In the early 20th century Pope Pius XIth stated “We are all spiritual Semites”. Christianity is deeply rooted in Judaism. This blog will explore how Christianity emerged from within the Jewish tradition while also highlighting the key differences between the two faiths. Join us as we explore the historical progression from Judaism to Christianity.
Jesus’ early years
Born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, Jesus grew up firmly embedded in a deep Jewish matrix. Jesus was raised learning Jewish Scriptures and customs, attending synagogue and Temple worship, observing the Sabbath, and celebrating Jewish feasts. To fully understand His teachings, it is important to recognize how His teachings are rooted in many Jewish teachings. Firstly, recognizing His Jewish roots underscores the fulfillment of ancient prophecies in Jewish scripture, confirming His identity as the Messiah. Secondly, acknowledging Jesus’ Jewish background illuminates the connection between Judaism and Christianity. Additionally, understanding Jesus’ Jewish identity enables a more contextual interpretation of His teachings, shedding light on the cultural and religious influences that shaped His message.
New Ideas:
Jesus frequently challenged the interpretations of Jewish law by the religious authorities of His time, often engaging in dialogues that sparked new thoughts and debates. His teachings emphasized love, mercy, and compassion, which sometimes ran counter to prevailing interpretations of Jewish law at the time. He frequently challenged the prevalent wisdom of his day by speaking authoritatively on the real intentions of the Father-that He created us for Himself for an eternal destiny- and the main point behind the mosaic ritual law-to safeguard the Jews from idolatry and conformity to fashionable trends-a law which He came to complete and perfect. Jesus draws back the curtain on the real intent of God’s Revelation: to set out the rules for life and to encourage human flourishing in the light of His final redemption.
The People’s Response:
Jesus spoke to an oppressed Jewish nation under Roman occupation. In addition to the Roman overlords, the common people suffered at the hands of their own rulers, landlords, and tax collectors. He quickly distinguished himself from several other messianic figures who emerged in that time period in response to the suffering of the people. Jesus’ teachings resonated with many of the Jews of His era, as He offered a message of hope, forgiveness, and salvation. His compassion towards the marginalized, His miracles, and His profound wisdom drew people from all walks of life. Many were stunned by His miracles, signs and wonders and by His powerful preaching. People saw in him a teacher unlike any other and He attracted a large number of followers from all over the then Middle East, including unlikely people like Gentiles from the coastal nations and Roman centurions.
Differences between Christianity and Judaism:
While Christianity is deeply rooted in Judaism, it emerged quickly as something entirely new. Jesus revealed Himself as the long-awaited Royal Messiah of the House of David and He punctuated this revelation with many Messianic signs and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Beyond that He revealed His identity as Savior of the world: not only for the Jews but Gentiles as well. Meanwhile Judaism continues to await the coming of the Messiah. Some Jews may have even called Jesus a prophet. Additionally, Christianity places a strong emphasis on faith in Jesus as the path to salvation. Some other differences are:
Afterlife: Christianity generally teaches the concept of heaven and hell, where individuals are rewarded or punished based on their belief in God’s mercy and their actions. In Jesus’ day the primary distinction was between a firm belief in the afterlife with attending reward (Paradise/Bosom of Abraham) or punishment (Gehenna) evinced by the Pharisees and Essenes; and the denial of all supernatural concepts by the Sadducees’ religious establishment.
Scripture: While both religions share the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), Christianity incorporates the New Testament, which includes the teachings of Jesus Christ and the writings of His apostles. Christianity further dispensed with the Mosaic Ritual Law with the coming of the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God. Judaism, however, does not accept the New Testament as scripture and still adheres to the ritual prescriptions of Moses as well as extra-biblical books like the Mishnah and the Talmud.
Trinity: Christianity believes in the doctrine of the Trinity, which asserts that One God exists as three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Judaism rejects the concept of a triune God.
Conclusion
Some say: “All roads lead to God”. While there may be areas of overlap in different world religions with Christianity, the most is found in Judaism. All roads most definitely do not lead to God. He began His primary revelation in the Torah (Hebrew Scriptures) promising the coming Savior.
The main point is that the primary and fullest revelation of God is through His Son Jesus Christ as He emerged from His Jewish origins. Jesus Christ’s upbringing as a devout Jew with Mary and Joseph laid the foundation for His human spiritual journey. His divine nature needed no foundation as He was and is God.
His challenge of established traditions was only to complete and fulfill the seed concepts planted by God’s original revelation in the Old Testament. Many Jews of His day recognized Messiah Jesus as the next step in the evolution of Judaism.
As detailed in the Book of Acts, the early church was composed of faithful Jews who worshipped at the Temple as well as celebrating the Eucharist. Peter and his friends recognized and preached Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, whose name alone brings salvation. Today as well we are invited to answer the call of discipleship and turn our whole lives over to the Messiah and Savior of the whole world.
