I’m not sure how the “too late to make any difference” would apply to our understanding of the Messiah. There’s a general Jewish belief that we have an obligation to make the world ready/repair the world for the Messianic age.
I’m probably missing something…it wouldn’t be the first time
In relation to Jesus
If I noted that everyone alive breathes, we all know it, we all experience it at the same time. We would know this, even prior to scientific proofs to say that it is so. It is understood by all, and it is experienced by all.
To the extent there is a change (I assume you mean the belief that it will be self-evident), I would suspect that it is precisely because of these failed Messiahs that we believe the real Messiah will prove himself beyond question.I’m probably missing something…it wouldn’t be the first time
When the false messiah (70AD?) appeared, it seemed that the Jews of the time thought that it was their obligation to join him to (help?) usher in the new age. It also seems that their plan was not to sit around and await the messiah to do everything by himself (a self-evident outcome.)
Why the change?
First, the Messiah will not be God. It’s not a denial of free will any more than knowledge of gravity is a denial of free will to choose to fly off a building ledge.
Except that one of the ‘signs’ is you’re all brought to Israel. Are you compelled to go to Israel when he comes. Or, does he just arrange the shipping and let you choose when you turn up? In which case you wouldn’t know he’s the Messiah until all of you go to Israel. SO in fact one person could stand in New York, not wish to get aboard an aeroplane to go to Israel, and thus the person claiming to be the Messiah is not the Messiah, because you’re all not in Israel. Thus the ‘proof’ of the Messiah is dependant that everyone accepts he’s the Messiah and obeys his call to go to Israel, which will prove he’s the Messiah!
There’s nothing in the scripture to suggest we are compelled to go to Israel. The fact that all the Jews will have returned to Israel is a sign that the Messianic age is upon us. What actual role the Messiah will have in making that happen is unclear. And yes, you have missed something too.
Then your Messiah’s arrival is dependant on every Jew. For, as I pointed out, if one lone man refuses to go to Israel, you can’t have that prophecy fulfilled.
That being?
That’s not what I said. I said there’s nothing in scripture that says the Messiah will be responsible for every jew returning nto Israel. THere’s also nothing in scripture that says he won’t.
My apologies if you feel I’ve misrepresented your, and/or the Jewish position.
for you come to a conclusion based on ???We are, indeed, unfortunate not to have anything as clear in its language and as direct in its meaning as the Christians have in their book ‘Revelation’.
So you reject Christianity because it’s not vague?
I think Kanichen’s quote about the clarity of the Book of Revelation was made tongue in cheek. It is not generally considered to be very clear, as shown by the different interpretations by Christian denominations.
He’s made several digs at Revelations, including to ‘performing seals’ as with reference to the Seven Seals
Today’s daily Mass (Gospel) reading had to do with “if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
I’m not angered at all. I’m just noting that this is the second time there’s been a dig at Revelations. I’m if anything quite un-emotional… which has its drawbacks.
I’d like to find out the Jewish view, too. I don’t know much about Judaism and depend on the sources posted here by Jews.
lol