On your whiteboard… What do you think of when you hear the word MESSIAH?

Religious background to the New Testament Prophecy regarding the Messiah

Key Questions: What does the Old Testament say about the Messiah?

Jewish beliefs about the Messiah Means “anointed one”. (Jewish kings were anointed with oil). Person described in the books of prophecy. Immediately before the arrival of the Messiah, there would be a period of war and suffering. The arrival of the messiah would begin the “messianic era”.

Grab your Bibles! For each passage, jot down what information it gives about the Messiah

Who would the Messiah be? What would the Messiah do? A man (not supernatural) A King An observant Jew A messenger of peace Born in Bethlehem Descended from King David Attract Gentiles to follow God’s laws Rebuild the Temple and re- establish Temple worship Return all Jews to Israel Triumph over evil Destroy hunger, illness and death Bring the dead back to life

On your whiteboard: What were Jews expecting the Messiah to be like? Draw him!

So, first Century Jews all had an idea of what the Messiah would be like. Most thought he would be a great military leader who would fight against the Romans. But there is one passage of prophecy which gives a different picture…

The Suffering Servant On your tables, take 4 verses and work through the text, putting it into simple English. Could the person depicted in this passage be the Messiah? Give arguments for and against.

Key Questions: What does the Old Testament say about the Messiah?