Section 2–Class 4: A Jewish Look at the New Testament

Section 2–A Jewish Perspective on the Scriptures

Class 4: A Jewish Look at the New Testament

Teacher: Dr. Dan Sered

Previous Class ⎜ All Courses ⎜ Discussion Group

Class Notes

Jewish People Discovering the New Testament

• Jewish readers are often surprised by how Jewish the New Testament is.

Example: Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus resembles genealogies in Genesis, Numbers, and Chronicles.

• The genealogy directly points to Jesus’ identity as the Jewish Messiah.
• Many Jewish people are also shocked by how the New Testament quotes the Hebrew Scriptures (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah).

Example: In Matthew 4, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6, 8, and 10 when tempted in the wilderness.

Four Key Themes in the Gospels That Resonate with Jewish Readers

1. Israel
   • The New Testament takes place in familiar Jewish locations:
     • John the Baptist preaches at the Jordan River.
     • Jesus walks on water at the Sea of Galilee.
     • The disciples and Jesus celebrate Passover in Jerusalem.
   • Jewish historical figures appear:
     • Zechariah and Simeon serve in the Temple.
     • King Herod is known from Jewish history outside the Bible.

2. The Law (Torah)

• Jesus’ teachings are deeply rooted in the Torah, not self-made teachings like a guru’s.

Example: The Sermon on the Mount:

• • Jesus discusses Torah commandments, traditional rabbinic interpretations, and their true intent.
  • Matthew 5:21–30: Jesus equates anger with murder and lust with adultery.
  • Matthew 5:31–32: Jesus reinterprets divorce, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage.
  • Matthew 5:38–42: Jesus challenges “eye for an eye” by promoting mercy over strict justice.

Example: Pharisees and Sadducees try to trap Jesus with questions (Matthew 22:15–46; Luke 10:25–37).

• • Jesus answers wisely, demonstrating a deep knowledge of Jewish law.
  • Parable of the Good Samaritan: Expands “love your neighbor” beyond just Jewish people.

3. The Sabbath (Shabbat)

• Sabbath observance is central in Judaism.

Example: Some Orthodox Jews define religious identity based on Shabbat observance.

• Jesus teaches that the Sabbath is a gift from God, not just a set of rigid rules.
• Jesus heals and allows gleaning on the Sabbath, emphasizing mercy over legalism.

3. Jewish Feasts and Traditions

• Many of Jesus’ teachings align with Jewish festivals:
  • John 7:37–39: Jesus references the Feast of Tabernacles’ water ceremony, calling Himself the source of living water.
  • John 10:22–39: Jesus teaches during Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication), contrasting Himself with Antiochus IV, who desecrated the Temple.

Beyond the Gospels: The New Testament’s Jewish Foundation

• Romans 4: Paul explains that righteousness by faith (not works) was already taught in the Hebrew Bible.
  • Genesis 15:6: “Abraham believed the Lord, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
• Circumcision in Jewish Law and the New Testament
  • Galatians 5: Paul teaches that circumcision is not the ultimate sign of faith—true faith and love matter more.
  • Romans 9–11: Paul clarifies God’s purpose for the Jewish people:
  • Israel was chosen not for privilege but to bring salvation to the world.
• The Temple and the New Covenant
  • The Hebrew Bible ends with uncertainty about how to worship God after the temple’s destruction.
  • The New Testament reveals Jesus as:
    • The High Priest who intercedes for us.
    • The Sacrificial Lamb who atones for sins.
    • The New Temple, where God’s presence dwells in His people.

Encouragement for Engaging with Jewish People

• Many Jewish people’s lives have been transformed by reading the New Testament.
• If they read it with an open mind, they will see its deep Jewish roots.
• You may be the first person to share the New Testament with them—don’t be afraid!
• Even ultra-Orthodox Jews are amazed by Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount.
• Challenge Jewish seekers to read the New Testament and see what they discover for themselves.

Previous Class ⎜ All Courses ⎜ Discussion Group