Believing Jews



Romans 9:1-5
1I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—
2that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.
3For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
4They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.
5To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

This passage is shocking to me every time I read it. Paul’s claim that he would be willing to give up his own salvation in order to see his fellow Jews believe blows me away. I doubt if I make that declaration for anyone else. It is uncommon love. His pain is obvious. He calls it great sorrow and unceasing anguish. Those of us who walk with Jesus through life all probably know someone who we would deeply love to see come to know of God’s love for them. We understand Paul’s deep sorrow.

There are Jews who have embraced Christ as their Savior. Just as there were a few Jews who saw Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies regarding a Savior, so too there are those who believe today. It is in fact quite a large and growing movement. Today they are called Messianic Jews or Jews for Jesus. They have the benefit of both worlds and Jews who believe in Jesus are growing in number today. Paul would be grateful.

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