Daily Devotionals

Voice of the Lord

Devotional: 1st of Sivan

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32).

Throughout the centuries, rabbis have been aware that the Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures) prophesied that Messiah would be humiliated and also exalted. Three different explanations for this are found in the Babylonian Talmud.

One view is that if the Jewish people are unworthy, Messiah will come "humble ...riding on a donkey" (see Zechariah 9:9). If we are worthy, he will come "with the clouds of heaven" (see Daniel 7:13).

In a second view, the two roles of Messiah are fulfilled by two different Messiahs: Mashiach Ben-David (Messiah Son of David), the King Messiah, and Mashiach Ben-Yosef (Messiah Son of Joseph), the suffering Messiah.

In a third view, the Messiah supposedly came to earth when the Second Temple was destroyed, and is presently suffering affliction with his people. He will bring about Israel's salvation when they hear his voice and repent.

These three views provide sincere explanations for the dual roles of Messiah. However, they are sincerely wrong. The truth is that one Messiah was to come in two different eras, for two distinct purposes. He came first to atone for the sins of his people and to bring peace to those who would repent and receive him. He will return again to establish his Kingdom of peace on earth. This truth, revealed in the Brit Chadashah (New Covenant Scriptures), is the key that unlocks the truth about the two roles of Messiah.

...investigate the truth of Messiah from a study of the Scriptures.

EK