Top Questions
Understandably, people have a lot of questions about Jesus, and we hear many of them. Here are our best answers to the top questions that we get asked:
Will I Still Be Jewish If I Follow Jesus?
Working with Jews for Jesus in New York City, I have had many conversations about Jesus with Jewish people. Many are drawn to Jesus and even think he might be Messiah. However, a lingering fear keeps bothering them. “Will I lose my Jewish identity if I believe in Jesus?” they ask me.
Jewish and Christian: Can It Be?
“You can’t be Jews if you believe in Jesus. Just call yourself Christians!” That is what people say because that is what they have heard. But why do they say someone can’t be Jewish and Christian?
The Genealogy of the Messiah
From all the genealogies in the Hebrew Scriptures, two observations become apparent. With very rare exceptions, only the male line is traced and only men’s names appear. The descendancy of women is not given and their names are only mentioned in passing. Since biblically it was the father who determined both national and tribal identity, it was reasoned that only his line was necessary.
Is the New Testament Jewish?
Most scholars agree that the writers of the New Testament were Jewish (with the possible exception of Luke). “Most of the writers of the various parts were Jews, and the writings were designed for Jewish readers who had embraced the Christian faith. The authors drew more or less from contemporary Jewish ideas, ethics, legends, parables and sayings.”
Who's the Subject of Isaiah 53? You Decide!
One hundred Jews on the streets of Tel Aviv were asked, Who do you think the 53rd chapter of Isaiah describes?” Most were unfamiliar with the passage and were asked to read it before answering. After doing so, many conceded that they did not know to whom it referred.
Why Aren't Messianic Jews Accepted by the Jewish Community?
Every Jew in the first century knew that Jesus was Jewish. That was not an issue. And while there were mixed reports regarding his character and competency—some thought he was a troublemaker, others saw him as an ignorant Galilean, still others believed he was sent from God—most concluded that he was not the Messiah. To believe otherwise would mean exclusion from the synagogue.
How do you respond when people say that the Jews killed Jesus?
As a Jewish person, it’s not uncommon to hear the occasional comment about penny-pinching frugality. It’s not irregular to be asked abrupt questions about our religious practices or political stances. Occasionally, one could even be the recipient of a string of incoherent obscenities. None of the above are acceptable.
Want to have an open dialogue?
If you’re interested in exploring new ideas around Jesus, write us a message.