The Torah itself does not mention Jesus directly, as it predates him, but Jewish interpretations and traditional Jewish texts address Jesus in various ways. Jewish Perspective on Jesus in Relation to the Torah:
- From a traditional Jewish standpoint, Jesus is not recognized as the Messiah or a prophet. According to Jewish law and the Torah's criteria for prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1–5, 18:18–22), a true prophet must not advocate changes to God's eternal word or introduce new teachings that contradict the Torah. Jesus' teachings, which diverged from some Torah laws, disqualify him from being considered a prophet or Messiah in Judaism
- Maimonides, a leading Jewish scholar, described Jesus as a failed messiah who led Jews astray, changed the Torah, and caused harm to Israel
- The Talmud contains passages believed by some scholars to reference Jesus, often portraying him negatively, such as a sorcerer or a disciple who turned to idolatry
Christian Perspective on Jesus and the Torah:
- In the New Testament, Jesus himself states that he did not come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17-20). He emphasized the enduring validity of the Torah and taught a deeper, fuller righteousness that surpasses mere legalistic observance
- Jesus' teachings often reinterpreted the Torah's commandments, focusing on their original intent and the spirit of love for God and neighbor, rather than abolishing the law
Summary:
- The Torah does not mention Jesus directly.
- Jewish tradition views Jesus as a false messiah and not a prophet, due to his divergence from Torah law and prophecy criteria.
- The New Testament presents Jesus as affirming and fulfilling the Torah, teaching its commandments in a way that reveals their fullest meaning.
- The Jewish rejection of Jesus as Messiah is based on Torah laws about prophecy and messianic expectations, which Jesus is seen not to have met.
Thus, the Torah itself is silent on Jesus, but Jewish interpretations based on Torah law reject his messianic claims, while Christian teachings see Jesus as the fulfillment of the Torah's purpose
