We have a duty to understand the Jewish context of Scripture

Rachel Bartles • September 15, 2026

Before we presume, we must remember the first audience of God's word

This summer, after a series of unfortunate cancellations and last-minute plans, I found myself traveling alone to Wheaton College for a two-week summer program in which I would leave with two college credits from a course of my choice. The class I took was a theology course titled “The Person of Christ: Christology & Trinity in the Early Church”. After seeing books such as On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius and On the Unity of Christ by Cyril of Alexandria on the assigned reading list, it would be an understatement to say I was anxious. I expected to find the course demanding, with rigorous class work and lectures that mostly went over my head.

Instead, what I experienced was lots of formative conversational classes that explored the context and importance of Jesus’ ministry and the Church fathers who came after him. We examined the world Jesus came into, with special focus on Rome’s oppressive rule over the Jews. We studied how certain phrases and parables were tied to the geographical and cultural scene of the time, and noted how the removal of such a specific context inevitably changes the understanding of Scripture. Then, we began to explore how Christian theology developed in the years, decades, and centuries that followed the Incarnation. Ultimately, I think the most important lesson I learned from the course is that we Christians have a duty to study and understand Jesus’ ministry in the Jewish context it was carried out in before presuming meaning into Scripture.

Because I moved to the United States after being born and raised in Africa for the first five years of my life, I feel acutely aware of how culture impacts faith. From worship to prayer to traditions and beyond, I’ve always known that many elements of Christianity—as well as other religions—are heavily influenced by the people and systems in a given region. Specifically, in the past few years I’ve increasingly felt the impact of the Jewish culture on both the ancient and modern Church. While it may not be difficult to know the history of God’s chosen people, it can be harder to feel it.

Being cognizant of Jewish holidays and traditions doesn’t equate to experiencing their significance. Nearly every parable Jesus tells has references, purposes, and meaning that are specific to his Jewish context. This isn’t to say that modern Christians can never understand the Word, but rather that to fully understand the Incarnation we must first study the Old Testament story of faith up to Jesus’ coming.

Jesus sat down for the same Passover meal that countless numbers of Jews have attended for thousands of years. Jesus entered communion with God by praying the same ancient words of Jewish Scripture that had been passed on for generations. Jesus’ heart broke for the corruption and oppression that was being inflicted on the people his Father had delivered from Egypt, Canaan, and the Philistines. When the tendency comes to use scriptures and history to make our culture and brand of Christianity superior, it’s crucial to remember that God chose to send his only-begotten Son to an ancient nation of oppressed Jews, not to any modern or Western contexts.

As I continue to grow and learn in my faith, I hope to explore how God shows up in vastly different times, cultures, and moments. The Jews and the Gentiles experienced the Incarnation and subsequent Church development in different ways, with different histories and customs that undoubtedly shaped unique strengths and weaknesses that came with following Christ. While I hope to do God’s work in “making disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19), I also hope to deepen my understanding of God from all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages (Rev 7:9). Through it all, I hope to grow closer in knowledge and love to my Jewish neighbors who were given the original covenant with God.

Rachel Bartles serves as the donation clerk for CMJ USA and another Christian ministry. She is an honors high school student, plays varsity volleyball, and runs a small lawncare business with her sister Mary.

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Fuel the Mission: CMJ USA Day of Giving, October 14

By Carino Casas • September 17, 2026

2026 has been a remarkable year of connection for CMJ USA. Traveling across the country to meet so many of you in person—at churches, conferences, and gatherings—is always a highlight of our ministry. From our early trips through South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to our upcoming visits in California, Texas, and Virginia (plus the meaningful Seders and teachings close to home in Pennsylvania), we are deeply grateful for every open door. As we look ahead, we are preparing for a major milestone: launching Emunah in 2027 and introducing it to congregations nationwide. To reach as many communities as possible, we need to build a strong digital and physical foundation today. Here is where your Day of Giving support directly makes an impact: Expanding Emunah: While Emunah will initially launch as a digital download, our goal is to expand into print editions and high-quality video instruction to maximize its reach. Travel & Outreach: Bringing the Jewish roots of our faith directly to local congregations requires flights, rental cars, and boots on the ground. Upgrading Our Digital Presence: We are optimizing our website to make key resources easily accessible and expanding CMJ’s voice on social media to actively counter anti-Jewish rhetoric with truth and clarity. How You Can Partner with Us Today Invite Us to Your Church: We would love to minister to your local congregation in person. Pray for the Ministry: Stand with us in prayer for wisdom, safe travels, and open doors. Invest in the Mission: Consider becoming a monthly donor or giving a strategic one-time gift this Day of Giving. As Director Emeritus Philip Bottomley often reminds us, "The Lord pays for what He orders." We also know He delights in using His saints as conduits of His abundant provision. To our faithful regular donors: thank you. You are integral to everything we do. Will you help us take this next step forward today?