Was Jesus a Jew? | GotQuestions.org

Today's question is, was Jesus a Jew? In this video I'll answer that question from a biblical perspective.

Then afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.

It would seem that the question of Jesus' ethnicity would be beyond controversy. Of course,

Jesus was a Jew, right? The biblical record says, yes, Jesus was a Jew. But that doesn't stop the disagreements and objections that some have.

We will take a look at what the Bible has to say. In Jesus' day, a person was considered

Jewish if he or she 1. was born to a Jewish mother or 2. had formally converted to the religion of Judaism.

Jews by descent traced their lineage to the ancient Hebrews. Jews by conversion were proselytes from any ethnic background.

Jesus was a Jew by descent, and he lived a Jewish life in the first century. Jesus was born in Judah to a

Jewish mother, raised in Galilee in a Jewish home, and taught in Jerusalem the

Jewish capital. He ministered throughout Israel. He came to his own, the Jewish people, and his own, the

Jews, did not receive him. John 1, verse 11. Speaking to a

Samaritan, Jesus said, And you Gentiles worship what you do not know. We Jews know what we

Jews worship, for salvation is of the Jews. John 4, verse 22.

In his use of first - and second -person pronouns, Jesus identified himself as being among the

Jewish population. The biblical record sets out the facts. Jesus Christ is the son of David, the son of Abraham, Matthew 1, verse 1.

When the angel Gabriel announced Jesus' birth, he spoke of Jesus having the throne of his father

David and of his reign over Jacob's descendants forever. Luke 1, verses 32 -33.

In writing of Jesus' unique priesthood, the author of Hebrews says, It is clear that our

Lord descended from Judah. Hebrews 7, verse 14. Judah was a son of Jacob, and it is from his name that we get the word

Jew. Mary's genealogy in Luke 3 shows that the mother of Jesus was a direct descendant of King David, giving

Jesus the legal right to the Jewish throne and establishing without a doubt that Jesus was a

Jew by descent. The biblical record also presents Jesus as living a

Jewish lifestyle and keeping the Jewish law. He was reared in a Jewish home, and Jesus' parents were careful to do all that the law required of them.

In his ministry, Jesus often taught in synagogues and even in the temple. In his teaching,

Jesus pointed to the law and the prophets as authoritative. He taught others to keep the law, and he himself observed the commandments.

Jesus identified with the religion of the Jews and was considered a rabbi, although he strongly rejected the pharisaical reinterpretation of that religion.

As a Jew, Jesus observed Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles, and Hanukkah. Jesus was called the

King of the Jews. The Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament was a Jewish Savior, one chosen by God for a special purpose.

The Messiah was to serve God by redeeming Israel and then ruling from Zion, bringing peace, righteousness, and security to Israel.

Jesus is the Jewish Messiah, the Son of David, sent to the Jews, and in his earthly ministry, he focused on the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 15, verse 24.

But in His death and resurrection, Jesus secured salvation for all who would trust in Him, regardless of their nationality or background.

The Jewish Messiah became the worldwide Savior. Want to learn more? Subscribe so you don't miss the next video!

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