Y Not I

This article gives keen insight into the Jewish mind, more specifically that of a non-believer. I think this will bring out some things that many who have not spoken to Jews about Yeshua might not expect, as it is quite different than what you might get talking to the average Gentile non-believer.

First of all at the very start, the Jewish non-believer is likely to be hostile to the idea of the faith of Christianity. Not all Jews are well versed in the Old Testament, but almost all know the history of Christian antisemitism, including forcing Jews to debate the subject of the Messiah and also being forced to lose the debate. This might not be something many Christians today are aware of, but Jews certainly are knowledgeable about these debates. Zionism and Israel - Encyclopedic Dictionary, as part of its definition of antisemitism includes this:

Disputations - A characteristic persecution consisting of holding a public debate between a Christian priest or church official and a Rabbi or leader of the Jewish community. The debate was meant to “prove” the correctness of the Christian faith. At the conclusion of the debate, Jews were killed or subjected to mass conversion, or Jewish books such as the Talmud were burned.

Another Jewish view is the idea of “winning prizes.” Since Rabbinic Judaism is not interested in converts and actually discourages conversation in order to ensure that those wanting to convert to Rabbinic Judaism are truly dedicated and interested and not a passing fad. So, Jews often look at Christian evangelism as some sort of numbers game, a power play, so to speak. It can be at times and that is a shame, however most that share about their faith in Yeshua, or Jesus are doing so because their personal lives have been changed and they want others to find that joy and freedom as well. The distrust however is seen as business. Sometimes things like scandals involving TV evangelists give the impression that the numbers are about money, other times the distrust might be that the Christian is doing their good deed, earning their keep as a Christian, and thus roping in others is the way that Christians earn their stripes, so to speak. Believers, of course, once again are interested because of the joy they found, so it is natural and it is something that is instructed in Scripture, to share your faith with others. While the message of repentance can sink in with those that follow no god, a Jew will look at himself as in good shape spiritually, for we are the children of Abraham, the chosen people.

Rabbinic Judaism teaches a respect for Christianity, for non-Jews. Basically, it is taught that it is great, for them. It helps them, but we have our thing, our relationship with God. Michael Brown, one of the debaters in the article has an excellent article about the uniqueness of reaching the Jewish people called, Jewish Apologetics: Christianity’s Ongoing And Unique Challenge. Dr. Brown offers a number of suggestions and is a great resource in this subject.

Recent years have shown increasing numbers of Jews that are finding the Messiah. The time is drawing near. The Spirit is moving and calling many Jews back to the Scriptures. It is a wonderful time to see these happening and experience them. Messianic Judaism is even, in small ways gaining some acceptance by some in the Rabbinic or secular Jewish communities. That can only happen when our faith is genuine and our expression and love true. Forced debates server no purpose but stroke the ego of those doing the forcing.

Lastly, the article shows a great deal of traditional Jewish humor. It is true that traditionally, most of the Jewish holidays have certain foods associated with them, and many of them recount victories over enemies, so the association is natural and just humorous. Used here the author actually seems to be saying he defeated and enemy in a similar manner, so let’s celebrate the victory and eat. He closes the article with a quote from some unlinked site that finishes, “Above all, pray that many Jewish people will attend the meetings and be compelled by the evidence…”, and that serves to close his argument and call for the food. While many Christians might not see a problem, once again the word compelled might bring forth an idea of being forced. Better wording and what I will close with is:

Above all, pray that many Jewish people will hear the good news of the Jewish Messiah and that the Spirit move through the evidence revealed.

B”H