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Another Messiah?


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Messiah Son of Joseph

And Yeshua himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph...(Luke 3:23)

"We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Torah, and about whom the prophets also wrote--Yeshua of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." (John 1:45)

Messiah in modern Judaism

Judaism today exhibits a wide variety of beliefs about Messiah ranging from outright disbelief in his existence to passionate affirmation of his speedy appearance. Among those who believe in the coming of Messiah exist the predominant notions that he will resurrect the dead, gather the exiles, rebuild the Temple, and subjugate the heathen nations. He will be the Davidic King par excellence. Thus in rabbinical literature this Messiah is frequently referred to as Mashiach ben David, or Messiah, son of David.

One of the reasons modern Judaism rejects Yeshua is because he did not fulfill the Davidic aspects of the messianic expectation.

The Other Messiah

But there is another Messiah mentioned in Jewish literature, one who is a dramatic contrast to the Son of David. This Messiah would reveal himself and gather disciples in the Upper Galilee:

1. Would be pierced
2. By Rome (Armilus)
3. Suffer and die for the sins of his people
4. Would be mourned
5. And ultimately be resurrected.
6. He is called Mashiach ben Yosef, Messiah, son of Joseph (also referred to as Ephraim who was the son of the patriarch Joseph.)

A touching dialogue between God and Messiah is found in Pesiqta Rabbati, a medieval midrash (legend or story). God is speaking to Messiah:

'Their sins will be upon you like a yoke of iron. They will choke your spirit. Because of their sins, your tongue will cleave to the roof of your mouth. Do you accept this? If not, I will remove the decree from you.

The Messiah replies: Master of the worlds, how long will this last?

G-d replies: Ephraim, my true Messiah, ever since the six days of creation you have taken this ordeal upon yourself. At this moment, your pain is My pain.

Messiah replies: Master of the worlds, I accept this with gladness in my soul, and joy in my heart, so that not a single one of the house of Israel should perish. Not only for those alive, but also the dead. It is enough for the servant to be like the Master.' 161a-b

'In that hour, the Holy One, blessed be He, says to him: "Ephraim, my true Messiah you have already accepted [this suffering] from the six days of Creation. Now your suffering shall be like my suffering." In that hour he says before Him: "Master of the World! Now my mind is at rest, for it is sufficient for the servant to be like his Master!' 162a

Notes
1. Hai Gaon, Responsum
2. Sukkah 52a
3. Hai Gaon, Responsum
4. Pesiqta Rabbah 161a-b
5. Sukkah 52a
6. Hai Gaon, Responsum

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