The Jewish Jesus in the Classroom

The Jewish community is under attack around the world. Antisemitism is on the rise. Much of the reason for this increase in hatred and violence against the Jewish people is ignorance. Unfortunately, for those of us who are believers in Jesus, the church is also a victim of ignorance regarding this most important issue. The church needs to understand: Jesus was Jewish! If one is a believer in Jesus, by definition they must love the Jewish people. We must protect, support, and defend them against hatred, and share our hope in Messiah with them.

Misunderstanding the Jewishness of Jesus begins at a very young age. The church, pastors, and most parents are ill-equipped to teach about our Jewish foundation as followers of a Jewish Messiah. Young people in the church are not taught about the Jewish Jesus. Rather they view him through a different lens. He becomes less Jewish. Children assume Jesus celebrated Christmas and Easter (which he didn’t). Jesus becomes stripped of his Jewish identity. Therefore, unless they are taught, young people grow up in ignorance.

Our ministry’s impact on both the Jewish and Christian communities is significant. Connecting the church and the Jewish community with the Jewish Jesus is our focus. We are busy teaching, encouraging, discipling, and motivating others to “get” Jesus in ways they have never considered. 

One of the joys of my life is sharing my testimony, especially with young people. Middle and high school students desperately need to rightly understand the Jewish people and Israel. They are being bombarded with false information and influenced by anti-Jewish and antisemitic garbage. Social media sites are ripe with antisemitic rhetoric, Jew hatred, and anti-Israel propaganda. 

They are also entering the university system. Christian college students need help. Colleges today (Christian or secular) do not teach a proper understanding of the Jewish people and Israel. Rather, anti-Jewish sentiment is a strong and growing force on college campuses. 

I was recently invited to speak to five 7th grade Bible classes at a Christian school in Roswell, GA. I shared my testimony of being raised in a religious Jewish home, and seeing Jesus in the Prophets of the Old Testament. I then,“fell in love with an amazing Rabbi! His name is Jesus!” 

I explained the Jewishness of Jesus and the New Testament. I taught the Jewish festivals and how Jesus celebrated them. I shared how I had to make decisions in college as to whom I would follow: my parents or Jesus. My parents did not come to our wedding 40 years ago because they said, “If Jesus is going to be there, we are not going to be there.” My wife and I chose our Messiah. 

I told them how difficult it was as a college kid to follow Jesus and be rejected by my family and friends. But I also explained that Jesus told us we may be rejected for his name’s sake. He also promised to always be with us through those difficult seasons.

I thought you would like to see the responses from the 7th graders and how my time with them impacted their lives. Following are several thank you notes from the students.

Thank you for coming and teaching us about the Lord, the Jewish faith, and your story. You really helped me understand the difference between Jewish culture and our culture. Thank you again and have a Merry Christmas and Hanukkah!

 -- Jonathan

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak to our class. I really loved all your answers to the questions. It amazed me when you said that you never had doubted or thought about turning away from Jesus to have a good relationship with your family. That answer stuck out to me because I feel like lots of people struggle with that decision. 

I also thought that it was really cool that the moment you read the New Testament you knew it was true and that you had found Jesus. I can’t wait for you to come back in the spring. I am really looking forward to it. I think that it is wonderful that God called out to you in such a unique way. I am praying for your dad that he will come to know Christ. Thank you again for everything.

-- Sabina

Thank you so much. I love learning about the Jewish culture. I find it interesting to learn about God’s chosen people. I hope you have a happy Hanukkah and a nice Christmas. My Dad said you came to our church, and I thought that was cool. My Dad is the pastor, and he is also into the Jewish culture. I am excited to see you in the spring and I hope to learn more. Thank you!

-- Sydney

Thank you so much for coming to share your story with us! It was amazing hearing about everything that happened and you still follow Jesus. I have always cared about my parent’s approval a lot. If my parents tried to stop me from following Jesus, I would most likely listen to them. I think it is so cool that you choose Jesus over your parents because you knew how important He is. 

Also thank you for calling your dad to answer questions. It is amazing how you have such a good relationship with him even though you have different beliefs. I am so excited about the Passover in the spring with you!

-- Caroline 

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! It means a lot that you spent your whole day teaching us! It really stood out to me that you were so committed that you snuck out to get baptized. Also that you chose Jesus over your family which I bet is very hard to do. Your story was very inspiring. Thank you!

-- Kennedy

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to come and talk to us! I find it so cool how the same traditions that Jesus celebrated as a child and adult, people still celebrate them today. Thank you again so much for coming to talk to us!

--Addie

Thank you so much for coming into our school and talking to us! I had a really good time and learned a lot! I really appreciated when you called your dad to answer my question. One thing that really stuck out to me was when you said that “in Jesus’ name” was your hardest 3 words ever. I thought that was cool and interesting. I’m so excited for when you come back to our school! I will be praying for you and your ministry. I will also pray for your father that he may come to know Jesus. Thank you!

-- Ruby

Thank you so much for coming to our class and speaking! So many things stood out to me, but one thing was when you snuck out at 7:00 am to go get baptized. That is the most brave thing I have seen anyone do, sacrificing their life to follow Jesus and not be scared about your parents!

-- Aubree

These are only a few of the dozens of notes I received from the students! Our ministry is impacting young people to gain a proper understanding of the Jewish community. We are encouraging them to grow in their faith. We are helping them to understand Jesus better! My prayer is that when they get older they will be equipped to better connect with Jewish people. And, to teach their own children to care about the Jewish community!

If you have a middle school, high school, or college group let us know. We would love to come and teach. The issues we face are immense and need to be taught well. Teaching and educating students from middle school to college is only a small part of what we do to help people “get” the Jewish Jesus. We are helping churches, pastors, and parents. We help individuals who have Jewish friends. Through educating believers we are fighting antisemitism and equipping them to love the Jewish people in a better way!

by Murray Tilles

Founder and Executive Director