The Messiah
The Messiah is the 'anointed one,' or 'Christ' who the saviour sent by God. Both Christians and Jews believe that the Messiah comes with four tasks;

1. He comes to establish himself as king.
2. He will gain independence for people on their own land.
3. He will be the ideal king.
4. He will, together with God, establish peace, justice and brotherhood for the whole world.

The Jewish people has not yet accepted anyone as the Messiah though various figures in history have claimed to be the Messiah, such as Jesus Christ the Son of God, or Bar Kochbah, son of a star. They believe in order for God's purpose on earth to be fulfilled, these events must occur; Return to the Promised Land, abolition of immorality, war, prejudice, and  discrimination. World society must be based on truth and justice. They believe that when the Messiah comes, He will turn this world into the Kingdom of God, where all nations will live together in peace.

Christians believe in much the same thing. However, they accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah, who died on the cross for our sins. They know that Jesus did not fulfill the four Messianic expectations, but he will return in the 'second coming' to fulfill the tasks and establish God's Kingdom on earth.

Today many Jews believe in the coming of the Messianic age rather than a personal Messiah. This variation of belief does not affect the religion, however Judaism cannot function without the belief of the Messianic Age. Therefore it seems, that at least to the Jews the Ages of the Messiah is more important than the Messiah himself.