Jesus as a Jew

Posted by Brian Tubbs Feb 15, 2007

Theologian Christopher J.H. Wright, in his book Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament, makes it clear that the twenty-first century western world has lost touch with who Jesus was at the time of his ministry in first century Palestine. Professor Wright sees this plainly in how western churches emphasize the Christmas story from Matthew 1:18 forward, ignoring the first seventeen verses. Says Professor Wright:

If the average Christian [at Christmas time] pauses between carols to wonder what the previous seventeen verses [in Matthew 1] are all about, his or her curiosity is probably offset by relief that at least they weren't included in the readings! And yet there they are, presumably because that is how Matthew wanted to begin his Gospel, and also how the minds that shaped the order of the canonical books wanted to begin what we call the New Testament.

Jesus was a Jew, and was descended from a significant Jewish heritage. This was an integral part of his identity, not to mention an important fulfillment of messianic prophecy.

Yet another reason why history and context are important, and should not be ignored.