Question: How should I feel about the Jewish people as a Christian?
Answer: First of all, hatred of a people group simply because they are a people group is.... racism. However, as a Christian, it goes further. They are our spiritual brothers and sisters. Let's talk about it.
Over the years, I have been asked why I openly express support for the Jewish people. In a world filled with political debates, cultural tensions, and endless opinions, some people wonder whether Christians should care about Israel or the Jewish people at all.
Spoiler alert. Here's my answer: I support the Jewish people because I believe the Bible teaches us to do so.
This does not mean that every action of the modern nation of Israel is beyond criticism. No government is perfect. It does mean that Christians should recognize the unique role the Jewish people have played—and continue to play—in God's redemptive plan.
Here are several reasons why I stand with the Jewish people.
1. God Chose Israel for a Special Purpose
The story of redemption begins with God's call of Abraham.
"I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." (Genesis 12:2)
God chose Abraham and his descendants not because they were the largest or strongest people on earth, but because He had a purpose for them. Through Israel, God would reveal Himself to the world.
The Jewish people were entrusted with a unique calling in history. When we honor that reality, we honor God's sovereign plan.
Key References: Genesis 12:1-3, Deuteronomy 7:6-8
2. God Has Not Forgotten His Promises
One of the clearest teachings in Scripture is that God keeps His promises.
The Apostle Paul addressed this very issue in Romans 9-11. Some questioned whether God had abandoned Israel because many Jews had rejected Jesus as Messiah.
Paul's answer was emphatic:
"Has God rejected his people? By no means!" (Romans 11:1)
Paul goes on to explain that God's covenant purposes for Israel remain significant in His unfolding plan.
If God can abandon Israel, then how can any believer trust His promises? God's faithfulness to Israel reminds us of His faithfulness to all His people.
Key References: Romans 11:1-2, Romans 11:28-29
3. Jesus Was Jewish
This may seem obvious, but it is often forgotten.
Jesus was born into a Jewish family. He worshiped in Jewish synagogues. He celebrated Jewish feasts. He taught from the Jewish Scriptures.
The Messiah did not appear in a vacuum. He came through the nation of Israel exactly as God promised.
When Christians develop contempt for the Jewish people, they forget the heritage of the very Savior they worship.
Key References: Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 2:21-52, John 4:22
4. We Received the Scriptures Through the Jewish People
Every Christian who opens a Bible owes a debt of gratitude to the Jewish people.
Paul wrote:
"To them were entrusted the oracles of God." (Romans 3:2)
God used Jewish prophets, priests, kings, and scribes to preserve His Word through centuries of history.
The Old Testament came through Israel. The apostles who wrote the New Testament were Jewish. Humanly speaking, our faith rests upon foundations God built through the Jewish people.
Key References: Romans 3:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:15
5. The Early Church Was Predominantly Jewish
Sometimes Christians talk about Judaism and Christianity as though they were completely unrelated.
The truth is that the earliest followers of Jesus were Jewish believers who recognized Him as the promised Messiah.
Peter was Jewish. John was Jewish. Matthew was Jewish. Paul was Jewish. Thousands of the earliest Christians were Jewish.
The Church did not replace its Jewish roots; it grew from them.
Key References: Acts 2:41-47, Acts 21:20
6. Christians Are Called to Oppose Antisemitism
Hatred of Jewish people has stained human history for centuries. Sadly, some of that hatred has even come from people claiming the name of Christ. Such prejudice has no place in biblical Christianity. Every person bears the image of God. Every person deserves dignity and respect. Christians should be among the first to oppose antisemitism whenever it appears because it violates the command to love our neighbors.
Key References: Genesis 1:27, Mark 12:31, James 2:1-9
7. We Long for Jewish People to Know Their Messiah
Supporting the Jewish people does not mean abandoning the gospel. As Christians, we believe salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. The Apostle Paul deeply loved his fellow Jews and desired their salvation.
"My heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." (Romans 10:1)
True Christian love leads us to pray for Jewish people, not because they are beyond the need for Christ, but because we want them to know the Messiah who came first for them and then for the world.
Key References: Romans 10:1, Romans 1:16
8. We Are Commanded to Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
The psalmist wrote:
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!" (Psalm 122:6)
This verse is not merely about geography. It is a reminder that God's people should pray for peace, stability, and blessing among the people connected to God's redemptive story. Christians should pray for peace in Israel, peace among her neighbors, and ultimately the peace that comes through Jesus Christ.
Key References: Psalm 122:6-9
This Shouldn't Be Required, but Let's Clarify...
Supporting the Jewish people is not the same thing as endorsing every decision made by the modern Israeli government.
Christians can recognize Israel's unique role in Scripture while also acknowledging that every government is accountable before God. Our support is rooted in theology. This is not political.
We stand with the Jewish people because God loves them, because God has used them mightily in history, and because His purposes for them are not yet complete.
Bottom Line.
As a Christian pastor, I support the Jewish people because the Bible teaches me to.
God chose Israel for a unique purpose. Through the Jewish people came the Scriptures, the prophets, the apostles, and ultimately the Messiah Himself. God's faithfulness to Israel reminds us of His faithfulness to every believer.
For that reason, I will continue to pray for the Jewish people, oppose antisemitism wherever it appears, and point everyone—Jew and Gentile alike—to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
