Did Jesus Fulfill Ancient Jewish Expectations as the Messiah?

Modern Jews often say that Jesus was not the fulfillment of their expectations. They expect a conquering king who will restore Israel’s sovereignty. But are these modern ideas in alignment with all Jews’ expectations in ancient times? Who were the Jews expecting to be their Messiah around the time of Jesus’ arrival?

Daniel (9:24-27) prophesied that the “Anointed One” would be “cut off” around that time, while Malachi (3:1) prophesied that the Anointed One would appear in the 2^nd Temple. The 2^nd Temple was destroyed by the Romans around the year 70 A.D. He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and would be a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Isaiah 9:6 further foreshadows Jesus within the Trinity. He would be a descendant of King David (Isaiah 11:1) from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10).

Sanhedrin 98 in the Babylonian Talmud explains early Jewish expectations about their Messiah: “Rabbi Alexandri says: Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi raises a contradiction between two depictions of the coming of the Messiah. It is written: ‘There came with the clouds of heaven, one like unto a son of man…and there was given him dominion and glory and a kingdom…his dominion is an everlasting dominion’ (Daniel 7:13–14). And it is written: ‘Behold, your king will come to you; he is just and victorious; lowly and riding upon a donkey and upon a colt, the foal of a donkey’ (Zechariah 9:9). Rabbi Alexandri explains: If the Jewish people merit redemption, the Messiah will come in a miraculous manner with the clouds of heaven. If they do not merit redemption, the Messiah will come lowly and riding upon a donkey.” In the passion week around the year 33 A.D., Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem as a king while riding humbly on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-11).

His hands and feet were pierced (Psalm 22:16) for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities, but by his wounds, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). After his suffering, he would see the light of life (Isaiah 53:11) and would judge all nations, which would be his inheritance (Psalm 82:8). He would be the light of salvation to all nations, not only the Jews (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6). The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22).

Jesus fulfilled all of these prophecies and more. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end (Daniel 7:13-14; Daniel 2:44). Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; No one comes to the father but through the son (John 14:6). Did Jesus fulfill ancient Jewish expectations of a Messiah? The short answer is yes, while you just read the longer answer. Please share this message with our Jewish friends, so we can all meet in heaven. Over the centuries, many Jews have been wronged by Christians. May God bless you.

Stephanie Thomason is a university professor and an associate dean in business. She is also a Christian wife and mother of two adult sons. You can follow her on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@Dash_023 or on X at @Dash_023. Our “dash” is what we do between the time we’re born and the time we die. We should live for the truth, as truth matters. If you’d rather listen to this blog, it’s posted on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/63Pgk2oN2Cg?si=MMfJbMA4iEZeUjry