 Initially, when “…Nathan addressed him as the messiah, ‘he laughed at him and said, ‘I had it [the messianic vocation], but have sent it away.’’” It was only through intense discussion and much persuasion that he was able to sway Shabbetai Zevi into accepting his messianic mission.Then, in May 1665, Shabbetai Zevi made the decision that would place Nathan of Gaza and himself in the public sphere forever.He exposed himself to the world as the true savior.