A M e s s i
a n i c
G e n t i l e
In A Messianic Jewish Congregation
by
Don Daly What is a Messianic Gentile?!!
That seems like such a strange term. Perhaps the meaning of the
term will become clearer as we attempt to clarify the meaning of "Messianic
Jewish".
It is generally understood that being Jewish means being a descendent of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and it implies being a follower of Judaism and
its practices. In another sense, it is applied to anyone who
has joined himself to the people of Israel through ritual conversion,
including circumcision for men. The term "Messianic"
(i.e. "of Messiah or Christ") refers to anyone, Jew or gentile, who
has chosen to follow the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). Scripturally, the
term "gentile' refers to someone who was born of non-Jewish parents
and who did not identify himself with Israel through ritual conversion
and circumcision. Thus, a "Messianic gentile" could be
applied to anyone who was born of non-Jewish parents and who is a
follower of Yeshua.
Most Messianic gentiles have chosen to worship the Lord in a setting that is
largely devoid of any Jewish [culture]- - -
-the traditional church. There is, however a small but growing group of
gentiles who have left the gentilized form
of Christianity to join with their Jewish brothers who worship the
Messiah of Israel in an original Jewish way. They have found that in
returning to the Jewish roots of their faith they have achieved a deeper
understanding and a more fulfilling expression of their faith. Many of
these gentiles live out their faith in a Jewish context, celebrating in
their own homes the Jewish holidays as fulfilled by Yeshua. They
often keep Biblical kashrut (Kosher laws) and other
customs freely and without legalism, as a way to worship the Lord.
We see in the New Covenant that Messianic gentiles have met every requirement
to be accepted as full spiritual partners with
their Jewish brethren in the Messianic faith. "Do not lose sight
of the fact that you were born 'gentiles'..., utter strangers to God's
chosen community, Israel; and you had no knowledge of, or right to, the
promised agreements [covenants] ... But now, through the blood of the Messiah,
you are with us inside the circle of God's love ...... (Ephesians 2:11-13,
Phillips). Furthermore, Acts 15:23-29 makes it clear that in order
to become a child of God, a gentile does not need to undergo conversion
rites to Judaism. In fact, Rav Shaul (Paul) takes it one step further - - - - Messianic
gentiles should remain as they are and not seek to become part of
Israel in the flesh. (I Corinthians 7:18-24)
We who are gentile participants in the Messianic Jewish faith are not second
class citizens, but are equal partners with our Jewish brethren.
As equal partners, however, we must share the vision of a culturally
Jewish expression of faith and an outreach that reaches the Jew first, as
well as the unsaved gentile. After all, there is an abundance of
places of worship where the faith is expressed in a culturally gentile
context. Those who are uncomfortable in a Messianic Jewish context can
fellowship there.
In summary, although it is improper and inaccurate to claim a Jewish lineage
if we are gentiles, it is good to share how we too have come to faith
because of our relationship with the Jewish Messiah, Yeshua. When
unbelieving Jewish people hear of our zealousness for the Jewishness of
our faith, and our excitement over the Jewish Messiah, it can provoke
them to jealousy. We trust that they will see that Yeshua is
not the "gentile god," but the "Redeemer of Israel." Related
articles: Can a Christian Gentile Convert to Judaism and Remain a Christian ?? For
further information contact:
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