Comparison of Messianic Expectations (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) 🟦 1. Identity of the Messiah
Religion Who is the Messiah? Judaism A future human king from the line of David. Not divine. Has not yet come. Christianity Jesus is the Messiah — divine Son of God, already came once, returning again. Islam Jesus (ʿIsa) is the Messiah, but not divine. A human prophet honoured above others except Muhammad.
🟩 2. Key Mission of the Messiah
Religion Mission Summary Judaism Restore Israel, gather exiles, rebuild the Temple, bring universal peace, establish God’s rule on Earth. Christianity Save humanity from sin, defeat Satan, open the Divine Realm, return to judge the world, create new heaven and new earth. Islam Return to defeat the Antichrist (Dajjāl), support the Mahdi, restore justice, confirm true monotheism, rule in peace.
🟨 3. Timing of Arrival
Religion Messianic Timing Judaism First coming still in the future. No fixed date. Christianity First coming already occurred (Jesus). Second coming still future. Islam Already taken to heaven; will return near the end of time.
🟥 4. Nature of the Messiah
Religion Divine or Human? Judaism Entirely human. Not divine. Christianity Fully divine and fully human. Islam Entirely human prophet. Not divine.
🟫 5. Messianic Tasks
Judaism
Rebuild the Temple
Bring all Jews back to Israel
Establish global peace
End all war
Teach Torah perfectly
Bring universal knowledge of God
Christianity
First coming: salvation, atonement, opening Divine Realm
Second coming:
Resurrection of the dead
Final judgement
Defeat of Satan
Renewal of heaven and earth
Eternal kingdom
Islam
Return with Mahdi
Kill the Dajjāl (Antichrist)
Break the cross (correct Christian theology)
End the false doctrines
Establish global justice
Rule for a period (40 years in some traditions)
Die as a human
🟧 6. View of the Kingdom
Religion Nature of the Kingdom Judaism Earthly political kingdom centred in Jerusalem. Christianity Divine, eternal kingdom; transforms Earth and Heaven. Islam Earthly kingdom of justice under God’s law.
🟪 7. After the Messiah’s Mission
Religion End Result Judaism Peaceful Earth, Temple restored, world united in worship of one God. Christianity Eternal life in the Divine Realm; new creation; no more death or sin. Islam Justice restored, Jesus dies, resurrection and final judgement follow.
🟫 8. Crucifixion & Resurrection
Religion Belief Judaism Jesus was executed; no spiritual significance. Christianity Crucifixion + resurrection = core salvation event. Islam Jesus was not crucified; God rescued him; no resurrection event until final days.
One-Line Summary for Each Religion Judaism: Messiah = Future human king who will restore Israel and bring world peace.
Christianity: Messiah = Divine Saviour , Jesus, who came once to save and will return to judge and renew creation.
Islam: Messiah = Jesus , a human prophet who will return to defeat evil and establish justice with the Mahdi.
