JESUS CALLS CHRISTIANS TO HELP EVANGELIZE JEWS
Jesus told those who believed in him as their Savior: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15-16). “And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). “Whatever you [do] for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you [do] for me” (Matthew 25:40). For God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” of salvation through his Son Jesus Christ (1Timothy 2:4; John 14:6).
CHRISTIANS OWE JESUS AND OTHER JEWS A DEBT FOR CONTRIBUTING TO OUR SALVATION AND EVANGELIZATION.
JESUS WAS A JEW, according to the flesh (Matthew 1). He was the Son of God who suffered and died for the salvation of Jews and Gentiles who believe in him as their Lord and Savior. (John 3:16).
JEWISH WRITERS wrote the Scriptures that allow us to recognize Jesus Christ as God’s Savior of the world (John 20:30-31; Romans 3:2). “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter1:21). Jesus said, “These are the very Scriptures that testify about me” (John 5:39).
THE APOSTLE PAUL WAS A JEW, whom the Lord Jesus Christ called to primarily evangelize Gentiles (non-Jews) with the gospel of salvation (Acts 9:15-16; Romans 11:13). Letters in the Bible written by Paul to various churches he established, and which help us in our salvation today, attest to his suffering in evangelizing Gentiles. In comparing his suffering to other apostles, Paul wrote the following: “Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again…28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?…31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying” (2 Corinthians 11:23-31 NIV).
The Word of God says: “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8). Today, many people believe that “paying forward” is a way of showing love to others for what you owe.
MY RESPONSE TO JESUS’ CALL TO HELP EVANGELIZE JEWS.
A Jewish Messianic group, Jews for Jesus, whom I have started to support, said they need the help of Christians in their efforts to evangelizing peoples of Jewish communities all over the world for the Lord. Speaking as a Gentile Christian, I feel we owe Jesus and Paul, who were Jews of the flesh, for their suffering that we might receive the gospel and be saved.
However, after hearing reports from this group about what it takes, to be effective in evangelizing Jews, I decided they were better equipped culturally and by the Lord for this particular work. Yet. I believed I could best help by praying and supporting them financially. This is consistent with members of early churches praying for and supporting Paul in the work the Lord had called him to do in his ministering to Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Romans 11:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:1).
I DECIDED TO PRAY AND GIVE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO JEWS FOR JESUS TO HELP WITH THINGS THEY ARE DOING EFFECTIVELY.
The following are some of the things Jews For Jesus report they have done in reaching Jews for Jesus; and for which I decided to give my support.
- They have reached men in strict Jewish communities by broadening their “their effort to reach Haredi men by creating online ads for the Mew Testament in Yiddish. ”They have helped men known as “Double-lifers,” who are secretly exploring the world outside of their community.” The have helped them in “navigating the secular world, including how to find housing, a jobs and how to learn English.” They also began “the creation of new animated videos to help teach and illustrate Biblical truths in the Hebrew language.”
- In Jewish communities around the world, Jews For Jesus have hosted “Bible studies, Jewish holiday dinners, family events, and various other kinds of gatherings.” And “these lead to deeper relationships and even more opportunities to share the gospel.”
- Jews For Jesus have “opened the first and only Christian shelter in Israel to help Hebrew-speaking women escape homelessness, prostitution, and addiction” And they “offer shelter, support, and healing while inviting these women to experience the life-changing strength and love of Jesus.”
HOW MIGHT YOU DECIDE TO HELP EVANGELIZE JEWS AS WELL AS GENTILES?
Jews for Jesus has asked for the help of Christians in evangelizing Jews. If you have not already decided how to help, you might consider the following things in deciding.
You may consider that there is a growing “Messianic” movement among Jews. This movement promotes “the Christian belief that Jesus is the Messiah.” Wikipedia provides a list Messianic organization and information about them. Social media has information on groups that are involved in Christian evangelism.
JESUS SAID:
To anyone who might blame Jews for taking part in his crucifixion, Jesus tells them, as he said to the Father, “forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Furthermore, he said: “No one can take my life from me. He said he sacrificed his life voluntarily for the sins of the world (Philippians 2:6-8) And said: “I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded” (John 10 :18 NLT).
“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John12:34). Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you“ (Ephesians 4:32)
And when you see your brother or sister in need, you should help them (1 John 3:17)
The Lord said, when we appear before him, he will say: “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
And whatever you do for “one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded” (Matthew 10:42)
