This is a question many Jewish people ask themselves at some point in their spiritual journey. As someone born and raised in Judaism, becoming a Christian can seem like a dramatic shift. However, when we examine what the Bible says, we find that Christianity is actually the fulfillment of Judaism. Jesus himself said he came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). The New Testament does not overturn the Hebrew Scriptures but rather completes them. So for a Jewish person to become a Christian is not to abandon one’s heritage but to embrace its ultimate purpose.
Jesus is the Messiah Foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures
The Hebrew Scriptures contain hundreds of prophecies about the coming Messiah. Jesus fulfilled every one of these, proving he is indeed the Messiah. Some key prophecies Jesus fulfilled include:
- Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-25)
- Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1)
- Preceded by a messenger (Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:1-2)
- Entering Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:1-11)
- Rejected by his own people (Isaiah 53:3, John 1:10-11)
- Silent before his accusers (Isaiah 53:7, Matthew 27:12-14)
- Pierced hands and feet (Psalm 22:16, Luke 23:33)
- Crucified with thieves (Isaiah 53:12, Matthew 27:38)
The Old Testament paints a vivid portrait of the Messiah hundreds of years before he came. Jesus perfectly fits this prophetic picture. He is the central figure human history revolves around. The Hebrew Scriptures point to him as the focal point.
Jesus Affirmed the Truth of the Hebrew Scriptures
Jesus himself affirmed the divine inspiration and authority of what we call the Old Testament. He referred to the Law and the Prophets constantly in his teaching. Jesus said things like “Have you not read?” (Matthew 19:4) and “It is written” (Matthew 4:4) to emphasize the abiding truth of the Hebrew Scriptures. He rebuked those who sought to distort or disobey the Scriptures (Matthew 22:29). Jesus also affirmed figures like Jonah and Noah were historical, not mythical (Matthew 12:39-40, 24:37-38). His affirmation of the Hebrew Bible as the true word of God is a strong reason for Jews to carefully consider his claims.
The New Testament Explains Judaism’s Symbolism
Much of the ritual, ceremonies and symbolism in the Hebrew Scriptures find their ultimate meaning and fulfillment in Jesus. For example, the sacrificial system was a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make on the cross (Hebrews 10:1-4). The manna God gave in the wilderness pointed to Jesus as the bread of life (John 6:31-33, 48-51). The water from the rock symbolized the living water Christ provides (1 Corinthians 10:4). The high priest in the temple pointed ahead to Jesus as the ultimate high priest (Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:23-28). The writer of Hebrews displays how Christ is the substance these Old Testament shadows pointed to (Colossians 2:16-17).
Jesus Started a Jewish Movement That Welcomed Gentiles
The early Christian church was essentially a Jewish movement that also welcomed Gentile converts. The first Christians were Jews who recognized Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah. They continued to live as Jews, observing the Sabbath, temple sacrifices, and other customs. The apostle Paul preached first in synagogues when entering a new city. Christianity is rooted in Second Temple Judaism and did not see itself as a new religion at first. It fits within the trajectory of Judaism while providing deeper insight into God’s dealings with humanity. This means Jews do not have to abandon their heritage to follow Jesus.
Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith for Both Jew and Gentile
The New Testament teaches that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not by works of the Law (Galatians 2:16). No one can earn their way to heaven by trying to keep rules and rituals. We are all saved by grace through faith in the Messiah (Ephesians 2:8-9). This means Gentiles do not have to become Jews to join God’s people. And Jews do not have to maintain their distinctive customs for salvation. Trusting in Christ’s finished work is what saves us. As Paul said, in Christ there is no difference between Jew and Gentile (Romans 10:12-13).
But Jewish Identity Remains Meaningful for Jewish Believers
While Jewish identity does not impact one’s salvation, that does not mean it loses all significance. The New Testament affirms God has not rejected the Jewish people (Romans 11:1-2). Paul says Jewish believers in Jesus have wonderful advantages (Romans 3:1-2, 9:4-5). Gentile believers are grafted into Israel’s family tree (Romans 11:17-24). Continuing to maintain a Jewish way of life and community can still be meaningful. Jewish culture helps illuminate Scripture. The church should not demand Jews to abandon their identity. Messianic Jews integrate their beliefs in Jesus with their Jewish practices.
The Church Must Repent of Anti-Semitism
Tragically, “Christianity” has a long history of persecuting Jews. The Holocaust and other atrocities were perpetrated by professing Christians. The church must loudly repudiate any hint of anti-Semitism. We must embrace our Jewish elders in the faith (Romans 11:28-29). Christian theology itself is rooted in Jewish thought forms. Jesus, all the apostles, and all the New Testament authors were Jews. The church must reflect the multi-ethnic vision of Revelation 7:9-10 which includes Jews and Gentiles together.
Most Jews Do Not Accept Jesus as Messiah
Despite the strong biblical case for Jesus, and despite the Jewish origins of Christianity, the fact remains most Jews do not accept Jesus as their Messiah. Why this is the case is a complex question with many reasons.
First, church history has made Jews understandably suspicious of Christianity. Centuries of anti-Semitism and mistreatment make it hard for them to consider Jesus fairly.
Second, Jews have a different method of interpreting their Scriptures than Christians do. Christians see Jesus foreshadowed everywhere. But Jewish interpreters focus more on the plain, surface meaning.
Third, the Jewish Messiah has different characteristics than Christians attribute to Jesus. Jews expect a political, military deliverer while Jesus came as a spiritual Savior.
Fourth, Jews struggle with the concept of a crucified Messiah. A king dying a criminal’s death on a cross does not conform to Jewish hopes.
Fifth, for most Jews, faith is about community, family, and ethnicity more than a personal relationship with God.
We should understand why most Jews find Christianity’s claims about Jesus unconvincing while still making our case gently and respectfully (1 Peter 3:15-16). We can pray that more Jews come to know Jesus while respecting their freedom to believe differently.
The Holy Spirit Can Lead Jews to Jesus
Even though most Jews do not accept Jesus, that does not mean it is impossible for them to change their minds. There are thousands of ethnically Jewish believers in Jesus, many who came to faith from Orthodox backgrounds. Their stories show how the Holy Spirit can break down any barriers. Several factors can prompt Jews to reconsider Jesus:
- Reading the Hebrew Scriptures without preconceptions can highlight how Jesus fulfills their Messianic prophecies.
- Old Testament passages about the suffering servant (Isaiah 52:13–53:12) may resonate more after learning their context.
- Honestly examining the claims and evidence for Jesus’ resurrection can be convincing.
- Loving, ethical treatment by Christians contrasts with historical anti-Semitism.
- Personally encountering God in prayer or worship can open someone’s heart.
- Dissatisfaction with legalistic religion can make grace attractive.
We must pray for Jews to have open hearts as they seek God. And we must be ready to sensitively discuss Jesus when they show interest.
Jewish Conversion Involves Cost Counting
When Jews consider following Jesus, they know it will come at great personal cost. They will likely be rejected by their families and communities. The social, cultural, and psychological pressures against conversion cannot be underestimated. Jewish believers often lament losing so many relationships they cherished. But they describe the joy and peace that comes from following their Messiah as worth the pain. They have found the “pearl of great price” and “treasure hidden in a field” Jesus described (Matthew 13:44-46). Still, it is understandable that many Jews unwilling to pay this costly price do not embrace the Christian faith.
Focus on the Essentials When Discussing Jesus
When seeking to explain their faith to Jewish friends, Christians should focus on the basic gospel message rather than secondary issues. Theological debates about the Law, Sabbath, holidays, kosher diet, etc. can often be obstacles. The central truth is that Jesus is the Messiah who died for our sins and rose from the dead. This good news of salvation by grace and not works is what matters most. The ethical teachings of Jesus also attract many Jewish seekers. Gentleness and listening go further than forceful confrontation. We can trust the Holy Spirit to lead Jews into all biblical truth once they accept Christ’s salvation. Do not overwhelm with complex theology but speak the simple gospel truths in love.
Gentile Believers Should Avoid Arrogance
Gentiles should avoid an arrogant attitude of superiority over Jews who have not accepted Christ. Paul warns against boasting over the natural branches of Israel while we as wild branches have been grafted in (Romans 11:17-20). We are fellow recipients of God’s mercy. Gentile believers can be grateful God has included us in His community. But we must not become prideful or look down on Jews outside the faith. Let us show honor to God’s originally chosen people even when they do not honor Him (Romans 11:28-29).
Focus on Being a Faithful Witness
The most important thing is for Christians, whether Jewish or Gentile, to live out and share the gospel of grace through faith in Jesus. We are called to be witnesses delivering the good news to all peoples, including Jews (Acts 1:8). Let us pray for boldness and sensitivity as we tell others about Jesus. Christians should focus less on Jewish conversion rates and more on their own faithfulness. As Paul writes in Romans 10:14-15, only those who are sent out preaching can give Jews and Gentiles the opportunity to call on the Lord and be saved. In the end, it is up to the individual’s conscience whether they accept the message. Our role is to bring the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles and trust God with the results.
Jesus Will Regather Israel at His Return
While many Jews have already embraced Jesus as their Messiah, the Bible foretells a time when the nation of Israel as a whole will accept Christ. When Jesus returns in glory, the Jewish people will cry out “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 23:37-39). They will look upon the One they pierced and grieve (Zechariah 12:10). God promises to pour out His Spirit on the house of Israel (Ezekiel 39:29) and take away their heart of stone when they turn to Him (Ezekiel 11:19, 36:26). Paul says the present hardening of Israel is temporary until the full number of Gentiles comes in (Romans 11:25-26). When Jesus comes in power and great glory, the Jewish nation will turn to their Messiah at long last.
Becoming a Christian is the Fulfillment of Being Jewish
Jewish people do not need to abandon or change their identity to come to genuine faith in Jesus. Following Jesus as the Messiah is the fulfillment of all that Judaism points toward. It affirms God’s graceful redemption while shedding legalism. Jesus kept Torah perfectly, freeing us from having to earn salvation. Ethnic Jewish culture can still be celebrated even with the realization that some aspects of the Law are passed away. There is no contradiction between honoring your Jewish heritage and honoring Jesus as Lord.
Yes, you can be Jewish and Christian! The early Messianic community did not see a contradiction between the two. While most Jews today do not accept Jesus, Christianity was birthed out of Judaism. It is not a new religion but rather the long-awaited consummation of the faith found in the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus our Messiah invites both Jews and Gentiles into His eternal kingdom. What amazing grace that God included us all!
