By Caitlin Yoshika Kandil
Today, the word “messiah” typically brings to mind a personal savior, the end of time, the Kingdom of Heaven, or Jesus Christ. However, this modern understanding hides the word’s humble origins and its long evolution over millennia.
The term “messiah” is rooted in the Hebrew words mem, shin, chet, which mean to smear, paint, color, pour oil over the head, or anoint in a religious service. In the Hebrew Bible, mashiach is used sparingly to describe a king, priest, or prophet who has undergone ritual anointing. It was closely associated with the concept of kingship, with mashiach often being synonymous with melech, or king.
After the destruction of the Temple and Babylonian exile, the idea of a future king to restore Israel gave rise to the messiah as an apocalyptic figure. The beliefs surrounding who the Messiah would be and what he would do were diverse, with some sects even proposing the idea of two messiahs.
For early Christians, Jesus of Nazareth became the Messiah, although his role did not align with traditional Jewish expectations. This redefined the concept of the Messiah, with new beliefs and interpretations emerging. The shift in meaning also influenced Jewish messianic ideas, leading to a more mystical understanding of the Messiah in later centuries.
While some post-Enlightenment Jewish thinkers denigrated the messianic tradition, others, like Hermann Cohen, revived it from a modern, rational perspective. Today, Orthodox Judaism holds on to the concept of a future Messiah from the Davidic line, with followers praying daily for the conditions that will bring about the arrival of the Messiah.
Conservative Judaism’s Perspective
Conservative Judaism states in its Statement of Principles that the timing and nature of the Messiah’s arrival are uncertain. It questions whether the Messiah will be a charismatic individual or a symbol of humanity’s redemption from the world’s evils. The belief is that individuals should act as if they are personally responsible for ushering in the messianic age.
Reform Judaism, influenced by modern German Jewish philosophers, has removed the concept of a personal messiah from prayers. Instead, it focuses on the idea of a messianic era.
Richard Elliott Friedman emphasizes that the word “messiah” has a complex history that sheds light on the evolution of Judaism. He points out that the common perception of the term does not align with its historical significance.
MESSIAHS AROUND THE WORLD
Christianity
Jesus, a Jewish figure, was born in Bethlehem and gained recognition as a religious teacher known for performing miracles. His followers believed him to be the Messiah foretold in Jewish scriptures. Christians hold that Jesus’ crucifixion was a sacrificial act for humanity’s sins, leading to his resurrection and eventual return to establish the Kingdom of Heaven.
Islam
Muslims regard Jesus as a prophet and consider him a messiah. While rejecting the belief in his divinity, Muslims affirm his miraculous birth and title of messiah. They anticipate his return before the Day of Judgment to combat the anti-Christ.
Buddhism
In Mahayana Buddhism, the concept of a bodhisattva, like Maitreya, is seen as a messianic figure who postpones enlightenment to aid others. Maitreya is expected to become the next Buddha and guide humanity to a paradisiacal existence.
Hinduism
Hinduism envisions a cyclical pattern of time with different ages. The current age, Kali Yuga, is believed to end with the arrival of Kalki, the tenth incarnation of Vishnu. Kalki is depicted as a divine figure who will restore balance by eliminating evil forces.