Christian faith is built on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But to truly understand who He is and what He taught, we must first recognize His Jewish identity and the cultural, historical, and religious roots in which He lived. Jesus was not a detached figure arriving out of nowhere—He was born into the story of Israel, shaped by the Scriptures, traditions, and expectations of the Jewish people.
This course explores the Jewish roots of Christianity and seeks to deepen our understanding of Jesus within His original context. By appreciating His Jewish background, we gain fresh insight into His teachings, His mission, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
We will explore questions such as:
- Why did Jesus come specifically to Israel?
- How do Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 53, point to the Messiah?
- In what ways does understanding Jesus as a Jewish Rabbi transform our reading of the Gospels?
To guide our learning, we will engage with resources such as “The Jewish Roots of Christianity” and “Jesus – The Jewish Rabbi” (ONE FOR ISRAEL), alongside studies on the Messianic prophecies and the role of Israel in God’s plan. These resources will help us see the continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, as well as how Jesus fulfills the hopes of Israel and extends them to all nations.
By the end of this course, you will not only know more about the Jewishness of Jesus but also develop a deeper appreciation of the richness of God’s redemptive story—a story that begins with Abraham, unfolds through Israel, and culminates in Christ.
