What is A Messianic Jew?
A Messianic Jew is a person of Jewish heritage who maintains their Jewish identity and acknowledges Jesus, Yeshua in Hebrew, as the promised Messiah. Jewish people are descendants of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and acknowledge Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the patriarchs of Israel and the Jewish people. Historically, Jewish people have not acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah promised to Israel.
There has always been a remnant of Jewish people who have believed in Jesus since the early church. Throughout history though, as Jewish people would come to know Jesus, most would assimilate into Christian life leaving their Jewish identity in the past.
Dr. Daniel Juster, a key figure in the Messianic Jewish movement, provides valuable insights into what it means to be a Messianic Jew. In his book “Jewish Roots,” he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a Jewish identity while embracing the Messiah. Messianic Jews, as Juster asserts, are not a new sect but a fulfillment of the promises made to Israel.
A Brief History
The roots of Messianic Judaism trace back to the first-century followers of Jesus, who were predominantly Jewish. The early church was a diverse community that included both Jewish and Gentile believers. However, as the centuries unfolded, the separation between Judaism and Christianity became more pronounced.
As stated before, most Jews who came to receive Jesus as their Messiah, assimilated entirely into the Christian life often having to choose whether to be a Christian or a Jew. Around the same time, Christians did not have direct access to the Bible and had to rely on their priests to teach them. All that changed with the Reformation, the translating of the Bible and the invention of the printing press 16th century making the Bible available for anyone to read. People began to read the word for themselves and understand that God was not finished with His people, Israel.
You may recall Count Zinzendorf as the Father of the Moravian Church and the glorious 100 yrs of ongoing prayer that he instituted in Herrnhut, Germany. It is interesting to know that in the midst of his love for missions and prayer, he also had a revelation of God’s heart for the Jewish people through reading the scriptures. He understood Romans 1:16 and honored it so much so that he sent people to the Jewish community in Amsterdam to share the gospel. He even arranged for Jewish – Christian couples to marry according to Jewish rites and attempted more than once to start a Jewish believing expression in his own community. One thing that is certain about him is that he valued Israel and the Jewish people in intercession and even added prayers to the Moravian litany for Israel.
Modern Messianic Judaism
In recent decades, there has been a revival of interest in the Jewish roots of Christianity. This led to the emergence of the Messianic Jewish movement. Daniel Juster, drawing on historical and biblical perspectives, highlights the continuity between the early Jewish followers of Jesus and the modern Messianic Jewish community. Many many Jewish young people came to receive Jesus in the 1960’s as the Jesus Movement spread across America. Here is where the modern Messianic Movement begins. It was at this time that Jews who came to faith in Jesus were realizing that they don’t have to give up their Jewish heritage. They can fully embrace their ancestral traditions while fully embracing the revelation that Jesus is their long awaited Messiah. Congregations with a distinct Jewish expression began to grow. They became a place where believing Jews could maintain their Jewish heritage while pursuing the teachings of Jesus.
Embracing Jewish Traditions
One distinctive aspect of Messianic Judaism is the intentional acceptance of Jewish traditions. Messianic Jews observe the Sabbath. They celebrate Jewish festivals such as Passover and Hanukkah. They also participate in customs deeply rooted in Jewish heritage. This practice is not a rejection of faith in Jesus. It is an affirmation of the rich cultural and religious heritage passed down through generations. By keeping these traditions, Messianic Jews forge a spiritual connection with their ancestors and reaffirm the continuity of God’s redemptive plan for Israel.
Today, more than 350,000 Messianic Jews worship in their own congregations worldwide, with approximately 20,000 of those residing in Israel.
Messianic Judaism is a vibrant expression of faith. A faith that embraces the richness of Jewish heritage while remaining rooted in the belief in Jesus. It is a continuation of the ancient covenant between God and His people. It demonstrates the unity and diversity within the body of Christ.
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