HOW CHRISTIANS MAY HELP JESUS EVANGELIZE JEWS
Jesus told his followers to witness to the whole world so that whoever repents and believes in him might be saved (Mark 16:15-16, Luke 13:3). The Lord includes people of Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and all parts of the world (Acts 1:8).
However, some Gentile or non-Jewish Christians, like me, may not know how nor feel prepared to witness effectively to people of Jewish culture–especial those who have “a blindness in part” to Jesus being the promised Messiah (Romans 11:25). But convinced it is not God’s will that anyone should perish, I prayed and asked the Lord for guidance concerning witnessing to Jewish people (2 Peter 3:9; James 1:5). I was persuaded to pray for and support those whom God has prepared for this particular ministry. This is consistent with members of early churches praying for and supporting Paul in the work the Lord had special prepared him to do in his ministering to Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Romans 11:13; 15:30-31; 2 Thessalonians 3:1).
CONSIDER PAYING BACK JEWS FOR BEING USED BY GOD
Our Lord God used the work of early Jews to write the Bible (Romans 3:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). And he used the labor and suffering of Paul and other Jewish disciples to evangelize Gentiles or non-Jews, whereby we are saved today (John 20:30-31; 2 Corinthians 11:22-33; Acts of the Apostles).
RECOGNIZE GOD WANTS US TO HELP JEWISH BROTHERS AND SISTERS
The Lord said, a new commandment I give you: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John12:34). When you see your brother or sister in need, you should help them (1John 3:17) .
Participants in a Forum For World Evangelism recognized, today, “less than two percent of the world Jewry believe Jesus to be Israel’s Messiah. The participants believe that Jesus is Messiah at all ( Galatians 3:26) . Members of the Forum planned “to bring together both Jewish and non-Jewish believers involved in the field of Jewish evangelism.” And to share information and resources and to strategize on a global level, so that more Jewish people will hear and consider the good news of Jesus. They included prayer, support and training among their strategies. (The 2004 Forum for World Evangelization).
SUPPORT THOSE GOD CALLED TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH JEWS
It has been reported that there is a growing “Messianic” movement among Jews. This movement promotes “the Christian belief that Jesus is the Messiah.” Wikipedia provides a list of and information about these Messianic organizations.
Evidently, God has recently called and inspired some people to deal with difficulties in evangelizing Jewish people.
DECIDE WHO GOD WANTS YOU TO SUPPORT
I had heard about Jew for Jesus, and was impressed to pray for and financially their organization. Jews-For-Jesus express their need for prayer and contributions to successfully witness about Jesus to Jews and others throughout the world. And they offer instruction on how you might witness more effectively to Jewish friends and acquaintances.
However, they say it is more difficult to reach Jewish people with strict religious backgrounds. Yet, they say the Lord has been teaching them progressively how to overcome these obstacles.
They say, using grassroot approaches, they have been reaching people with the messianic gospel, while personally helping them with their many everyday needs.
In responding to Jesus’ command to witness to Jews and non-Jews for their salvation you might ask the Lord to lead you in praying for and supporting those he especially want you to work with.
RECEIVE GOD’S REWARDED FOR YOUR HELP, PRAYERS AND SUPPORT.
Jesus has heavenly rewards for everything we do for him and those he loves (Matthew 22:37-39; John 14:2-3; Revelation 22:12).
