Jews/Jesus?

Question

This might seem like a very primitive question to you all, but I have only recently "gotten into" religion, and have a lot of unanswered questions... which I can live with, but my main issue is... if Jesus was a practicing Jew, then WHY does christianity even exist? Surely then christians would want to convert to the religion of Jesus??

Answer 1

Because Jesus came to fulfill the Jewish law, and to supplant it with a new law: Love one another as I have loved you.

Doing that, Jesus ushered in a new era of a more complete understanding of God. Many Jewish people opted not to believe in Him, that He was the messiah, so they remained in the old Jewish religion instead of following Jesus into the new.

So: Christians are in "the religion of Jesus," one that is a fulfillment of Judiasm, that some people choose not to believe in.

Answer 2

The best questions are the ones you ask, and many of us will be glad to answer these. By the way, thank you for considering religion and faith. It's refreshing to see some people are genuinely looking into this in these days.

As to your question. Yes, Jesus was a practicing Jew, and He alone fulfilled all of the commands. Judaism, the religion or faith of the Jewish people, still exists but is different from the Christian faith because they, generally speaking, do not believe Jesus was and is the Messiah, promised by Old Testament prophecy.

Christianity came about after Jesus was crucified and resurrected, the main message being Jesus died for our sins, and provides forgiveness to those who genuinely want to take His offer. Technically, there is no "religion of Jesus" because He did everything for us! I have to admit this is a sketchy answer at best--as a pastor, my sermons take about 20 minutes but that's a bit much for a forum like this!

If you haven't done so, please get a copy of the New Testament in a version you'll find easy to read and that makes sense to you. Many versions are available these days. The Message, by Eugene Peterson (sp?) is good, the New Living Translation is good, and there are other versions more or less tailored to specific groups (NIV Women's Bible, Scofield Reference Bible, to name two). Let me encourage you to read the New Testament, and ask any questions you might have. Again, many of us who are believers will be glad to provide you with the best knowledge we have. Just watch out for the trolls and nay-sayers--granted, they have a right to voice their opinion but nowhere does it say you have to agree.

Welcome to the journey! I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Answer 3

Only 12 Jews believed in Jesus. Jesus called for new religion where his massage was for none Jews as well. The christian new Jerusalem is not the Jewish old Jerusalem therefore the Jewish Messiah is the old Jerusalem and the new Jerusalem of today the christian Messiah. The old Christian church " Catholic" have a clear answer to your question. Today in the USA TV industrial Christians the Zionist Christians will tel you anything but the truth about the Christian-Jewish disputes.

Answer 4

Jesus was a Jew that is for sure. There are many "born-again" Jews who follow the Jewish traditions, and some Christians that do as well. They are called Messianic Jews.
Since many Christians came from other backgrounds, the Jewish tradition and laws were not required of them.

Answer 5

Jesus came into that jewish society and showed that they were doing a lot of stuff wrong. the pharisees who were the jewish leaders were completely out of touch with God. The jews are/were waiting for the messiah, and Jesus is that messiah. the people who are jews today are still looking for that messiah. Christians know that they have found Him and He is Jesus!!!!!!

Answer 6

The Old Testament Law was given to show Israel their need for a saviour. No-one can keep the Law, we havn't got the heart, but we can receive it by using the law lawfully - i.e. not trying to be justified by trying to keep it, but accepting God wants to be a Father to us, not a schoolmaster.