The Jews for Jesus are a Messianic Jewish organization that believes Jesus is the Messiah and seeks to evangelize Jewish people. They came into existence in the 1970s during the Jesus movement and have been spreading their message ever since. Here is an overview of their origins, beliefs, and practices:
Origins of Jews for Jesus
Jews for Jesus was founded in San Francisco in 1973 by Moishe Rosen, a Baptist minister who was the son of Jewish immigrants. Rosen had been involved in street evangelism and wanted to reach the Jewish community with the message of Jesus. He brought together a group of Jewish believers in Jesus and formed an organization initially called “Hineni” which means “Here I am” in Hebrew. It was soon changed to Jews for Jesus to more directly convey their purpose.
The Jews for Jesus adopted bold, outgoing evangelistic methods aimed at creating public witness engagements. They frequented popular streets, college campuses, and events to hand out literature, hold signs, and strike up faith discussions. Their goal was to stir interest and trigger conversations where they could share the gospel. Their enthusiastic style was eye-catching and brought them much attention early on.
The organization grew rapidly as many Jewish converts to Christianity were drawn to its upbeat, Jewish-oriented approach. Jews for Jesus resonated with Jewish believers who felt out of place in traditional churches. By the late 1970s, they had centers established across the United States and other countries. Their track record for bringing Jewish people to faith in Christ gained them support among Evangelical Christian churches and communities worldwide.
Beliefs and Practices
Jews for Jesus describes itself as a Messianic Jewish ministry. Messianic Judaism combines elements of Judaism and Christianity, seeing Jesus as the Messiah while also maintaining a Jewish identity. Here are some key beliefs and practices that shape their faith:
Jesus as Messiah
The core belief of Jews for Jesus is that Jesus is the promised Messiah and Savior of the Jewish people and the whole world. They believe Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah and that identifying him as the Christ is the central revelation of the Bible (John 20:31).
Authority of the New Testament
In addition to the Old Testament, Jews for Jesus regard the New Testament as inspired Scripture. These texts testify to Jesus as the Messiah and are essential for understanding God’s plan of salvation through him. The New Testament is seen as equally authoritative as the Old Testament.
Evangelism
Jews for Jesus has a mandate to spread the gospel and actively evangelize Jewish communities. They engage in various forms of street witnessing, pamphlet distribution, book tables, canvassing, and event participation. They also utilize social media, websites, podcasts and other digital platforms to connect with Jewish seekers.
Jewish Practices
The organization embraces customs and traditions associated with Jewish identity such as keeping biblical feasts and festivals, eating kosher foods, and celebrating Jewish holidays. They integrate these practices into their Christian faith, seeing Christianity as having Jewish roots.
Messianic Synagogues
Jews for Jesus helps establish Messianic synagogues and congregations that unite Jewish cultural elements with worship of Jesus. These function as congregations for Messianic Jews who accept Jesus as the Messiah.
Prophecy and Israel
They affirm God’s continued promises and plans for the people of Israel. The modern state of Israel and events surrounding it are seen as tied to biblical prophecy. There is also anticipation of a national turning of Jewish people to accept Jesus in the end times.
Controversies and Criticisms
As a form of Messianic Judaism, Jews for Jesus has been rejected by mainstream Jewish institutions. Reasons for opposition include:
- Belief in Jesus as Messiah is seen as incompatible with Judaism’s view of God and scripture.
- Their aggressive evangelistic methods are considered offensive and inappropriate by Jewish communities.
- Jewish critics argue it cannot be considered a form of Judaism given its Christian beliefs.
- Mainstream Jews view Messianic Jewish groups as deceptive for using Jewish customs to promote another religion.
- There are concerns over Messianic groups aiming to convert Jews away from their ancestral faith.
On the other hand, Jews for Jesus has also faced criticism from some Christians for retaining too many Jewish customs and not alignment fully with evangelical theology and practice on issues like law and grace. But its methods and message have resonated with many believers who wish to see more Jewish people accept Christ.
Presence and Influence Today
Jews for Jesus continues to have a presence as a well-known Messianic organization. They report having over 250 staff operating in 17 countries worldwide. In the U.S., they have 9 branch offices in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. They also report new ministry efforts in Israel and Arab countries seeking to spread their message to broader Jewish communities globally.
While their reported conversion figures are relatively small, Jews for Jesus has influenced modern evangelistic approaches through their bold, public outreach. Many Christian missionary organizations now integrate similar Jewish-themed methods. Jews for Jesus also brought greater awareness of Messianic Judaism as a movement to both Christian and Jewish audiences.
Though controversial in mainstream Jewish circles, Jews for Jesus remains active in propagating its beliefs that Jesus is the foretold Jewish Messiah. They continue working to share this gospel message among Jewish people while retaining Jewish practices and identity.