Jesus Was Not a Christian

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham begat Isaac, Issac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Judah and his brothers, From the Gospel of Matthew 1:1-2 (New King James Version)

If you are Jewish and on the fence about who Jesus is, then perhaps this may be a pivotal moment for your world view. Israeli born Jew and President of One for Israel, Dr. Erez Soref, says Yeshua, Jesus, as Israel’s promised messiah, is the best kept secret from the Jewish people. He says, “The kindest thing you could ever do for a Jewish person is to share Jesus with them.”

When many Jews read the genealogy of Jesus, a Jew who was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, they are very surprised if not shocked. Matthew, a fellow Jew, and personal disciple of Yeshua, was one of four who documented in their gospels the life, works and words, of the Jewish rabbi who revealed Himself as Israel’s promised messiah through many infallible proofs.

Three of the four men that wrote the gospels were Jewish, all born and raised in Israel. The fourth (Luke) was a Gentile physician who became a proselyte to Yeshua. Luke was a historian of the highest caliber and carefully documented the many witnessed accounts of Jesus’ life possibly from those still living at the time who had known Him personally. Luke’s quest for empirical evidence traced the Jewish genealogy of Yeshua from Joseph (Jesus’ supposed father), back through Joseph’s father, Heli, through King David, ending at the beginning of Creation with Adam (Gospel of Luke 3:23-38).

The surprise in hearing the responses of the many Jews who learned of the semitic roots of Yeshua is always interesting. They thought he was a catholic, the pope, or a Christian leader who wrote the New Testament as a guidebook to persecute and slaughter Jews. Listen to their testimonials of shock and wonder for yourself at ‘oneforisrael.com.’

When I do present the gospel to a Jewish person, I encourage them to read only the first two verses of Matthew’s gospel in the New Testament. "Wait, What? Really? This isn't what I've been told." It is enough to pique the interest of most to read further.

 Jesus was not a catholic, or a pope. He was not even a Christian. Christians are those who revere and follow His teachings. The term Christian was a cheap-shot moniker pinned on Jewish believers in Yeshua by Antiochian society around AD 40. It was originally meant to be a slur but it suited believers and was soon adapted by them as a sign of regard and reverence to Christ.

If you are interested in this person, Jesus, yet remain hesitant, let me offer a suggestion that can reveal understanding or at least the first glimmer of that spiritual sunrise you’ve been waiting for. Just ask Him. 

It’s OK.  Just pray, “Jesus, I’m not sure that you are who people say you are or if you are even real. I am asking you to reveal to me that you are real and the chosen messiah of Israel. Please show me. That is all I ask.”

You will not lose your Jewish roots and identity when you believe in Yeshua. You will find you become more Jewish, for Yeshua said, “Salvation is of (or comes from) the Jews,” (Gospel of John 4:22).

Jesus is not a Christian in the sense of the guy who shows up for Sunday morning church with Bible in hand. The only ‘bible’ Jesus had was the Tanach. He taught from the writings of Moses and all the prophets and said they foretold His coming (Gospel of Luke 24:22-27). He’s thoroughly Jewish and He is thoroughly wanting to reveal Himself to you.

As I heard one brother’s challenge to an atheist, “Why not trust Jesus? What have you got to lose?” you can do the same right now. Perhaps this devotional blog is that very answer and sign you have been asking for. It is no accident you are reading this. Today is your day of salvation.

 The challenged atheist I spoke of did ask, and Jesus showed him who He really is. This man believed and God was faithful to meet him where he lived. He went from rage to peace and has been a friend and brother in Christ to me for over 50 years. Whether Jew or Gentile I offer that same challenge. Just ask Him. Really, what do you have to lose?

Maranatha,

Ken

If you believe Yeshua, Jesus, is the promised Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world and want to know Him, you can pray this prayer from your heart and He will hear it: “Jesus, I believe you are the Promised One of Israel. I believe You came to bring us freedom from the tyranny of Satan and sin and will one day restore Israel to its rightful place with You. I want to honor and serve You now and I ask you into my heart and to forgive and pardon all my sin. Lead and guide me by Your Holy Spirit. Amen” 

Now, if you prayed that prayer and want to move further in your relationship with Yeshua, I encourage you to read the Gospel of John in the New Testament, then look for a fellowship that teaches the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. If you are Jewish and wish to join a Messianic fellowship, there is more than likely one near you and would welcome you. Get involved with other believers in Yeshua! It is a good beginning. This Jewish Jesus, Yeshua, is real and alive. May He grant you insight and understanding in Himself as your relationship grows. Grace and Peace to you.