What do Jewish people think about Jesus?

Question

I am a Christian, but I was just wondering what Jewish people thought of Jesus. That is the major difference in these two religions. I know that Jesus was a Jewish rabbi, and I think He is considered to be a prophet, but what else? What does the Jewish faith teach about Jesus (if anything)?


(and I just want honest, friendly answers, please. I'm not trying to start nasty debates or religion bashing please.)

Answer 1

I'm Jewish, and I want to give you an honest answer.

From an academic point of view, Judaism pretty much ignores Jesus. He is not viewed as having much new to say.

(Some Jews will say that Jesus is treated in Judaism as a minor prophet. That's not true. Some Jews say that trying to be nice.)

In studying the history of the Jewish people, Christianity plays an important role. Sad to say, historically the Catholic religion perpetuated the persecution of Jews, through the teaching that Jews were responsible for Jesus' death.

Vatican II took a big step towards righting this wrong. And Pope John Paul II did an incredible job in advancing Catholic / Jewish relations. The current pope has already shown he wants to continue along this path.

By the way, how Jesus is viewed by Christians vs. Jews is one defining difference between the religions. But, there are a number of other differences.

For example, the concept of original sin does not exist in Judaism.

Also, as Jews, we pray directly to G-d. The rabbi may lead services and is respected for his or her knowledge. But, they are no more holy than anyone else.

I see the "turn the other cheek" philosophy much more in Christianity than I do in Judaism, which tends to stress justice.

And, the afterlife is viewed quite differently between the religions.

I appreciate your interest in this.

Answer 2

Jewish people have a general consensus that Jesus was a real person who was Jewish and indeed rose to a position where he was called a "rabbi". I'm not sure about calling him a "prophet", as well as the phrase "King of the Jews" - but we admit that he was wise and a good public speaker.

Some Jews have a real problem with some of his teachings, especially ones that contradicted regular Jewish law. Most of his transgressions are mentioned in the Bible, as well as his explanation and questioning of the validity of the law.

Jewish scholars tend to question the validity of law by asking a council and presenting their case, not by merely setting an example and breaking the law to be brought to question.

Oh, and we also don't consider him to be "the son of God" or any of those other obvious differences.

Answer 3

Jewish's religion is Judaism and not Christianity. They believe in the same God and that one day God will send them a Messiah to deliver them. They just do not believe that Jesus is that Messiah and Jesus is the son of God. But at the same time, they can't discount the fact that Jesus performed miracles on His time on earth. So the most political correct answer is that He is a teacher or a prophet.

Of course, there are some Jews who are born again. I am talking about those who are not yet.

Judaism is very different from Christianity. Judaism believes in God and the laws God gave to them. Christianity believes in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross and how Christ has redeemed all from the law not just the Jews but also gentiles (non Jew).

Answer 4

Jewish People think of Jesus just as a rabbi, but a normal person. They do not really teach much about him. They beleive God's son is going to come in the future, and has not yet. They do not think bad of Jesus, but think nothing special of him. No im not jewish, but some of my friends are.

Answer 5

The Jewish faith doesn't teach about Jesus. Jesus isn't a figure in the "old" testament. Jesus is completely irrelevant. Most Jews think that Jesus was a teacher and leader of his time; not a prophet, and not the "son of god".

Answer 6

I have come across several Jews who believe in Jesus... there is a growing movement within Judaism called Messianic Judaism which believes that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Jewish Messiah.

The major forms of Judaism are
1. Chasdim / Hasdim
2. Orthodox
3. Conservative
4. Reformed
5. Messianic

The non-Messianic forms of Judaism would tend to view Jesus as a Rabbi who was misunderstood (by his followers) or who was mistaken (in thinking that he was the unique Son of God).

--
Many people from other faiths and world-views (including Judaism) are commiting their lives to Christ. E.g., see
http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/00.html

Cordially,
John

Cordially,
John

Answer 7

Jesus was a Jewish settler from the West Bank.

Answer 8

situations replace. Jesus became blackER, because of the position he lived, than he became EVER painted in the course of the Renaissance. Artists used what they observed in individuals as fashions. There weren't any blacks round Europe then, so they painted him as white. center Easterners in the present day are blacker then Europeans. they don't look to be as black as Ugandans, yet they're darkER, because of the position they stay. in the present day, maximum folk round there are Muslim, no longer Jewish, yet Judaism ought to were each and every of the craze decrease back then. Judaism DID vacation up into Russia, the position human beings ought to have advanced a good lighter pores and skin tone to soak up extra sunlight. Then Jews spread out for the period of Europe, and some got here to visit on boats. Then Hitler got here.

Answer 9

Don't ask online people to ask such a question! The best to understand the answer is a friendly question to jewish people, or search online. Maybe hit the library, or in a calm voice, innocently, just ask your family. It's nothing cruel or anything, something just very curious! Don't be scared!
...I don't really know,,, but what a great question!

Answer 10

The Jews did NOT put him on the cross. Check out these link for info on this issue:
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/judaism/FAQ/09-Antisemitism/section-10.html


To answer your question: Jesus was just another guy to us. He was a good man, and thats that. We don't teach about Jesus at all. Generally, that's about it. Most of us don't have an opinion.

Consieder googling it, though, for more info.