Introduction

The figure of Yeshua of Nazareth (Jesus) occupies a foundational place in Christian theology and a contested space in Jewish and historical scholarship.

 

While Christianity proclaims him as the Messiah, Son of God, and divine incarnate, Judaism categorically rejects these claims.

This lecture aims to examine the historical, textual, and theological evidence surrounding Yeshua to determine whether he was a divinely sent Messiah, a charismatic teacher, or a Jewish rebel who was later mythologised by his followers.

 

I. Overview of the Jewish Annotated New Testament

The Jewish Annotated New Testament (JANT), edited by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler, offers a Jewish scholarly lens on the New Testament. It recognizes the Jewish context of Yeshua and his earliest followers, interpreting their actions and teachings within Second Temple Judaism.

Key insights:

• Yeshua’s teachings are largely consistent with Pharisaic Judaism.

• His followers remained Torah-observant Jews after his death.

• The Gospels present a narrative development, increasing hostility toward Jews over time, especially in John.

• Jewish reception of Yeshua was mixed; some followed him, many rejected his messianic claims.

 

II. Virgin Birth and the Question of Eyewitness Testimony

There is no direct eyewitness testimony confirming the virgin birth:

• The accounts in Matthew and Luke were written decades after Yeshua’s death and are theologically driven.

• Paul, whose epistles are earlier than the Gospels, makes no mention of a virgin birth.

• The virgin birth narrative likely draws from Isaiah 7:14, where the Hebrew word almah means "young woman," not necessarily a virgin.

Conclusion: The virgin birth is a faith claim with no direct historical or physical corroboration.

 

III. Miracles and Divine Identity

The Gospels attribute numerous miracles to Yeshua — healing the sick, raising the dead, walking on water. However:

• These accounts are literary and theological, not journalistic.

• No Roman, Jewish, or contemporary historian records these events.

• Miracle stories resemble those of Elijah, Elisha, and Hellenistic figures.

Conclusion: These narratives serve to validate his divine role for believers but lack external validation.

 

IV. The Oldest Biblical Manuscripts and Their Origins

• Dead Sea Scrolls (250 BCE–70 CE): Include portions of the Hebrew Bible and sectarian Jewish texts; no New Testament writings.

• Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus (4th century CE): Earliest complete Christian Bibles.

• Chester Beatty Papyri and Rylands Papyrus (2nd–3rd century CE): Some of the earliest known New Testament fragments.

Authorship:

• Most New Testament books are anonymous or pseudonymous.

• The Gospels were written 40–70 years after Yeshua’s death by unknown authors.

Conclusion: The manuscripts show textual evolution and are removed from the events they describe.

 

V. Jewish Views on Yeshua and Messianic Criteria

Judaism holds that Yeshua did not fulfill the messianic prophecies:

• He did not rebuild the Temple (Ezekiel 37:26-28).

• He did not bring world peace (Isaiah 2:2-4).

• He did not gather all Jews back to Israel (Isaiah 43:5-6).

• He was not accepted by the majority of the Jewish people.

Historical Jewish perspectives:

• Yeshua may have existed as a teacher or rebel.

• Rabbinic texts refer to him as a heretic (min) or false messiah.

• His crucifixion by the Romans aligns with the fate of failed messianic claimants.

 

VI. The Historical Yeshua: Prophet, Rebel, or Myth?

Academic consensus:

• Yeshua likely existed as a historical figure.

• He was a Jewish teacher with apocalyptic and messianic undertones.

• He challenged the Temple system and Roman order, leading to his execution.

• Post-crucifixion belief in his resurrection and messiahship grew among a small sect of followers.

This sect eventually evolved into Christianity, which deified him and detached itself from Jewish law and identity.

 

VII. Conclusion

• Historically, Yeshua was a Jewish apocalyptic preacher who gained a small following and was executed by Rome.

• There is no physical or contemporary evidence confirming his virgin birth, miracles, or divine nature.

• From a Jewish perspective, he is a failed messiah or religious reformer.

• Christianity’s claims rest on faith, not verifiable history.

Thus, the Jewish view - that Yeshua was not the promised Messiah and possibly a rebellious teacher - holds substantial weight in light of both scripture and historical evidence.