different in Christianity. Again, we must
ask the question: did the original believers have the same concept of the
Messiah as do modern Christians?
The Jewish Perspective
The Shema is sometimes called the “Jewish Profession of Faith” because it
begins with the most basic of Jewish concepts: “Hear O Israel, The LORD our
God the LORD is One.” In Judaism, Messiah is never confused with God, and is NEVER
believed to be God.
In the New Testament accounts of the first believers, you will find much
disagreement over the question of the association and conversion of
Gentiles. You will find discussion of and disagreements over many other
issues. However, there is no debate over the deity of Yeshua. Why?
The reason for this obvious absence of discussion on the topic, is this was
not yet the view held by early believers. Had the belief of the early
followers included the deity of Yeshua, the pages of the New Testament would
be filled with the stories of conflict over such beliefs. The early
followers historically did not take the position that the Messiah was God.
If that is the case, WHAT is Messiah?
The Meaning of “Messiah”
The Hebrew word "Mashiach" means "anointed one" (or chosen
one).