The Nature & Role of the Messiah (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))

Blockquote

“He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear, but with righteousness, he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked” (Isaiah 11:1–9)

Worked Example

Explain two ways in which belief in the future Messiah influences Jews today

(4 marks)

Answer:

Some Orthodox Jews believe that the Messiah will arrive at the end of the world when everyone will be judged, and so Jews will try to ensure that they live good lives to be able to go to heaven (2 marks)

Some reform Jews believe that the Messianic Age will be achieved when humans act to bring peace into the world. Therefore, they need to make the changes and not rely on someone else to arrive and sort everything out (2 marks)

Exam Tip

It is possible that you may have to respond to a question where you are evaluating the role/purpose of the Messiah.

For example,

“For Jews, the most important role of the Messiah is to bring peace to the world”

Evaluate this statement.

In your answer you should:

• refer to Jewish teaching

• give reasoned arguments to support this statement

• give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view

• reach a justified conclusion (12 marks)

In your response for this it is important that you consider whose responsibility it is within Judaism to bring peace. Orthodox Jews may agree with this statement and look to the Messiah to bring about peace for everyone, however other Jews (Reform Jews) may believe that it is the responsibility of every human to make this happen now.

Responses in support of the statement could include:

Orthodox Jews believe every generation has a potential Messiah who will be directed by God to be a redeemer if the Jews are worthy of redemption and who will rule with kindness and justice, not war and injustice. He will rebuild the Temple and usher in a time of world peace, and will unite humanity as one. They believe that bringing peace to the world is the most important role of the Messiah.

Through upholding the Jewish Law and Commandments, the Messiah will establish peace and justice, preventing the need for war, and other nations will look to the Messiah for guidance and his message of peace will become universally adopted. The Hebrew Bible says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns’” (Isaiah 52:7)

Responses in support of other views could include:

The term “Messiah” means “anointed one” and was first used for Saul and the kings of Israel, some of whom were warriors themselves and so peace was clearly not a priority for them.

Many Reform Jews do not believe in an individual Messiah, and they believe every person has the responsibility to create world peace. They believe that the Messianic age will come as a result of people's collective action and not as a result of a special individual.

The role of the Messiah will be to uphold Torah law and be the ultimate teacher of it and to rebuild the Temple and gather all Jews back to Israel. Bringing peace is important but it might not be the most important role of the Messiah.