“Why don’t you be like those good Christians who leave us alone?”
It has been several years since I stood on a city sidewalk engaged in a conversation with a Hasidic man. As he faced me, his eyes looked directly into mine, his black fedora nestled snugly on his head.
“Why don’t you be like those good Christians who leave the Jewish people alone?”
Many times, since that day I have encountered other Jewish people who echo the same sentiment when I bring Jesus into the conversation. On this occasion, the person was a warm, intelligent man originally from Tunisia. While he had no issues with me and my faith, his opposition was that I would speak to him (or other Jewish people) about my belief in Jesus. Not only that, but I also suggested they should also believe in Him as I do!
I remember pausing, and then rather than replying, asking him a question.
“So, you believe that being a good Christian means a Christian who does not talk to people about Jesus?”
It was his turn to pause before speaking. “Talk to whoever you want to, but just leave the Jews alone.”
Therein lies the problem. It is understandably loaded with much historical and emotional evidence that begs one to embrace this request – and sadly, many do.
But then the question becomes, what is the voice we are listening to as followers of the Messiah.
Certainly, the annals of history validate this man’s plea. For example, mistreatment of the Jewish people throughout European history includes a sorrowful list: the Crusades[1], Spanish Inquisition[2], pogroms[3] and the Holocaust. In each instance, many “Christians” either directly participated or passively looked the other way.
Does this “voice” of accumulated historical travesties override the “voice” of Scripture which clearly and directly commands and compels followers of Jesus to proclaim the gospel to the Jewish people and the “nations?”[4]
What does it mean to be a “good Christian?” There are hundreds of answers people could give to that question. But one thing is quite decided: purposely not sharing the gospel is not the biblical protocol for a faithful follower of Jesus.
We cannot change history. We cannot adequately answer or understand why people, groups, and governments have done things under the name or guise of Christianity. But we certainly can acknowledge the shameful reality of that history and bemoan and repudiate the abhorrent acts, laws, and murders that occurred.
So, what voice do we listen to and follow? The one that embodies the Word of God,[5] the Scriptures, rightly interpreted in their context.
The way we “listen” is the key.
Numerous times in the Hebrew Scriptures the Lord uses the word shema[6] in Hebrew. It not only means to hear or listen, but also to understand what is heard and then to act upon and obey it.
This is how, as a follower of Jesus, we are to act when we hear the command that compels us to tell the Jewish people and others the gospel. This means to do so in love. To do so with clarity. To be aware and sensitive to history but bold and unwavering on the truth of who Jesus is and His message of salvation.
Being a “good Christian” is defined in many ways and is quite subjective to say the least. Often people’s background, biases, and understanding of the Scriptures is so varied that the meaning poured into those words does not express what the Bible says and means. And sometimes their views directly contradict God’s Word.
How should we process the opinion expressed by the man I met on the street: “Talk to anyone you wish but leave the Jews alone”? Contrast his statement with that of a former religious leader, a Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.[7]
Some view “to the Jew first” merely as historical chronology. After all, the gospel was promised in Isaiah[8] and then faithfully preached first in Jerusalem[9] by a first-century Jewish follower of Jesus.
But the Greek word proton which is translated “first” also can have the meaning of “especially.” Paul’s “to the Jew proton” is based on the wider context of the Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures) which clearly depicts the role of the nation of Israel in God’s eternal purposes. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob intends for followers of Jesus to prioritize reaching His people with the gospel. This way they may receive His promises as they embrace their Messiah and fulfill their role for Him.[10]
Jesus gave His disciples the command to preach to the nations and make disciples,[11] starting in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and reaching to the ends of the earth.[12] That call remains today – as does the call to speak to the Jewish community worldwide about the one of whom Moses and the prophets wrote, the Messiah Yeshua![13]
Being an obedient follower of Messiah Jesus includes proclaiming the message of salvation through faith in Him. But proclaiming the gospel as a “good Christian” – even when done in humility, faith, and obedience – may cause some people to reject, ridicule, and despise you. But to hear those words “well done good and faithful servant”[14] from our Messiah one day, will far surpass any earthly opposition.
So, to the Jewish community that rejects our message and asks that we cease our efforts, it is not our desire to offend you. But we must listen to the voice of God rather than man. And if Yeshua truly is the Messiah of Israel and Savior of mankind, how unloving it would be of us to withhold that good news from the very people to whom it was first given and through whom was first proclaimed?
To fellow believers who believe we should not preach the gospel to the Jewish people, we ask: “If there is one name given under heaven whereby, we must be saved,”[15] how can you withhold that from the nation God chose as His own?”
We echo the sentiments of the Apostle Paul who exclaimed, “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved.”[16]
Written by Jeff, LIFE Staff
Have you ever intentionally withheld the gospel from someone? For what reason?
What is preventing you from sharing the life-saving message with your Jewish friends?
To whose voice are you “shema-ing” (listening)?
Need more evidence of God’s enduring heart for the Jewish people? We’d love to have that conversation. Please contact us at office@lifeinmessiah.org or call 708-418-0020.
Recommended reading:
Jews Don't Need Jesus. . .and other Misconceptions: Reflections of a Jewish Believer by Avi Snyder.
Endnotes:
[1] https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-crusades.
[2] https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-inquisition.
[3] https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/what-were-pogroms/.
[4] Jesus focused the early part of His ministry on “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6; 15:24). In the Great Commission He extended the scope of ministry, commanding us to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).
[5] Psalm 12:6; 19:7; 33:4; 119:160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 3:16.
[6] שָׁמַע – Genesis 26:5; Deuteronomy 6:4.
[7] Romans 1:16.
[8] Isaiah 40:1-13; Proverbs 30:1-5.
[9] Acts 2:1-42.
[10] Paul gives more evidence of this “priority” view in Romans 2 and Romans 9-11.
[11] Matthew 28:18-20.
[12] Acts 1:6-8.
[13] Exodus 15:2; Isaiah 12:2; Psalm 118:14; Isaiah 62:11; Matthew 1:21.
[14] Matthew 25:23.
[15] Acts 4:12.
[16] Romans 10:1.