If Jesus was Jewish, why aren’t Christians considered Jewish?

It’s an interesting point to ponder: If Jesus (Yahshua) was Jewish, why aren’t Christians considered Jewish? Let’s break it down together.

Historical Context

First off, yes, Jesus of Nazareth was born into a Jewish family and followed Jewish customs and traditions. He was a Jewish rabbi who preached within the context of Jewish traditions and laws. We read in Matthew 5:17-18:

¹⁷ “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. ¹⁸ For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

His early followers were also Jewish and viewed his teachings as a fulfillment of Jewish prophecy as we read in Luke 24:44-45:

⁴⁴ Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” ⁴⁵ And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

After Jesus’ death and the reported resurrection, his followers began to develop a new understanding of his teachings. They believed Jesus was the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament):

⁴¹ He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus (John 1:41-42).

This belief marked a significant departure from mainstream Judaism, which did not accept Jesus as the Messiah.

Theological Differences Between Christianity and Judaism

Now, let’s dive into the central theological differences that led to Christianity becoming a distinct religion:

1. Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God:
   • Christians believe that Jesus is the divine Son of God and the savior of humanity, as stated in John 3:16. This belief in Jesus’ divinity and messianic role is not shared by Judaism, which awaits a different kind of messianic figure.
2. The New Covenant:
   • Christians believe in a new covenant through Jesus, which they see as fulfilling and surpassing the old covenant given to the Jewish people. Hebrews 8:13 mentions this New Covenant, highlighting that the old one is becoming obsolete.

Under the Old Covenant, the Jewish faith included specific practices and laws, such as having a human high priest who acted as an intermediary between God and the people. However, with Jesus’ resurrection, Christians believe that Jesus Himself became the High Priest.

We read:

¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession (Hebrews 4:14).

The New Covenant Includes the Gentiles

The New Covenant brought by Jesus extends the availability of the Holy Spirit to everyone who accepts Jesus as their Savior and recognizes God as their Father.

We read:

³⁸ Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

This inclusivity is a key aspect of Christianity – it opens the door to all people, not just those who are ethnically or religiously Jewish.

Christians believe that through Jesus, they are spiritually grafted into the house of Israel (Romans 11:17). This means they see themselves as part of God’s family, but not in the traditional Jewish sense. It’s like being part of an extended family through faith rather than heritage.

Removal of Sacrificial System

Another significant change is regarding sacrifices. In the Old Covenant, there were specific sacrificial ceremonies to atone for sins. However, Christians believe that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross did away with the need for these ceremonies.

We read:

⁸ Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), ⁹ then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. ¹⁰ By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10).

Now, instead of offering animal sacrifices, Christians are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices – dedicating their lives to following Jesus and living out His teachings:

​¹ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1).

So, while Jesus was Jewish and His teachings originated within Judaism, the new beliefs and practices He introduced led to the creation of a distinct religion – Christianity. This new faith is centered on the New Covenant, the role of Jesus as the High Priest, and the inclusive nature of salvation through Him. That’s why Christians aren’t considered Jewish, even though they share common roots.

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