Section 1–Class 3: Answering Jewish Questions About Jesus

Section 1–Introduction to Jewish Evangelism

Class 3: Answering Jewish Questions About Jesus

Teacher: Laura Barron

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Class Notes

Jewish Resistance to the Gospel

• Christians know the gospel is good news—it offers life and relationship with God.
• Many Jewish people shrug it off: “That works for you as a Christian, but I’m Jewish.”
• Key to engagement:
  • Ask questions.
  • Listen.
  • Get to know them personally.
  • Have a true dialogue rather than just presenting information.
• Quote from Laura’s grandmother: “God gave you two ears and only one mouth.” (Emphasizing the importance of listening)

Four Common Jewish Reactions to Jesus

1. Believing that “Jews Can’t Be Jewish and Believe in Jesus”

• Many Jewish people are taught this from childhood, even if they haven’t thought it through.
• Common misconceptions:
  • Christianity is irrelevant to Jews.
  • “Jesus is only for Gentiles.”
  • Stereotypes: Christians blame Jewish people for Jesus’ death, worship idols, or are opposed to Jews.
• They may not ask questions about your faith due to these assumptions.
• Your role: Gently challenge preconceived ideas and offer a compelling perspective.

2. Defending Judaism Without Believing in It

• Many Jewish people:
  • They are not religious but still defend Judaism.
  • Have never read the Bible—including the Old Testament.
  • Assume they are automatically right with God because they are Jewish.
• Biblical parallel:
  • Jesus challenged this assumption in Matthew 8 by teaching that faith in Him, not birthright, grants entry into God’s kingdom.
• Helpful response:
  • Share your personal journey of faith.
  • Explain that Christianity is not a replacement for Judaism but rather the fulfillment of God’s promises.

3. Seeing Evangelism as a Threat to Jewish Survival

• Many Jews see Christianity as historically harmful to Jewish people.
• Some fear that believing in Jesus means abandoning their heritage.
• There is a deep sociological barrier, not just theological.
  • The “unspoken contract”: “If you believe in Jesus, you are no longer part of us.”
• Your role:
  • Show respect for Jewish identity and traditions.
  • Emphasize that faith in Jesus doesn’t erase Jewish heritage.

4. Jewish People May Be Jealous of Your Faith

• Romans 11:11–12: Paul says salvation has come to the Gentiles “to make them jealous.”
• Jewish people:
  • Desire a close relationship with God.
  • Recognize your joy, peace, and confidence in faith.
• Your role:
  • Take your own walk with God seriously.
  • Be an authentic witness through love for:
    • The Hebrew Scriptures
    • The Jewish Messiah
    • The people of Israel

How Jesus Answered Questions

• Jesus didn’t always answer directly.
  • Out of 183 questions He was asked, He responded with another question or story 180 times.
• Example:
  • A Jewish woman angrily asked, “Does God send good people to hell?”
  • She cited her Holocaust survivor grandmother who was a generous and kind person.
  • Laura responded: “Do you believe in hell?”
  • The woman said no, revealing that her question wasn’t genuine but emotional.
  • This led to a deeper conversation about family and legacy.

Common Jewish Objections to Jesus

1. “Jews don’t need a mediator.”

• Some claim that needing a mediator (Jesus) is “un-Jewish.”
• Biblical response:
  • Moses was a mediator (Exodus 20).
  • God has always used prophets, priests, and sacrifices to intercede for people.
  • Jesus is the ultimate Mediator.

2. “Christians believe in three gods.” (Trinity Objection)

• The Trinity is often seen as a Christian invention.
• Biblical response:
  • The concept of God’s multi-dimensional nature is in the Hebrew Scriptures.
  • Genesis 1:26: “Let us make man in our image.”
  • The Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) is present throughout Tanakh (Old Testament).

3. “If Jesus is the Messiah, why don’t all Jews believe in Him?”

• The majority isn’t always right—history proves that.
• Many Jewish people do believe in Jesus—they just aren’t always visible.

The Importance of Asking Questions

• Jewish people thrive on questioning.
• A Jewish seeker once wrote: “Judaism is enhanced by questions, but Christianity is not.”
  • They wanted a safe space to ask, debate, and process faith.
• Your role:
  • Encourage discussion.
  • Ask genuine, thought-provoking questions.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• Moishe Rosen’s advice (founder of Jews for Jesus): “Salesmanship is no substitute for a Spirit-led ministry.”
• Key lesson:
  • We don’t convince people—the Holy Spirit does.
  • Sometimes, people aren’t ready to respond, but seeds are planted.

Power of Prayer in Witnessing

• Sharing the gospel isn’t just proclamation—it’s also priestly ministry (prayer).
• Example: Laura’s South African Ministry:
  • Regularly visited a Jewish woman in a nursing home.
  • For 5 years, no sign of spiritual hunger.
  • 10 years later, she and her daughter both became believers!

Life Application

• Faithfully plant seeds—you may not see the results immediately.
• Take confidence in God’s work.
• Every Jewish person you meet is a potential future believer.

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