Jesus in the Jewish New Year
Christians are often accused of “inserting Jesus” into the text of the Hebrew Bible or into Jewish customs or practices, where to some, He simply is not there.
“So, what about Rosh Hashanah?[1] I suppose you’ll even try to find some way to say that it’s about Him too.”
Yes, Rosh Hashanah’s focus on repentance, “the ten days of awe,”[2] and the selected Torah and Haftarah (section from the prophets) readings have such Messianic shadows clearly cast by the person of Jesus, that they ring as loud as the sound of the shofars blown on this holiday.
The First Day of Rosh Hashanah
The Torah portion read is Genesis 21:1-34, while the Haftarah portion is 1 Samuel 1:1-2:10.
The Second Day of Rosh Hashanah
The Torah portion is Genesis 22:1-24, while the Haftarah portion is Jeremiah 31:1-19.
We are not inserting Jesus into the text
One cannot help but find the Messianic themes and allusions in the Scriptures read on these two days in the synagogue. We did not put Jesus in these passages – we found Him there! From miraculous births, prophetic prayers, a near sacrifice of the son of promise, to a time of redemption for Israel in the last days, all are here in the texts. Both Zacharias, father of John the Baptizer, and Mary, Jesus’ mother, quote from the prayer of Hannah that is read in the Haftarah portion on the first day.[3]
Miraculous births
Sarah was 90 years old. Hannah’s womb was closed. Both these miraculous births point to the One whom Isaiah said would be born from a virgin,[4] which was fulfilled by the birth of Jesus.
First use of the word love
In a blog[5] written in March of 2020, I noted the Hebrew word[6] love is found in one of the passages read on Rosh Hashanah.[7] Not only does the passage with Abraham and Isaac show the faith of both Abraham and Isaac, it looks forward to the greater Son, begotten of God, who would die as an offering for sin as the Lamb of God.[8]
Jeremiah speaks of a great future for Israel
The passage from Jeremiah 31:15 is referred to in the book of Matthew.[9] Later the same chapter speaks of a New Covenant that God will make with His people (Jeremiah 31:33-34).[10]
He is there, can we show you where?
Starting in the first book of the Bible we can find Jesus; we find Him as the key component for God’s redemptive plan for Israel and the nations. You can be assured that your name will be written in the Book of Life[11] not just for a year but for eternity.
If you are curious
We would love to speak with you in detail of how these passages point to the Messiah because in each of these readings there is much more to be said. To start a chat, insearchofshalom.com.
Written by Jeff, Life in Messiah staff
How do you celebrate Rosh Hashanah?
Do you have assurance that your name is in the Book of Life?
To learn more about this holiday, check out: Rosh Hashanah.
Endnotes:
[1] https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/rosh-hashanah-history.
[2] https://www.jewfaq.org/days_of_awe.
[3] Luke 1:69; Luke 1:46-55.
[4] Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23.
[5] https://lifeinmessiah.org/blog/first-love-the-passover-puzzle.
[6] Hebrew word ahava from the root ahav “to love” (affection based on a close relationship).
[7] Genesis 22:2; John 3:16.
[8] Isaiah 52:13-53:12; John 1:29.
[9] Matthew 2:16-18.
[10] Though not read on Rosh Hashanah this promise appears only 14 verses later.
[11] Daniel 12:1; Luke 10:20; Revelation 3:5; Revelation 21:7.