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Christianity Today, March, 2008 |

Foolish Things

Why Evangelize the Jews?

God's chosen people need Jesus as much as we do.

Stan Guthrie | posted 3/25/2008 08:35AM

Larry King is not known as a tough interviewer. Yet with smooth-talking pastor and author Joel Osteen, he went for the jugular, asking whether Jews and Muslims must believe in Christ to go to heaven. ...

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Jake Benifide

Posted: April 05, 2008 11:30 AM

Can anyone ever justify evangilization? It disregards people as ends in themselves. We as believers in the true God Jesus Christ, should have respect for those different believers. If we do not, then we are not acting in his image. Evangilization is laced with trickery and deciet. We never display the balanced story of the Catholic church. We only show the good parts, the good gospels, the good men, but not the bad. In such a propaganda-esque way of bringing people to our faith, should we not feel guilty. Would you want anyone in our faith, that has been tricked into believing only select parts of the bible. We only want rational people, who come to the faith after completely analyzing the facts. We must remove our trickery, and try not to decieve because in the end it is only hurting us. Let the Jews be God's Choosen people or let them believe that, let moslims believe in thier dogma's because we are the people of the Lord savior. And only through him can anyone reach salvation.

Matt	Posted: April 01, 2008 8:10 PM

Ok, where do I begin? To 'X': At least attach some logic to your emotional ranting. To John: Jesus is THE way. The heathens are barred from a relationship with God, because whoever rejects the Son, also rejects the Father. Christians aren't interested in learning from teachers of other faiths because their author is Satan. I say Christians have an obligation teach their religion to the Heathen world - Christian's job is to make the Heathen's aware of their sin and rebellion against the holy and just Almighty God - and to make them aware of the impending judgment that will fall upon the whole face of the world. Either your sin will be punished on Christ's Cross, or it'll be punished on your head in eternity in Hell. If you're Christian - then stop getting your spiritual advice from Oprah, and start reading your Bible. If you're a Heathen - then pray for your salvation through THE Justification.

Paul T. Anderson

Posted: March 31, 2008 3:30 PM

Haven't Christians done enough to the Jews and people of other religious traditions throughout the years? I say just leave them only. I think it is the epitome of arrogance to claim that Christianity is better than Judaism or any other religion. Every person relates to the divine in his or her own way, and as long as they are not harming anyone in the process, Christians should keep a respectful distance. Sixty to seventy percent of so-called Christians don't attend religious services at all. The church ought to be reaching out to these people and not individuals and groups who have already found strength, peace, and well being with their own religious traditions.

Kon	Posted: March 27, 2008 8:27 PM

Excellent article. I will remember the line 'we have much to apologise for, but not for the gospel'. It is strange this talk of how wrong it is to 'target' one particular group over another. As if we are shooting at them! God so targetted the world that He sent His Messiah? A 'missionary' does not give up his life to 'target' people, but is motivated by love and a particular call of God to a group of people. The time of the Jews to receive their Messiah is coming and is already here. I think we should see God's sovereign hand in this.

Mike Kager, Jr.

Posted: March 27, 2008 12:04 PM

Uh, yeah. This makes perfect sense. We are to preach the gospel to all nations, that includes the Jewish people. They were the firsto to hear, to have a covenant relationship with God. That offer is still open to all who believe, no matter what faith they are. Why do we single out the Jewsih people? If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you need rescued for whoever. It is a like the weight scales, we honor our past Judaic heritage but that does not mean they have a special status. The NT is crystal clear on the way of salvation for whomever would choose to believe.

In fairness to the Catholic bishops

Posted: March 27, 2008 10:28 AM

Well said, Stan. In fairness to the Catholic bishops of the United States, however, the document "Reflections on Covenant and Mission" was not an official document of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Cardinal Keeler of Baltimore was the principal author, and received a great deal of criticism after he released it. Cardinal Keeler clarified himself that it was not an official document of the USCCB, and the USCCB has refused to but the document on their website. While there may be some Catholic bishops confused about this, the Catholic Church as a whole certainly understand that Jesus Christ needs to be preached to all - Jews included.

Ephrem Hagos

Posted: March 27, 2008 6:38 AM

As any unbiased, bona fide, full-time disciple (student) of Jesus Christ would know, firsthand and personal knowledge of Jesus in terms of His self-revealing "authority" (works) at His death on the cross is prime factor or mandatory for salvation and eternal life for all mankind (John 17). The problem is our complete failure to identify and propagate these special works which were once well known by the Apostles including Paul. Preminary outline is shown in www.the2keys.com. Any other strategy for salvation and evangelism is counterfeit and deception!

Anna	Posted: March 26, 2008 8:33 PM

Let's see. Jesus was the first Jew to teach Christianity to the Jews, his people. It was only the woman at the well who made him consider teaching beyond the Jews. So, I guess it's okay to teach about Jesus to the Jews, his first subjects. Perhaps it's our guilty feelings about for centuries hating the Jews for killing Jesus that makes us leave them alone. Good thing we didn't hate the Romans for killing Jesus because none of us would right now be Christians, would we. For God's sake, it's time we get pass feeling guilty about converting or bringing Christianity to non-Christians because it was our first order from Jesus to spread the word. He never said to pick and choose to whom we spread the word. So, in effect we're obeying an order that Jesus never gave and not fully obeying the order he did give.

Roger Bradley

Posted: March 26, 2008 1:27 PM

Yesterday I was one of six pall bearers for a Jewish friend with whom I had many discussions concerning the person of Jesus Christ. He would always initiate the discussions with a question and by the grace of God I seemed to always have an answer for him. I never coerced or pushed. I made it a point to merely be his friend. My wife and I also went to his synagogue a couple of times where I saw his genuine love for and worship of Adoni. He respected our faith, and I his. When he was diagnosed with cancer I told him we would pray for him. He thanked me. To my knowledge he did not formally accept Jesus Christ as his lord and savior because to do so would be to deny his "Jewishness" and all he was taught to believe. But I have hope and trust in our perfectly just and merciful Lord who desires none to be lost and I am not so sure that with my friend's last breath he was not embraced by Him who's life is the light of all men.

Gerg	Posted: March 26, 2008 9:27 AM


"I love and respect the Jewish people and their faith... But That's an awfully big BUT you have there

Brent Vermillion

Posted: March 26, 2008 8:04 AM


Of course, Christians are to evangelize jews, gentiles, muslims, atheists, nominal christians who do not know Christ, men, women and children of every age, race and persuasion. To not do so would be to directly disobey Jesus Christ last words, The Great Commission.

Jim D.

Posted: March 25, 2008 11:08 PM

I have heard lots of arguments about whether Jews need Jesus or not. Based on my reading of Scripture, I have to take Scripture at face value. Jesus said Iam the Way the Truth and the Life, there is no other way to the Father except through me, or we are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus the Christ. I cannot misconstrue this to make it say anything else. I believe everyone whether they be Jew or Gentile needs Jesus. First for the Jew than for the Gentile. God Bless Us: Everyone!!!

Roger - Australia

Posted: March 25, 2008 10:33 PM

Although Jews are special and chosen to God, if they have not yet accepted Jesus as Saviour, King, Prophet & High Priest, they need to hear and accept the Gospel as much as any other unsaved person. Simple as that. This is not disrespecting the Jewish people and the Jewish tradition. Unfortunately post-Jesus Judaism is as worthless as any other post-Jesus teaching that misses Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

Dee	Posted: March 25, 2008 10:21 PM

Althought I somewhat agree with Fred, I saw the interview with Joel and Larry King. I think that Joel was trying not alianate himself from the people that he is trying to reach with the gospel. There is so much "fire and brimstone" preaching out there...and I have to think that those who dont yet believe turn off as soon as possible. Joels message of hope is one that resonates with those that have none. As a believer, I enjoy his teaching and it helps me live better and more on fire for Christ. For the non believer, I think that it is a breath of fresh air that draws them in to the love and salvation found in Jesus. Afterall... it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance. Thank you Joel for reminding us that God is good and He desires good things for those who love him.

James Timerson

Posted: March 25, 2008 10:01 PM

The Jewish people don't need Jesus to have fellowship with God? Maybe those that follow this line of thinking should re-read the New Covenant as stated in Jer.31- who is it to? Judah and Israel. Who were the first people to be born again? Jews. Who were the first church leaders? Jews. What people group made up the majority of the church for the first 250 years? Jews. The gospel is to the Jew first and also for the Gentile. His very name, Yeshua,(means Yahweh saves) given by God thru an angelic messenger to Joseph "for He will save His people (the Jews) from their sins" Enough said ??

Ron B

Posted: March 25, 2008 9:16 PM


As a saved Jew I am very proud of my adoptive Christian mother and father who taught me about Jesus, took me to church, and were very influential in my coming to Christ. There are a tremendous number of others, including Jews, who need to know Jesus Christ personally.

Matt	Posted: March 25, 2008 8:50 PM

1) Clare: I'm not exactly sure what you mean by 'failed Messiah.' He cannot be the failed Messiah because we have an empty tomb to prove it. The Mohommedans, the Sikhs, and various other Religions/Cults have the bodies of their founders in a tomb/grave. We have an empty tomb because our Messiah is alive forever and ever. Think about it, the Jews in the first century would have loved to put the brakes on this new "Sect." They knew where they buried Jesus, and they even had Roman guards posted outside the tomb- So all they would have had to do to stop this new Sect in its tracts was to present the dead body of Jesus - the problem is, they couldn't because they had no dead body to present. Only an empty tomb. He will come again, to reign on earth and thus fulfill the remainder of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Read Isaiah 53 (for example, concerning the prophecy of a suffering Messiah). Read Daniel 10 also, you'll find that the Messiah is God (in man)

Roger

Posted: March 25, 2008 7:14 PM

Mr.Gumby, your theology is not right, for one thing: Yeshua (Jesus' real name) did not come to found a "church" He came to save the whole world and make the people join the mishpaha of Elohim. Gentiles were invited to join the Kehila, that is the synagogue. Shaul (Paul), Kefas(Peter), Yaakov (James), Miriam (Mary), Yohannan (John), etc. all of them were jews. Goyim or Gentiles are invited to accept this Moshiach from Israel. You are still thinking that Yeshuah founded the "church" with all its greek and roman paganism. Orthodox or Messianic Jews do not celebrate your christmas, easter, sunday worship nor any of the pagan ideas from "christianity". Besides, if you are a believer of Yeshua, why don't you keep the mitzvot or commandaments? I bet you do not do that. Another thing salvation comes to people by GRACE and Merciness and not by joining a a "christian" church. Shalom!

Brother Mo

Posted: March 25, 2008 6:12 PM

The heritage of the faulty hermeneutic of Christian Zionists like Pastor Hagee creates an elitisim that denigrates the Salvation procurred by The Son of God. Dispensational theology is one of the more disgusting man made systems of thinking that insults a Covenant Faithful God. Ill conceived and heretically defended it creates a mythology that Jews will get special treatment even if they reject Jeshua. Jeshua stated clearly "I am the way the Truth and the Life,no one can come to the Father except by/and through me."

The G

Posted: March 25, 2008 6:06 PM

Gunby is right! Ditto. Our sins must be justified by faith in their payment by the blood of Christ on the cross. Jesus was unmistakable: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father BUT BY ME." How clear can you be. Romans makes it plain. No matter your ethnicity, you must trust Christ for salvation. It puzzles me how sloppy everyone reads the New Testament and misses the Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament. What's not to understand in Psalm 2? "Kiss the Son!"

Jordan

Posted: March 25, 2008 5:05 PM


I am a Jew who met Jesus in adulthood. I am so very grateful that no one refused to tell me about Jesus because I am a Jew.

Kathy

Posted: March 25, 2008 3:51 PM

Clare - You’re confusing Jesus with humans who do certain things in his name. Just because some call themselves Christian does not mean that they truly follow Christ (Inquisition anyone?). Religion is very powerful and attracts many who would use it for their own selfish gains. Also, you don’t help your argument when you come to a Christian publication and insult our beliefs – “so called messiah.” This is just as wrong as those who call themselves Christian yet insult Judaism.

John D. Curry

Posted: March 25, 2008 3:23 PM

I am glad to see this article, but I wish that Stan Guthrie had gone further. The big questions, when it comes to witnessing to anyone overtly non-Christian, just don't seem to get asked, much less answered. If we are to evangelize Jews (and I say we Christians should), then *how* do we go about doing so, so that we actually pull people into Christ's fold instead of pushing them away? I want to see specifics (say this; don't say that), but does anyone ever actually go out on a limb and state explicitly what are acceptable tactics and what are not? To me, rule number one for witnessing for Christ is: "Do no harm." But that predisposes that the Christian who is doing the witnessing even thinks it is possible for them to do harm in bringing people of all walks to Christ.

threshing floor

Posted: March 25, 2008 3:20 PM

The way that questions are asked often prejudice the answer. The answer should be that Baptists, Catholics, Muslims, atheists, Pentecostalists, and Jews alike need Jesus to be saved. There are no exceptions. Were Fred Unsure truly unsure, it would become him not to suggest how to understand the Word of God. The Word of God is sure. True, as the Apostle Paul writes, we should not be judging those outside the church. God will judge those. But if Fred doesn't believe that Jews, like everyone else, will stand before Jesus in the Final Judgment, he simply doesn't believe in Jesus. We do know that Jesus will judge everyone who has lived for deeds done while in the body. How, he might judge those who have not believed in this life, is something we should, perhaps, not presume to know. Those who haven't known him here will surely miss their chance to rule and reign with him. If that's what Fred means, he did not say it.

Baptist Pastor

Posted: March 25, 2008 3:04 PM

AS someone who has worked with/for Bill Bright, I agree with his philosophy, not Guthrie's. Evangelization is not to target any group with arguments of how that group is wrong. This is especially wrong for Jewish people. If someone Jewish appears at a Bible Study, then, of course, that person will hear the Gospel. There was a nasty incident a few years ago at a Jr College in Appelton WI where uncontrolled Campus Crusade students harassed a (not religious) Jewish student with threats of hell. Bright would have disciplined the chapter. The result was that several of the active evangelical students left the movement and their congregations. There is nothing wrong with organizations focusing on particular social or sociological categories, homeless, executives, language groups, etc. But targeting people by religion is a different story.

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