INTRO: We examine the concept of Messiah in Jewish theology, and why ancient Jews rejected Jesus Christ but then chose Simon Bar Kokhba, helping Israel towards national suicide and loss of nationhood. In fact, ancient Israelites were not interested in the leadership style of Jesus, because of his refusal to embrace a political or military rejection of Rome, focusing on spiritual truths. But Simon arrived as a firebrand and was lauded as the antidote to Roman rule and liberation of Yahweh's people.
What is Messiah? Writes the Ancient Hebrew Research Center,