Jesus, A Jew Through and Through
September 29, 2023
Today we finish the gospel of Luke. Tomorrow we begin John’s gospel.
Luke 24:44-53 | Luke 1:46-55
Most Christians spend very little to no time thinking about Jesus as a Jew. But he was born a Jew. He lived as a Jew. He suffered and died as a Jew. He was raised again as a Jew. And he ascended as a Jew.
The Israelites and then the Jews were the chosen people of God. A certain subset of humanity God chose to bear the divine witness to the world. Yes, of course, Christians know that such a placement was blown open on Pentecost. But because we know that, we often forget of Jesus’ Jewishness.
This may seem an odd way to end our commentary and time in the gospel of Luke, but remember back to the first couple of chapters and some of the details we noted - that Jesus was circumcised, dedicated, and sacrificed on behalf of as a little baby all according to Jewish custom. He went to Jewish festivals as a child and an adult. He was a Jewish rabbi and went to synagogue every sabbath, “as was his custom” (Luke 4).
Why is this important?
It’s important to remember for many reasons, but one for now: God came into the world in Christ in particular people and a particular person within that people. They (and he) embodied a culture. This is not a call for the rest of the world to become Jewish, but to become God’s people (and individual, you) within the culture we are a part of.
And also to remember Jesus as a particular human.
Luke 24:44-53
Jesus said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law from Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. He said to them, “This is what is written: the Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and a change of heart and life for the forgiveness of sins must be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Look, I’m sending to you what my Father promised, but you are to stay in the city until you have been furnished with heavenly power.”
He led them out as far as Bethany, where he lifted his hands and blessed them. As he blessed them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. They worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem overwhelmed with joy. And they were continuously in the temple praising God.
Luke 1:46-55
Mary said,
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.
Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
because the mighty one has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.
He shows mercy to everyone,
from one generation to the next,
who honors him as God.
He has shown strength with his arm.
He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones
and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty-handed.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
remembering his mercy,
just as he promised to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”
Prayer
God,
As I live into yet another new day, grant me your wisdom. Give me a body, mind, and soul capable of bearing your image, your compassion, your grace, and your love.
I expect today will bring some things. I understand it will bring other things I do not expect. In all things, keep me sharp and soft all at once.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.