Could you speak to the question of how the identity of Israel or if the identity of Israel has changed. Is it important for a Messiah believing Jew to identify as a Messianic Jew. Why do Christians and Messianic Jews still seem to have this separation or distinct identities.
Good questions, Mike. The way I see it, the descendants of Jacob were basically tenants in the land, and Jesus was the true inheritor (Mt 21:33ff). Seen this way, the Mosaic law essentially becomes a tenant agreement (i.e., the rules of the "landlord"). Thus, when God promised to give the land to Jacob's offspring (Gen 24:7, etc.) that didn't officially take effect until Christ came (he is the singular "seed" that Paul refers to in Gal 3:16. However, because Christ is the singular head of a larger body (Eph 4:15), a singular vine with branches (Jn 15:5), a singular cornerstone of a new temple with many living stones (1Pt 2:4-6), etc., those in Christ inherit with him (whether Jew or Gentile). Jewish believers in Jesus, however, have always been permitted to continue following the Mosaic law, since that way of living had become enculturated, etc. But Acts 15 makes clear that Gentiles were not required to adopt the Mosaic law, etc. I think this helps us to see why Messianic Jews often remain separate, etc.
I understand that you caution us not to lose the forest for the trees but I have a couple of tree questions. Paul speaks about an equality where there is no longer Jew or Greek, etc. and then in Revelation the new Jerusalem has the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel and then the twelve names of the apostles (who are Jewish) on the foundations. This, from a very simple first read, seems to suggest a set apartness. I appreciate your patience.
Gal 3:28 says: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This does not mean there was no longer any differentiation between Jews and Greeks, servants and masters, men and women, etc. Rather, in Christ we all have equal access. We're all different parts of the same body, with a single head. With regard to Revelation, the imagery is distinctively Jewish, and there are countless allusions to the OT throughout. The fact that the names of the twelve tribes and twelve apostles are inscribed on the foundations of this city fits with the fact that the entire canon was revealed to the sons of Israel. The name of the city after all is the "New Jerusalem," however, the water of life flows out of the city and brings life and healing to the entire world (Rev 22:1ff; cf. Rev 5:9). This is similar to Paul's language in Rom 11:17ff, that Gentiles were like wild olive shoots that were then grafted onto the olive tree (Israel).
Incredible!
Could you speak to the question of how the identity of Israel or if the identity of Israel has changed. Is it important for a Messiah believing Jew to identify as a Messianic Jew. Why do Christians and Messianic Jews still seem to have this separation or distinct identities.
Good questions, Mike. The way I see it, the descendants of Jacob were basically tenants in the land, and Jesus was the true inheritor (Mt 21:33ff). Seen this way, the Mosaic law essentially becomes a tenant agreement (i.e., the rules of the "landlord"). Thus, when God promised to give the land to Jacob's offspring (Gen 24:7, etc.) that didn't officially take effect until Christ came (he is the singular "seed" that Paul refers to in Gal 3:16. However, because Christ is the singular head of a larger body (Eph 4:15), a singular vine with branches (Jn 15:5), a singular cornerstone of a new temple with many living stones (1Pt 2:4-6), etc., those in Christ inherit with him (whether Jew or Gentile). Jewish believers in Jesus, however, have always been permitted to continue following the Mosaic law, since that way of living had become enculturated, etc. But Acts 15 makes clear that Gentiles were not required to adopt the Mosaic law, etc. I think this helps us to see why Messianic Jews often remain separate, etc.
I understand that you caution us not to lose the forest for the trees but I have a couple of tree questions. Paul speaks about an equality where there is no longer Jew or Greek, etc. and then in Revelation the new Jerusalem has the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel and then the twelve names of the apostles (who are Jewish) on the foundations. This, from a very simple first read, seems to suggest a set apartness. I appreciate your patience.
Gal 3:28 says: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This does not mean there was no longer any differentiation between Jews and Greeks, servants and masters, men and women, etc. Rather, in Christ we all have equal access. We're all different parts of the same body, with a single head. With regard to Revelation, the imagery is distinctively Jewish, and there are countless allusions to the OT throughout. The fact that the names of the twelve tribes and twelve apostles are inscribed on the foundations of this city fits with the fact that the entire canon was revealed to the sons of Israel. The name of the city after all is the "New Jerusalem," however, the water of life flows out of the city and brings life and healing to the entire world (Rev 22:1ff; cf. Rev 5:9). This is similar to Paul's language in Rom 11:17ff, that Gentiles were like wild olive shoots that were then grafted onto the olive tree (Israel).
Thank you for the feedback. I enjoy your podcast and appreciate you talking to me.