Summertime Stories

During one week in July, I had four unique encounters with Jewish people. Two were planned and two were unexpected — what I’d call God’s appointments. Each person came from a different background and expressed their Jewish identity in their own way. Yet they all share in the reality that many Jewish people face today: rising antisemitism and uncertainty about the future.

A Friendship Connection

Mary, a dear friend of our ministry, introduced me to E, her Jewish neighbor. Mary had already been walking with E in friendship and talking with her about spiritual things. Though hesitant at first, E wanted to meet up. They drove an hour and a half to have lunch and hear my story!

Over lunch we shared personal journeys, and I explained how I came to believe in Jesus as the Messiah while still embracing my Jewish identity. I shared my fears of rejection by my family and the Jewish community. I told her that when I prayed “...in Jesus’ name” I knew that I had found the truth that I was looking for. I also told her that accepting Jesus as the Messiah in no way diminished who I am as a Jewish person. In fact, my faith in Jesus has strengthened my Jewish identity.

E’s own story is complex: raised in a religious Jewish home, educated at a Catholic school, and now attending church with her boyfriend. She has been “introduced” to Jesus before, but never considered Him within a Jewish context. Our conversation opened new perspectives for her.

When I told E that Jesus was a rabbi, she seemed confused. “I’ve never been told that before.” The rest of the lunch I explained the Jewish context of the New Testament and showed her Jesus in the Old Testament. Together we read Isaiah 53, the Suffering Servant passage in Isaiah. The chapter clearly describes an individual that sounds a lot like the Jesus who we were told was not for us. We also read Psalm 22 (the Crucifixion Psalm) describing crucifixion 1000 years before it became a form of capital punishment. E is close to faith, if not already there. She is asking very sincere questions.

Later, Mary told me how meaningful the conversation had been for E, and how eager she is to continue reading and learning more. Following is the text I received from our mutual friend after the visit: “E was sooo appreciative of your conversation today. On the way home she kept saying that everything is so much clearer now. We will now pray the Holy Spirit will draw her to himself. She called me tonight and asked if we can get together and read and study from her new Bible the scriptures you told her about today. We will begin with Isaiah 53 this Saturday. I will have her read it aloud again as you did. Continue to pray. I will keep you posted.”

Please pray for her spiritual journey!

Conversation with an Orthodox Rabbi

I also spent time with Z, an Orthodox rabbi I met through mutual friends. We met up to chat and immediately hit it off. We have many of the same acquaintances in the Orthodox Jewish community. I was raised in a very conservative, almost orthodox, Jewish home. We were in synagogue several times a week.The synagogue was the center of my life growing up.  Z recognizes my knowledge of Judaism.

Though he wishes I would “return to Judaism," Z and I have much in common. We share a love for Judaism, a deep concern for the Jewish people, commitments to morality, Israel, fighting antisemitism, and mutual respect.

Z and his wife and I had a wonderful conversation about God, humanity, Israel, the Jewish people, and our hope for the future. Z does not believe that Jesus is the Messiah, but is waiting for a Messiah to come. He believes in living life positively and working to make the world a better place. This is accomplished by doing good deeds and helping others become better people, no matter their religion. His desire and life’s work is to encourage other Jewish people to live a more Jewish life. Z’s position is that, as Jewish people observe more of the biblical and rabbinical laws, the world will become a better place. When the world gets better, the Messiah will come.

They believe in serving and loving God with all of their hearts, in serving others, and fighting evil. I shared my hope with them in the return of Yeshua (Jesus). Our difference is that I believe Messiah has already come and will return. They are waiting. We both hope in the future Kingdom to come. Though we disagree on essential points of theology, Z and his wife are beautiful people. While our beliefs differ, I was encouraged by the warmth of our dialogue and the mutual respect between us. I am able to spend time with many religious Jewish people to talk and share my own story. May God open the eyes of my people.

A Syrian Jewish Server

M was our server at a local sushi restaurant. It was a busy night, so he didn’t spend much time at our table during the meal. After dinner I felt prompted to ask him where he was from. When I asked, his answer was,“Guess.” I knew he was from the Middle East, so I initially guessed Iran (Persia). I was wrong. My wife guessed Lebanon. Wrong again...

M was born and raised in Syria. His mom is Jewish, and his father is Muslim. He and his family have lived in the United States for most of his life. His dad is a very successful doctor, and M is heading to medical school next year. 

M was fascinated with my journey of coming to faith in Jesus. After dinner his section was closed. We spent 20 minutes with him discussing faith, the Bible, prophecy, and our thoughts on the world today. We were able to open the scriptures. Isaiah 53 intrigued him. He wrote it down and said he would read it again later on. I also encouraged him to read the gospel of Matthew. M won’t forget our conversation. Pray for the Lord to continue to work in M’s life.

A Young Jewish Bartender

We met K while having dinner at the bar of a Persian restaurant. He was a nice, personable, and attentive young man. Toward the end of our dinner I asked K what he wants to do after the bartending life. He is going into commercial real estate and excited about his future. During the course of the conversation I told him what I do, and he was fascinated.

K shared that he is Jewish and went to Israel on a special trip in 2023 before the war started on October 7th. I shared my faith story. We talked about the importance of Jewish identity and our hope for Israel’s success in the war. I also explained messianic Judaism to him. We ended our evening encouraged and hopeful for future conversations.

Looking Ahead

This summer has been rich with opportunities to connect with Jewish friends. At The Shalom House in Roswell, our center for hospitality and teaching, these conversations continue and grow. We’re grateful for what God is doing and look forward to many more opportunities to build friendships and share our stories.

By Murray Tilles

Founder and Executive Director