Lecture Notes: Understanding the Jewish Perspective on Yeshua as the Messiah

Introduction

• 119 Ministries' belief: the Bible is still true and relevant today.
• Common question: Why don’t Jews recognize Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah?
• Many believe sharing the New Testament should make Jews understand Yeshua.
• Importance of understanding and addressing the Jewish perspective.

Historical Context

• First Century Context:
  • Paul and apostles taught in synagogues, bringing many Jews to recognize Yeshua as Messiah.
  • Challenges exist today despite the same scriptures.
• Jewish Leadership's Reaction:
  • Paul and Yeshua threatened religious traditions and doctrines, seen as lawlessness.
  • Conflicts with Jewish leadership who adhered to the Talmud (Oral Law).

Key Issues and Misunderstandings

• Prophecy and Traditions:
  • Misunderstandings of prophecy and adherence to traditions can blind Jews from recognizing Yeshua.
  • Importance of the Word of God over traditions (e.g., Mark 7:13).
• Role of the Talmud:
  • The Talmud is the written version of Jewish Oral Law.
  • Adds to God's law, creating barriers and misinterpretations.

Paul's Teaching and Misinterpretations

• Paul’s Mission:
  • Taught against man-made traditions, aligning with Moses' teachings.
  • Faced false accusations similar to those against Yeshua and Stephen.
• Scriptural Defense:
  • Paul and James defended adherence to God's commandments (Acts 21:20-22).
  • Misunderstandings of Paul’s letters continue to cause confusion today.
  • Peter's warning about Paul’s difficult-to-understand letters leading to lawlessness.

Modern Evangelism Challenges

• Current Situation:
  • Mainstream Christianity’s portrayal of Jesus can prevent Jews from accepting him.
  • Deuteronomy 13 warns against changing God’s commandments.
• Jewish Perspective:
  • Jews adhering to the Old Testament see changes as false prophecy.
  • Accusations that Jesus and Paul altered God's law seen as false.

Additional Complications

• Cultural and Traditional Practices:
  • Jewish holidays vs. Christian holidays (e.g., Christmas and Easter origins).
  • Old Testament's command to not adopt pagan worship practices (Deuteronomy 12:31).
• Law of God for All:
  • Moses taught one law for both Israelites and foreigners (Numbers 15:15-16).
  • Misconception that the Torah was only for Jews.

Conclusion

• Key Takeaways:
  • Understanding Jewish beliefs and scriptures is crucial for effective evangelism.
  • Emphasizing the continuity of the law of God in the New Testament.
• Call to Action:
  • Continue to "test everything" and align teachings with the whole Word of God.

Further Learning

• Recommended Teachings:
  • Acts 10: Peter’s Vision.
  • Acts 15: Legalism or Obedience.
  • Pauline Paradox Series for deeper understanding of Paul's teachings.

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