WHY JESUS WASN'T ACCEPTED DURING HIS LIFE
3 REASONS WHY JESUS WASN’T
ACCEPTED BY ALL JEWS
Since the Jews first established communities they have been persecuted. Due to their different customs, dress, language, and close knit communities they have often been treated unfairly. The Hebrew Scriptures prophesize that a saviour (Son of God) will come to earth to lead and protect the Chosen People. Not every Jew accepted Jesus as that Saviour because:
1. Safety/Protection – After thousands of years of being “bullied”, beaten, and exiled many Jews prayed for the coming of their Saviour who would lead and protect them. When Jesus appeared as their Saviour many Jews did not accept him. They had hoped and prayed for a Saviour to protect them from their aggressors. Instead, Jesus said if someone slaps you on one cheek, turn and offer them the other. After years of being “slapped” many Jews did not accept Jesus and his teachings.
2. Legalism – Jewish customs and society was based on hundreds, if not thousands of rules and laws that governed everyday life, society, and worship. The Torah alone has 613 laws that Jews were expected to follow. Jesus preached that one of God’s greatest gifts was FREE WILL. To enact and enforce so many rules is taking away from that gift. Jews, especially those in a position of power, did not appreciate Jesus speaking out against their rules.
3. Nationalism – Jewish society 2000 years ago practiced a policy of isolationism (they interacted with neighbouring communities as little as possible). Jesus preached that we are all neighbours. Whether you live in the house beside, the city beside, or the country beside we are all in this together. Jesus spoke out against this policy of the ruling members of society (Pharisees, Sadducees, San Hedrin).
ACCEPTED BY ALL JEWS
Since the Jews first established communities they have been persecuted. Due to their different customs, dress, language, and close knit communities they have often been treated unfairly. The Hebrew Scriptures prophesize that a saviour (Son of God) will come to earth to lead and protect the Chosen People. Not every Jew accepted Jesus as that Saviour because:
1. Safety/Protection – After thousands of years of being “bullied”, beaten, and exiled many Jews prayed for the coming of their Saviour who would lead and protect them. When Jesus appeared as their Saviour many Jews did not accept him. They had hoped and prayed for a Saviour to protect them from their aggressors. Instead, Jesus said if someone slaps you on one cheek, turn and offer them the other. After years of being “slapped” many Jews did not accept Jesus and his teachings.
2. Legalism – Jewish customs and society was based on hundreds, if not thousands of rules and laws that governed everyday life, society, and worship. The Torah alone has 613 laws that Jews were expected to follow. Jesus preached that one of God’s greatest gifts was FREE WILL. To enact and enforce so many rules is taking away from that gift. Jews, especially those in a position of power, did not appreciate Jesus speaking out against their rules.
3. Nationalism – Jewish society 2000 years ago practiced a policy of isolationism (they interacted with neighbouring communities as little as possible). Jesus preached that we are all neighbours. Whether you live in the house beside, the city beside, or the country beside we are all in this together. Jesus spoke out against this policy of the ruling members of society (Pharisees, Sadducees, San Hedrin).