The Two Advents of Christ: A Point of Contention in Jewish-Christian Dialogue

The concept of the Messiah has been a central point of both convergence and divergence between Judaism and Christianity. While both religions anticipate the coming of a Messiah, their understanding of the Messiah's role, nature, and even timing differs significantly. One particularly crucial area of disagreement lies in the Christian belief in two advents of Christ, a concept often met with skepticism within Jewish thought.

Understanding the Two Advents

Christian theology posits that the prophecies speak of two distinct comings of the Messiah. The first advent is characterized by suffering, humility, and a focus on revealing God's way to humanity. The second advent, conversely, is portrayed as a time of glory, divinity, and judgment.

Now it escaped the notice of Celsus, and of the Jew whom he has introduced, and of all who are not believers in Jesus, that the prophecies speak of two advents of Christ: the former characterized by human suffering and humility, in order that Christ, being with men, might make known the way that leads to God, and might leave no man in this life a ground of excuse, in saying that he knew not of the judgment to come; and the latter, distinguished only by glory and divinity, having no element of human infirmity intermingled with its divine greatness. (Source: Document 1739759399802-0l5ey4-anf04.txt)

This distinction is crucial for understanding how Christians interpret certain messianic prophecies. Passages that describe a suffering servant are often attributed to the first advent, while those depicting a powerful, reigning king are associated with the second.

Jewish Perspectives on Messianic Prophecy

Traditionally, Jewish thought anticipates a single coming of the Messiah, a leader who will usher in an era of peace, justice, and redemption for the Jewish people and the world. The Messiah is expected to be a human king from the line of David who will restore Jewish sovereignty, rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and gather the exiles.

The idea of a Messiah who suffers and dies, as portrayed in Christian theology's first advent, often presents a significant challenge to this traditional understanding. Some interpretations within Judaism acknowledge the possibility of a Messiah ben Joseph, a figure who may suffer before the arrival of the Messiah ben David, but this is not a universally accepted belief.

Examining Specific Prophecies

The divergence in interpretation often centers on specific biblical passages. Isaiah 53, which describes a suffering servant, is a key text in this debate. Christians often interpret this passage as a prophecy of Jesus's suffering and death, while Jewish interpretations often apply it to the nation of Israel as a whole.

Now I remember that, on one occasion, at a disputation held with certain Jews, who were reckoned wise men, I quoted these prophecies; to which my Jewish opponent replied, that these predictions bore reference to the whole people, regarded as one individual, and as being in a state of dispersion and suffering, in order that many proselytes might be gained, on account of the dispersion of the Jews among numerous heathen nations. (Source: Document 1739759399802-0l5ey4-anf04.txt)

The passage from Psalm 45 is another example where interpretations diverge. Christians see verses describing God being anointed by God as referring to Christ, while Jewish interpretations may apply these verses to the God of all things and the Messiah separately.

To quote the prophecies at length would be tedious; and I deem it sufficient for the present to quote a part of the forty-fifth Psalm, which has this inscription, in addition to others, "A Psalm for the Beloved," where God is evidently addressed in these words: "Grace is poured into Thy lips: therefore God will bless Thee for ever and ever. Gird Thy sword on Thy thigh, O mighty One, with Thy beauty and Thy majesty. (Source: Document 1739759399802-0l5ey4-anf04.txt)

Dialogue and Understanding

The contrasting views on the two advents of Christ highlight the deep-seated differences in messianic expectations between Judaism and Christianity. Meaningful interfaith dialogue requires acknowledging these differences while seeking areas of common ground. Understanding the historical and theological context behind each interpretation is essential for fostering mutual respect and promoting constructive engagement. While agreement on the interpretation of specific prophecies may remain elusive, a commitment to open and honest dialogue can lead to a deeper appreciation of each other's faith traditions.

Conclusion

The concept of two advents of Christ is a significant point of divergence in Jewish-Christian dialogue. While Christian theology interprets certain prophecies as referring to a suffering Messiah and a future glorious king, Jewish tradition generally anticipates a single, unified messianic figure. Engaging with these differing interpretations requires a commitment to understanding the historical, theological, and cultural contexts that shape each perspective.