CMJ USA News & Views

What is Lent? And what does it have to do with the Jewishness of Jesus?

Of those who have claimed to be the Messiah of Israel, only Yeshua of Nazareth has drawn the pagan nations toward the God of Israel

For some, the Christmas narrative has become trite, something to be toyed with, but the story of the infant in the manager is not some fairy tale. It is the revelation of the King-Like-David, the Redeemer of Israel and the Nations. 

The Messiah's Advent, both in the past and in the future, is important not only to the Church but also to the people of Israel. In his first Advent, the Messiah came for his own Jewish people. His ministry was to them, first and foremost.

When Jesus feeds the multitude by multiplying bread, the people realize he is the Prophet that Moses predicted. Yet, the they fail to understand what this prophetic role would entail. Part of our ongoing series "Jesus the Prophet Like Moses."

Why does Jesus turn water into wine? Is he announcing the fading of the Law? No, rather he is announcing the new Exodus and his identity as Moses' successor. Part of our ongoing series "Jesus, the Prophet Like Moses."

Moses served as a judge for Israel. His judging was not a condemning or critical type of judging but making decisions regarding disputes or disagreements. If Moses is presented as a judge, the Messianic Prophet of whom he spoke is the ultimate judge.

Following the Resurrection, two disciples of Jesus left Jerusalem, walking to the town of Emmaus about seven miles away. As they walked together, a stranger joined them and intruded into their conversation. The stranger was the Prophet Like Moses.

The Samaritans were looking for Moses’ successor, the giver of water. It’s the woman at the well who first puts the pieces together and recognizes the long-awaited Restorer. Jesus identifies himself as that prophet to the Samaritan woman at the well.

Why does the text say that Jesus intended to pass by his frightened disciples on the lake, and how does that have to do with Moses’ divine encounter on Sinai? Part of our ongoing series "Jesus, the Prophet Like Moses."

Jesus’s transfiguration looks back to Moses’ transforming encounter with the God of Israel and points forward to the Son of Man, the Prophet-Like-Moses, ruling and reigning at the right hand of the Father

Only one character in the Tanakh can truly be said to be the One prophesied to succeed Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15–19: The Servant of the Lord depicted in Isaiah 40–55. Fourth in a year-long series.

Jesus fasts 40 days in the wilderness as Moses does. This and other parallels with Israel are expressions of Jesus’ ministry as the ultimate, prophesied Prophet—the One to whom Israel must harken.

The Gospel of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ extended teaching sitting on a high place sketches out an image of the Prophet-Like-Moses promised by God in Deuteronomy 18. Second in a year-long series.

Jesus was born to be a king, but he fulfilled a different role, or function, in the days of his earthly ministry. We cannot fully understand the Gospels without understanding him in his role as the Prophet-like-Moses.

As we enter the Jewish season of High Holy Days, the words “return,” “repentance,” and “turn back” are paramount.

Ten years ago the world woke up to the tragic news of the alcohol-fuelled death of pop star Amy Winehouse. One of Britain’s best-loved evangelists shares the equally tragic story of how he put off a clear call from God to visit and speak with her.

Before the Church can speak out against anti-Semitism without, we must correct the anti-Semitism within. We must examine our exegetical methods for faulty assumptions that (perhaps unconsciously) lead us to anti-Jewish interpretations.

Places in the Bible have significant importance. Events occur at certain locations, not by chance but because they provide added emphasis and meaning to the deep truths of God. Geography is theology. So a question arises as we begin the season of Advent:

A Petra Church Podcast about God's plan of redemption