Evangelism And Judaism

The much heralded "Decade of Evangelism", embarked upon early this year, has given rise to conflicting views about methods of reaching Jewish people with the gospel.

Discussion has been activated by the proposal of an American missionary society, "Jews for Jesus", to establish a permanent office in London. Its advertisements have appeared from time to time in the press, but the impact of the mission will be greatly increased as present plans develop. The London office is to be staffed by British "messianic Jews" who believe in Jesus: the aim will be to establish a distinctly British mission identity.

However, some influential evangelical leaders have criticized this specialized approach to the Jewish community; or indeed to other non Christian groups. For instance the Bishop of Liverpool considers that the Decade of Evangelism could be seen as a "threatening signal" by minority groups who hold other faiths. Also that "our repentance for the terrible things done to Jews down the centuries, including our own, should involve renouncing the deliberate targeting of Jewish people for evangelism".

Doubtless such observations are well intentioned, and seek to warn

against methods which might be misunderstood or counter-productive. There would be no wish to exclude the possibility of reaching some Jewish people with the gospel as the message is conveyed to the population in general. Nevertheless, the history of the Acts of the Apostles would seem to illustrate a special targeting of Jewish communities in the Roman world of that day. "To the Jew first" (Rom. 1:16) was a marked feature of the apostle Paul's missionary activities as he frequently sought out the Jewish synagogue audience. Is there not also a danger that the unique truth of the gospel might be blurred by undue deference to the sensitivities of other faiths? As Dr. Carey recently put it:

"Dialogue with other faiths is very important, but I can respect another faith and a believer of that faith by saying, I believe that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. I owe it to you to share that with you. Do with that truth what you may, but my job is to say that to you".

Whatever the pros and cons from an evangelical standpoint, the reaction, within Judaism was predictably defensive. The Jewish community is taking steps to prepare its young people to withstand the "Jews for Jesus" approach. "Operation Judaism" is the name adopted for the counter organization. The rabbi who leads, it has reportedly said: "The Messiah is someone who will bring peace and harmony to the world, salvation to the Jewish people, rebuild the Third Temple, and ingather the exile Jews. Christianity has taken the Messiah and turned him into the Son of God. This is not required at all".

How clearly this reflects that attitude of the Jews who said to the Lord

Jesus: "For a good work we stone Thee not, but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God" (John 10:33). Twentieth century Judaism still rejects the witness God has borne concerning His Son (1 John 5:9-12). How tragic the consequences!

Regarding the emphasis given by "Jews for Jesus" to salvation through personal faith in Him, a London rabbi commented: "I have never in my life trusted someone who wanted to save my soul. ... There are young people who have become in a way so alienated from their Jewish roots that they will follow almost any guru who can offer them a formula for salvation".

We contrast the longings expressed by Paul in Romans chapters 9 and 10:

"I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren's sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh ... my heart's desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved".

How, accurately Romans chapter eleven sets out the situation of Israel during this present age of grace! In the perspective of overall divine purpose "there is a remnant according to the election of grace" which obtains the blessing of salvation (verses 5-7). Generation after generation some Jewish people accordingly accept Christ as Saviour. "The rest were hardened", wrote the apostle (verse 7). Later he adds: "For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in" (verse 25).

Judaism today amply confirms the word, "The rest were hardened". Yet in longsuffering grace the message of divine entreaty still sounds forth: "We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God" (2 Cor. 5:20).

unknown | Oct 1991
Focus