I don't find belief to be volitional and I don't understand why the majority does

[Lucian Hodoboc]

Divine revelation in the form of the Bible. That's answered in the Bible itself.

How does He prove that it's divine?

 

[Albion]

In an absolute sense, it cannot be proven. Nor, for that matter, can I prove that you exist and vice-versa. But in the real world we all make assumptions based on strong probabilities.

In the case of the Bible, we're talking about the most influential -- and most criticized -- book ever written, and it's stood up to challenge after challenge.

In addition, it's remarkable as a historical record. Most of the sacred writings of the other great religions are merely collections of sayings or advice, etc. Therefore, it's sensible to trust the Bible in what it says, and in what it says of itself. Of course, that doesn't mean that if any individual chooses otherwise, that such isn't his right.

 

[tango]

What did they have to lose by accepting Jesus as the Messiah?

The same as anyone else would lose by accepting a false Messiah. If you don't believe Jesus is the Messiah (and the Jews don't believe that he is) then you'd be accepting something you didn't believe was true.

"I am the Messiah" is a pretty bold claim. I don't know about you but I wouldn't follow someone just because they said I should. In Deuteronomy (I think chapters 13 and 18) there are specific warnings about false leaders who will come. It's not unreasonable that the Jews would consider whether someone making bold Messianic claims is actually the promised Messiah or an imposter.

 

[Lucian Hodoboc]

The same as anyone else would lose by accepting a false Messiah. If you don't believe Jesus is the Messiah (and the Jews don't believe that he is) then you'd be accepting something you didn't believe was true.

"I am the Messiah" is a pretty bold claim. I don't know about you but I wouldn't follow someone just because they said I should. In Deuteronomy (I think chapters 13 and 18) there are specific warnings about false leaders who will come. It's not unreasonable that the Jews would consider whether someone making bold Messianic claims is actually the promised Messiah or an imposter.

My question was addressed to Messy, who implied that the Pharisees intentionally rejected Jesus as the Messiah, despite knowing that He truly was the Messiah, as opposed to Paul, who only did it out of ignorance. To me, it doesn't really make sense for the people who were expecting the Messiah to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and intentionally reject Him.

 

[tango]

My question was addressed to Messy, who implied that the Pharisees intentionally rejected Jesus as the Messiah, despite knowing that He truly was the Messiah, as opposed to Paul, who only did it out of ignorance. To me, it doesn't really make sense for the people who were expecting the Messiah to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and intentionally reject Him.

When you're talking about the Pharisees in particular, the question is whether they knew he was the Messiah at all. Given modern day Jews don't believe Jesus is the Messiah it's certainly possible that at least some first century Jews didn't believe it either.

If you're expecting someone, then you see that someone then you'd need a reason to reject them. From the Pharisees' perspective they did have reasons to reject Jesus - he wasn't what they were expecting and accepting him would cost them the status and prestige they enjoyed. In that regard they weren't so different to the rich young ruler who walked away rather than getting rid of his worldly wealth.

 

[Messy]

-

 

[rstrats]

Possibly. And if not, that's what's being said of someone else when the wording is as it originally was presented.

How is it that you don't know if that was your implication?