The faiths have a similar perspective on war, with the Jews believing that "peace is always preferable, but war in self-defense is considered obligatory," and the Christians believing that "'just war' can be fought as a last resort" ("The Abrahamic Faiths: A Comparison"). Both Jews and Christians think of Jerusalem as their holy city, and both acknowledge the existence of Jesus Christ; the Jews, however regard Him as a mere historical figure-not the Messiah that they have been waiting for for thousands of years ("The Abrahamic Faiths: A Comparison"). The Christians regard Him as the Son of God, the Messiah promised in Old Testament Scripture, and the only Savior capable of removing man's sins and restoring his relationship to God.

             This last point is the pivotal difference between Judaism and Christianity, and as such deserves a closer look. For thousands of years, the Jews awaited a Messiah who would lead their people to freedom. Many prophetic scriptures point to the coming of Jesus as that Messiah, a number of them in the prophetic past tense-Isaiah 53:5, for example, which says, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (The Holy Bible). The Jews anticipated that their Messiah would be a king, bedecked with jewels and finery, and a commanding presence who would lead them from captivity and restore their land to them; they did not expect a humble King born in a manger, who would lead them to spiritual freedom instead. Although many prophetic scriptures foretell of Jesus's sufferings and His healing of the sick, the Jews of His day did not recognize Him as the Messiah. At one point, Jesus is asked point blank whether or not He is the Messiah. Luke 7:20 relates:.

             When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? (The Holy Bible).