Christians have a profound responsibility toward the Jewish people, grounded in biblical principles and the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. This responsibility is rooted in love, respect, and recognition of God’s eternal covenant with Israel. Here are the key aspects of this responsibility:

1. Honor God’s Covenant with Israel

God’s promises to the Jewish people remain valid, and Christians are called to honor and respect His covenant.

• Romans 11:28-29: “As far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”
  • Christians must reject any theology or attitude that undermines God’s enduring relationship with the Jewish people.
• Genesis 12:3: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.”
  • Supporting the Jewish people aligns with God’s promise to bless those who honor His chosen people.

2. Reject Antisemitism and Advocate for Justice

Christians must stand against antisemitism in all its forms, recognizing that hatred toward the Jewish people is contrary to God’s will.

• Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
  • Christians are called to actively oppose injustice and prejudice, advocating for the dignity and safety of the Jewish people.
• Proverbs 31:8-9: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
  • Christians should defend Jewish communities against oppression and violence, serving as advocates for peace and justice.

3. Pray for the Jewish People

The Bible commands believers to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the Jewish people’s welfare and salvation.

• Psalm 122:6: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’”
  • Christians should pray for Israel’s physical and spiritual well-being, asking for God’s protection and guidance.
• Romans 10:1: Paul expresses, “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.”
  • Prayer for Jewish people to recognize Jesus as their Messiah is a vital part of the Christian mission.

4. Be Humble and Grateful

Christians are reminded that they are grafted into the blessings of Israel and should avoid arrogance or superiority.

• Romans 11:17-21: Paul warns Gentile believers not to boast against the natural branches (Israel): “Do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches… you do not support the root, but the root supports you.”
  • Gratitude and humility should define the Christian attitude toward the Jewish people.

5. Share the Gospel with Love and Sensitivity

Christians are called to share the Gospel with all people, including the Jewish people, but this must be done with profound respect for their heritage and God’s covenant with them.

• Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
  • The Gospel is first and foremost the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, and sharing it with Jewish people honors that fulfillment.
• 1 Corinthians 9:20: Paul demonstrates sensitivity in his approach: “To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.”
  • Christians should seek to share Christ in ways that honor Jewish culture and identity, avoiding offense or disrespect.

6. Support Israel and Jewish Communities

Christians are called to support the nation of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, recognizing their role in God’s redemptive plan.

• Isaiah 62:6-7: “You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.”
  • Advocacy and tangible support for Israel’s well-being align with God’s purposes.
• Acts 11:29-30: The early church provided material aid to Jewish believers in Jerusalem during a time of famine, setting a precedent for practical support.

7. Acknowledge the Shared Heritage

Christianity is deeply rooted in Judaism, and believers must honor that shared foundation.

• John 4:22: Jesus affirmed, “Salvation is from the Jews.”
  • Christians owe a spiritual debt to the Jewish people, as their faith originates from the promises, patriarchs, and scriptures of Israel.
• Romans 9:4-5: Paul highlights Israel’s unique role: “Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah.”
  • Christians must celebrate and honor the Jewish people’s role in God’s plan of salvation.

8. Live as Witnesses of God’s Faithfulness

Christians are to reflect God’s love and faithfulness in their relationships with the Jewish people.

• Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
  • By demonstrating love, kindness, and humility, Christians bear witness to the transforming power of Christ.
• Ephesians 2:14-16: Jesus has broken down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating unity in Him. Christians must live as ambassadors of this reconciliation.

Conclusion

Christians have a divine mandate to love, honor, and support the Jewish people, recognizing their unique place in God’s plan of redemption. This includes rejecting antisemitism, praying for their peace and salvation, sharing the Gospel with respect, and standing in solidarity with them in times of need. Through these actions, believers fulfill their responsibility to reflect God’s covenant faithfulness and His heart for the Jewish people.