Posted on 12/01/2022 2:51:12 PM PST by metmom
“‘And He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles’” (Matthew 12:18).
Contrary to Jewish thinking and expectations, the Messiah would be the Redeemer for all nationalities, not just the Jews. In fact, the Jews were to be the ones to proclaim God’s grace to the rest of the world. God told Abraham, “In you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). It is therefore rather ironic that the Jews would resist the concept that God’s good news was for all peoples.
The reality that Jesus’ message would be for all mankind was readily apparent early in His ministry. The first woman He reached was a Samaritan (John 4:26). Concerning the Roman centurion whose servant He healed, the Lord said, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel” (Matt. 8:10).
But the idea of Messiah coming to preach to and redeem some Gentiles was still anathema to the Jews. When Paul addressed a large number of Jews in Jerusalem and told them God had commanded him, “Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles,” that sparked an intense reaction from them: “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!” (Acts 22:21, 22). A real gospel stumbling block for the Jews was the truth that redemption and fellowship with God were for Gentiles as well as for them. But the saving message Jesus proclaimed has always been for people from every part of the world, without distinction—a fact over which we can all rejoice.
Ask Yourself
Increasingly each day, the makeup of America’s population reflects the faces of numerous nationalities and people groups. How open is your heart to their need for Christ’s salvation?
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.
Studying God’s Word Ping
“Contrary to Jewish thinking and expectations, the Messiah would be the Redeemer for all nationalities, not just the Jews’. Where did the author get that impression? No where does it state (as far as I know), that the Jews expected that Salvation was only for the Jews. Do you know what the author is referencing? General opinion or does is he able to quote Talmud or Torah, or other Jewish writings?
God was well aware that the Jews were a stiff-necked people.
Salvation was first offered to the Jews.
Then to the gentiles.
I was asking for Jewish references, not Christian. In other words, where does it say in Jewish writings that Salvation was for the Jews only? As far as I know, Jewish writings address the World to Come in much different terms than Christians. Are you referring to John 4:22? There again, the author mentioned his assumption that Jews preached that the Messiah would come for Jews only, and my question is where he finds that written in any Jewish writings. I would like an actual quote from Jewish sources if he has one.
What do you mean by Jewish sources and Jewish writings?
Where are they found?
You would have to be familiar with the old testament of the Bible.
God makes it pretty clear
Study to show yourself approved.
“I was asking for Jewish references, not Christian.”
I gave you a Jewish reference
Do your own research and you will find it.
Kinda of snotty.
Lol
The whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation is Jewish and Christian writings.
Other than Luke and Acts, the New Testament was written by Jewish followers of Christ.
The whole Bible was written by God though inspiration by men He chose.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Agree completely with you. I’m pointing out that those inspired by the Holy Spirit were well-versed in Jewish culture during the time of Jesus’s earthly ministry.
Gotcha
Thanks for the confirmation
Then I am in BIG trouble!
I would MUCH rather have His mercy!!
Perhaps we could get a Samaritan to reply to this question.
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