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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the Messianic prophecies in Judaism and explain the different interpretations of these prophecies within Judaism.

      Key learning points

      1. The word 'Messiah' comes from the Hebrew word 'mashiach', which means ‘anointed one’.
      2. Messianic prophecies are found in the Tanakh.
      3. There are different theological interpretations of these texts, which lead to different understandings of the Messiah.
      4. These interpretations of the texts mean that many Orthodox and Reform Jews hold different beliefs about the Messiah.
      5. Most Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah, but a small number of Jews, known as Messianic Jews, regard Jesus as the Messiah.

      Keywords

      • Age - a distinct period of time

      • Descendant - your children and any further generations of children that begin from them

      • Messiah - 'anointed one'; chosen by God to bring a new age of peace

      • Messianic - relating to the Messiah

      • Prophecy - a prediction of what will happen in the future

      Common misconception

      All Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah.

      There is a very small number of Jews, known as Messianic Jews, who regard Jesus as the Messiah.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to remind students of Orthodox and Reform Judaism at the start of Learning Cycle 2.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is not an Abrahamic religion?

      Christianity
      Judaism
      Correct answer: Buddhism
      Islam

      Q2.
      The is the first five books of the Jewish holy texts.

      Correct Answer: Torah, torah

      Q3.
      Which of the following are branches of Judaism?

      Correct answer: Reform
      Catholic
      Correct answer: Orthodox
      Protestant

      Q4.
      Many Jews reject the Christian belief in Jesus as the Son of .

      Correct Answer: God, god

      Q5.
      Many non-Christians accept that Jesus existed as a __________ figure.

      Correct answer: historical
      modern
      theoretical

      Q6.
      A __________ is someone who is regarded as an inspired leader who shares the will of God.

      Protestant
      Correct answer: prophet
      progressive

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The term 'Messiah' comes from the Hebrew word 'mashiach', meaning '__________ one'.

      avenged
      Correct answer: anointed
      anticipated
      awaited

      Q2.
      What is the Tanakh?

      Jewish oral law
      Rabbinic discussions
      Correct answer: 24 books of Jewish written law

      Q3.
      Which of the following books contain Messianic prophecies?

      Matthew
      Luke
      Correct answer: Jeremiah
      Correct answer: Daniel

      Q4.
      Which branch of Judaism teaches that humans can bring about the Messianic age through their actions?

      Correct answer: Reform Judaism
      Orthodox Judaism
      Messianic Judaism

      Q5.
      Many Jews believe that the Messiah will be a physical person.

      Correct Answer: Orthodox, orthodox

      Q6.
      Who do Messianic Jews believe the Messiah is?

      Correct Answer: Jesus, Jesus Christ, Christ

      To help you plan your 8 religious education lesson on: Messianic prophecy in Judaism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...