings back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
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Matthew 11:3
And said to him, Are you he that should come, or do we look for another?
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Luke 2:25,38
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was on him.
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John 8:56
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
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Library

His Rejection by the Jews.
... Book I. Chapter L."His Rejection by the Jews. "But what I say is this: It was to
be expected that Christ should be received by the Jews, to whom He came, and ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter l his rejection by the.htm

The Sacred Name Jesus Most Suited to the Christ of the Creator. ...
... yet, for all that, the fact was not known to the Jews, from whom wisdom ... He, therefore,
who came also in a name in which Christ was not expected, might have ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xvi the sacred name jesus.htm

Whether Christ's Birth was Made Known in a Becoming Order?
... others say that the star first appeared when Christ was born ... was to the east of the
country of the Jews. ... not finding the child, as they had expected to, were ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs birth was made.htm

Jesus Before Pilate. --Christ's Kingdom not "Of this World. "
... to Pilate as "a disturber of the public peace," expected that he ... not without mockery,
"Art thou the King of the Jews?" To this question Christ could give ...
/.../section 285 jesus before pilate christs.htm

His Rejection by the Jews Foretold.
... should worship Him, but the Jews who always expected Him should not recognise Him
when He came. And the words are spoken as from the person of Christ; and they ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xlix his rejection by the.htm

Objections to the Narrative Drawn from the Subsequent Dispositions ...
... She obviously expected a miracle from Christ immediately after ... of the events
accompanying the birth of Christ. ... were also given among the Jews with reference to ...
/.../section 11 objections to the.htm

Reception Christ Met With.
... midst. If other men were blind to God's glory, the Jews at least might
have been expected to welcome Christ when He came. Their ...
/.../ii reception christ met with.htm

About the Time of Christ, in Accordance with Prophecy, the Rulers ...
... the high priesthood, while the whole nation of the Jews was made tributary ... 8. Under
him Christ appeared in bodily shape, and the expected Salvation of ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi about the time of.htm

Christ and Nicodemus.
... The Jews were wont to admit Gentile proselytes to the Jewish religion and ... been warped."
Abbott says: "We are to understand Christ as he expected his auditor ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ and nicodemus.htm

Messianic Discussion with John the Baptist.
... coming of the Messiah was more warmly expected and discussed ... and it was natural enough
for the Jews to send ... thou?" and learn if he professed to be the Christ. ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/6 messianic discussion with john.htm