THE SUFFERING MESSIAH

The Suffering Messiah

Abstract

Was Jesus actually an innovative number in Judaism or was he inheritor of the before established conviction scheme about nature of role of the Messiah? Traditional Christian attitudes have ranged broadly on this topic, with some saying that Jesus asserted the exclusive Messiah role, and other ones arguing that this was only asserted later by Christian community, because it was completely unidentified in Judaism.

The Suffering Messiah

Introduction

Many scholars have argued that Jesus could not have made such claims about himself, because concept of the savior dead rising from dead was alien to Judaism of his time. But actually Knohl argues that there was at least one person who had done this, setting stage for others to follow. (Heitah 2008)Body: Discussion and Analysis

Israel Knohl, Chairman, Department of Bible at Hebrew University, says that figure are not only met, but was occupied by others before Jesus. He was not first, and probably did not expect to be last Messiah. Knohl bases its argument on two hymns is found in Dead Sea Scrolls. (Heitah 2008)

This is the first-person account of what it means to be the "suffering servant" to do will of God and try to bring Jews to the moment of joy without sin. According to Knohl, these are not words put into mouth of the future Messiah, but instead writings of someone who considers himself Messiah - decades before Jesus.

Knohl argues that Judaism before time of Jesus began to develop concept of the "catastrophic" messianism. It was the person who would get rid of evil oppressors, but it would be in process must go through suffering, humiliation and even death. "In some hymns that are found out out amidst Dead Sea Scrolls have been presented out lately, preceding this Messiah is recounted as seated on the truly incredible throne enclosed by angels. (Yardeni 2008)

He was considered "suffering servant" who brought the new era, era of redemption and absolution in which there was no sin or guilt. The Messiah died eventually in Jerusalem, and his body was left on street for three days. (Yardeni 2008)

His disciples believed that had emerged after three days and had ascended to heaven "The case is even able to identify that could have been -. “Menachem, the man who was not only an important member of Essene sect of Jews, but was furthermore the close associate and follower of Herod”. When Herod died, ...