From a Messianic Jewish student (September 2002)

Q: I am a Jewish believer and I am trying to learn from the books of the New Testament. Truthfully, it is hard. I feel much more "at home" in the Old Testament, the stories of my people. Is there anything you can recommend that will help me feel more at home in the New Testament?

A: Yes, I think I can. I would like you to begin calling two of the letters of the Christian Scripture by their early designation, "The Messianic Letters" (Hebrews and James).

Of the collection of writings contained in the Christian Scriptures (NT), two letters were included that were particularly written to the early Messianic Jewish of the first century. These letters contain information and instructions for this unique community that can best be understood when placed in the context of Jewish life and practice of that period.

The earliest group of people to follow the teachings of Jesus, and to proclaim both Messiah and "God in human flesh" were Jewish followers. With time, the message increased in the Gentile world (due in no small part to the work of Saul of Tarsus and others like him). At the same time, the Jewish community, under attack from a series of terrible governors in Provincia Judea, was caught up in a rising revolt against Rome that eventually caused the loss of the Temple, and a period of the scattering of critical Rabbinic leadership. Jewish outreach declined quickly, and with it the influence of those who understood the unique problems of being a Jewish follower of Jesus.

These letters give us a unique look back at the problems of that community, and offer some answers to questions that continue to plague Jewish people today in understanding the claims of Jesus as Messiah, and living out their faith without abandoning their Jewish identity and heritage.

The letter most difficult to understand apart from a reasonable knowledge of Jewish thought and practice is that called "The Epistle to the Hebrews". The letter answers, in my view, ten critical questions posed by that community. A careful reading of the letter (whose author is unnamed and the subject of much debate) offers a few insights to the conditions that gave rise to the letter. Apparently it was written to a community familiar with the work of Timothy (the Pastor at Ephesus that joined Paul and Silas on the Second Mission Journey). They were also familiar with a number of Roman Jews, which offered greetings at the letter's end.

The situation sounded, upon a close reading, to be one of deep discouragement and confusion in the community. There appeared to be a number of followers that were defecting from the Messianic community. Some did not understand how Jesus met the criteria of the Promised One. Others, discouraged by ostracism and identity issues, slipped away and stopped attending congregational meetings. Perhaps some well-respected public leaders had turned their back shortly after their "first steps" in the faith. In the end, the congregation was dazed and discouraged, and this letter was to instruct, rebuke and encourage them to move onward and upward in the faith they began.

Working backward from the text to the problems (since we have no alternative), I would suggest the issues of the community were as follows:

1) How can we be sure Jesus truly was the Messiah? (Chapter One)

2) Why would God come as a man and not something more impressive, like the Angel of the Lord seen by Joshua, Elijah and the prophets? (Chapter Two)

3) If God came as a man, why did He not come as One of stature among our Jewish leaders, as Moses of old? (3:1-13)

4) If our message is true, how come some (even respected leaders) have quit and returned back to a Judaism without Jesus? (3:14-4:13; 5:11-6:17)

5) How can we claim Jesus was our "High Priest" when He wasn't even a Levite, let alone of the Aaronic household? (4:14-5:10; 6:18-8:3)

6) Does Messiah's work mean the Temple has no value to me anymore? (8:4-9:10)

7) Cut off from the Temple, I feel "dirty". How do I face Yom Kippur and pray facing a Temple that I cannot go in (because of ostracism)? (9:11-14)

8) Do still have any inheritance if I am cut off by my tribe? (9:15-10:18)

9) If the message is true, why are we suffering at the hands of Gentiles, and even our Jewish brothers? Has God indicated we have gone off track as many are suggesting? (10:19-13:8)

10) Why are we cast aside? I feel I have no identity, whom shall I identify with now? (13:9-14)

In my next letter to you, I will briefly unfold the Letter of James "to the scattered Messianic community". I hope this helps you feel you can better "jump in" and begin your reading!

May this New Year offer you an opportunity to grow in Messiah's grace and love!

Dr. Randall Smith
Director