Skip to main content

What is Judaism?

Judaism is the ancient faith of the Jewish people, rooted in the covenant God made with Israel and the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus was Jewish. His apostles were Jewish. The Scriptures Jesus read were the Scriptures of Israel.

The story of Israel's Scriptures leads to Jesus - and Jesus is the promised Messiah. That gives us a natural way to talk with Jewish people. Open the Scriptures together. Ask questions. Listen. Then examine Jesus.

Key facts​

Judaism developed among the ancient Israelites in the Near East, tracing its origins through the biblical figures Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses. Its foundational identity was shaped by the covenant between God and Israel and the giving of the Torah through Moses.

Over time, Judaism developed through Israel's kingdoms, prophets, exile and restoration, eventually becoming the diverse Jewish traditions found today.

Overview​

History​

Judaism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions and traces its origins to the ancient Israelites of the Near East. Its foundational story begins with Abraham, who is traditionally regarded as the ancestor of the Jewish people and with whom God establishes a covenant. This covenant is continued through Abraham's son Isaac and grandson Jacob, whose descendants become the twelve tribes of Israel.

A central stage in the development of Judaism is Moses and the Exodus from Egypt. According to the Hebrew Scriptures, God delivers the Israelites from slavery and enters into a covenant with them at Mount Sinai, giving them the Torah, including commandments governing worship, morality, community life and ritual practice.

The biblical history of Israel subsequently includes settlement in the land of Israel, the establishment of the monarchy under kings such as David and Solomon, the destruction of the First Temple, exile in Babylon, and eventual restoration. The prophets repeatedly called Israel back to faithfulness to God, emphasising justice, repentance, mercy and obedience.

Judaism continued to develop after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. Rabbinic Judaism became the dominant form of Jewish religious life, placing particular emphasis on the study and interpretation of Torah, prayer and communal practice. Over time, diverse Jewish traditions and communities developed, including Orthodox, Conservative/Masorti and Reform Judaism, alongside other movements and cultural traditions.

Beliefs​

Judaism is fundamentally monotheistic, teaching that there is one God who is the creator of the universe and who entered into a covenantal relationship with Israel. Jewish belief places strong emphasis on God's holiness, justice, mercy and faithfulness.

A central concept is the covenant between God and the Jewish people. Israel is understood as having a particular relationship and responsibility before God, expressed through faithfulness to the Torah and its commandments. This covenant is not simply a statement of belief but shapes Jewish identity, worship, ethics and communal life.

Judaism also places strong emphasis on repentance, obedience, justice and righteous living. Human beings are responsible for their actions and are called to turn away from sin and return to God. Jewish traditions differ on questions such as the afterlife, resurrection and the nature of the Messiah. Consequently, Judaism generally places greater emphasis on faithful living in the present world than on a single detailed doctrine of the afterlife.

Judaism does not generally teach that a person must convert to Judaism in order to have a relationship with God or live a righteous life. Jewish identity has both religious and communal dimensions, and conversion is possible but is not actively required of outsiders.

What attracts people to Judaism?​

Judaism offers a vision of life centred on one God, covenant, faithful obedience, repentance and righteous living. It speaks to questions of identity, purpose, morality, community and humanity's relationship with God, while preserving a distinctive religious and cultural identity shaped by thousands of years of history.

People may be drawn to Judaism because they are looking for a deep relationship with God, a strong sense of community, a meaningful tradition, or a way of connecting their everyday lives with faith. Many are attracted by its emphasis on family, prayer, study, ethical living, justice, and the preservation of religious traditions across generations.

For some, Judaism's understanding of covenant provides a strong sense of identity and belonging. Jewish life connects faith with family, history, community, festivals, food, worship and shared practices, giving religion a strong presence in everyday life.

Others may be drawn to Judaism's emphasis on questioning, interpretation and study. Rather than treating religious understanding as something that never requires discussion, Jewish tradition has a long history of debate and interpretation surrounding the Torah and its application to life.

Sharing the Gospel​

Remember: this is a guide, not a script. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation.

Have a conversation, not a presentation. You could simply start with:

I'd love to look at some of the Hebrew Scriptures with you and hear what you think they mean.

Take a journey through Scripture. The goal is not to force someone into an interpretation. It is to ask What does the text actually say?

The Law - Can we keep it?​

The Torah reveals God's holiness and His commands. The question isn't whether God's law is good. It is. So ask:

"Have we actually kept it?"

James says, "Whoever keeps the whole law, yet stumbles at just one point, is guilty of breaking all of it" (Jam 2:10). The point isn't that every sin is identical. The point is that breaking God's law makes us lawbreakers.

Ask:

"Have you ever broken God's law?"

"If someone breaks God's law, how is that guilt dealt with?"

"Can obedience afterwards erase something already done?"

This moves the conversation from am I a good person? to how can a guilty person be made right with a holy God?

Sacrifice - How is sin atoned for?​

The Old Testament does not treat sin as something that can simply be ignored. There is sacrifice. Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement when atonement was made for Israel. Ask:

"Why did God provide sacrifices?"

"What did sacrifice accomplish?"

"Why was blood involved?"

"How is sin ultimately dealt with?"

Then introduce Jesus. Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (Joh 1:29).

The Bible holds that the sacrificial system was pointing toward something greater.

Isaiah 53 - Who is the suffering servant?​

Read Isaiah 52:13–15 to Isaiah 53:1–12 in full. Then ask:

Who is this servant?

The servant is described as:

  • despised and rejected
  • suffering
  • innocent
  • silent before his accusers
  • wounded and pierced
  • bearing the sins of others
  • dying
  • yet ultimately vindicated and exalted
Isaiah says

He was pierced for our transgressions (Isa 53:5).

The LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all (Isa 53:6).

Ask:

"Why does he suffer?"

"Is he suffering because of his own sin?"

"Whose sins does he bear?"

"What happens after his suffering?"

"Who is this person?"

Now compare the passage with Jesus.

Jesus is rejected. Jesus is innocent. Jesus is beaten. Jesus is silent before His accusers. Jesus is pierced. Jesus is crucified. His followers proclaim that He rose again.

Isaiah 53 finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ.

But isn't Isaiah 53 about Israel?​

Some Jews understand the servant collectively as Israel. Others have understood the servant differently. So you can say:

Let's examine the passage carefully and ask what Isaiah is describing.

Israel is called God's servant elsewhere in Isaiah too (Isa 41:8). But the servant suffers for the sins of others.

Isaiah 53 (emphasis added)

He was pierced for our transgressions (Isa 53:5).

The LORD laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isa 53:6).

So ask:

"Who are the we and our speaking?"

"Who is the servant?"

"Who are the people whose sins he bears?"

The servant is also described as innocent

He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth (Isa 53:9).

By His knowledge shall the righteous One, My Servant, make many to be accounted righteous (Isa 53:11).

Ask:

Who is the innocent servant who suffers for the guilty?

Then compare him with Jesus.

Psalm 22 - The suffering righteous one​

Now read Psalm 22. from beginning to end.

Those are the words Jesus cries from the cross. But the Psalm contains many remarkable details.

Hands and feet​

Psalm 22:16 says:

They have pierced my hands and feet.

This as a striking parallel with crucifixion because Jesus' hands and feet were pierced, almost 10 centuries before crucifixion was performed.

Dividing garments​

Psalm 22:18 says:

They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots

Compare John 19:23–24

The Roman soldiers divide Jesus' garments and cast lots for His clothing.

Mockery​

Psalm 22 describes the righteous sufferer being mocked.

Compare Matthew 27:39–43

Jesus is mocked while hanging on the cross.

The cry from the cross​

Jesus deliberately quotes the opening words of Psalm 22.

Ask:

"Why did Jesus quote this Psalm?"

"Why do the Gospel writers echo Psalm 22 throughout the crucifixion?"

"How closely does Psalm 22 resemble the events surrounding Jesus' death?"

David or Jesus?​

Psalm 22 is traditionally attributed to David and certainly expresses David's suffering. Christians do not need to deny that. The question is whether the Psalm also points beyond David toward the Messiah.

David was never crucified. Esther was never crucified.

Neither experienced Roman execution with pierced hands and feet.

Neither was executed while soldiers divided garments and cast lots for clothing.

Forgiveness - Who can remove sin?​

Psalm 103 says, He forgives all your iniquity (Psalm 103:3)

God forgives sin. Now read (Mark 2)

Jesus tells a paralysed man Son, your sins are forgiven.

The scribes immediately ask Who can forgive sins but God alone?

That is the central issue. Jesus personally declares forgiveness.

Then He heals the man to demonstrate His authority. Ask:

"Why did Jesus claim authority to forgive sins?"

"Who did Jesus believe He was?"

The Messiah - How will we recognise Him?​

Read together:

  • Genesis 3:15 The offspring of the woman will ultimately defeat the serpent, becoming a foundational passage for the idea of a coming deliverer who defeats evil.

  • Deuteronomy 18:15–19 Moses speaks of a future prophet like himself whom God will raise up from among Israel, who will speak God's words to the people.

  • 2 Samuel 7:12–16 God promises David an enduring dynasty and kingdom, establishing the expectation of a future Davidic king whose throne will endure.

  • Psalm 2 Describes God's anointed king (Messiah) ruling over the nations as God's chosen Son, despite opposition from earthly rulers.

  • Psalm 22 A suffering righteous person cries out to God amid intense persecution, yet ultimately experiences God's deliverance; Christians see strong parallels with Jesus' crucifixion.

  • Psalm 110 Portrays the Lord's chosen king reigning with divine authority and serving as a priest, combining royal and priestly roles.

  • Isaiah 9:6–7 Promises a coming Davidic ruler whose reign will bring justice, peace and an everlasting kingdom.

  • Isaiah 11:1–10 Describes a future ruler from the line of Jesse who will rule with God's Spirit, righteousness and justice, bringing peace and restoration.

  • Isaiah 52:13–53:12 Describes God's suffering servant who is rejected, bears the sins of others, suffers unjustly and is ultimately vindicated.

  • Daniel 7:13–14 A figure "like a son of man" receives everlasting dominion and authority over all nations from God.

  • Micah 5:2 Foretells a ruler who will come from Bethlehem, connected to the ancient line of David.

  • Zechariah 9:9 Describes Israel's king arriving humbly in Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, bringing salvation and peace.

  • Jeremiah 31:31–34 Promises a new covenant in which God will write his law on people's hearts, forgive their sins and establish a renewed relationship with his people.

More than 350 prophecies fulfilled - what are the odds?

Jesus's birth, life, death and resurrection fulfills more than 350 prophecies in the Old Testament - no one in history can hold a candle to Him!

Ask:

What would you expect the Messiah to be like?

Then:

How would you recognise Him?

Only then compare these passages with Jesus.

Psalm 110 - Who is David's Lord?​

(Psalm 110:1) says, "The LORD says to my Lord: Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool."

David is speaking. Yet he calls someone my Lord.

Ask:

"If the Messiah is David's descendant, why does David call Him Lord?"

"Who is this greater Lord?"

Jesus Himself raises this question in Matthew 22:41–46

The New Testament identifies Jesus as David's Lord.

The New Covenant - What did Jeremiah promise?​

Read Jeremiah 31:31–34. God promises: "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah."

Notice the promises:

  • God's law written on hearts
  • knowing God personally
  • restored relationship
  • forgiveness of sin
  • sins remembered no more

Ask:

"What is this New Covenant?"

"Has it happened?"

"How are these promises fulfilled?

Then read Luke 22:20

Jesus says:

This cup is the new covenant in My blood.

Jesus deliberately connects His death with Jeremiah's promise.

The Christian claim is:

Jesus came as the fulfilment of God's covenant promises to Israel.

Now we meet Jesus​

Now open a Gospel. Ask the person to examine Jesus Himself.

Who does He claim to be? Why does He forgive sins? Why does He claim authority? Why does He speak about the New Covenant? Why does He say:

I am the way, the truth and the life.

Then ask the biggest question: What happened after Jesus was crucified?

Christianity rests upon the resurrection. If Jesus remained dead, Christianity collapses. If He rose from the dead, then the question becomes Who is Jesus? and Will I follow Him?

Common questions and objections​

God cannot become a man​

The objection might be: "God is transcendent and infinite. How could He become a human being?" This is where John 1:1–18 becomes central "The Word was God" and "the Word became flesh." But you can also go back to the Hebrew Scriptures and ask whether God can manifest himself in human form without ceasing to be God. For example, discuss Genesis 18, where the LORD appears to Abraham in connection with three visitors, or the Angel of the LORD passages.

Jesus broke the Sabbath / violated Jewish law​

You may hear that Jesus healed on the Sabbath, allowed his disciples to pick grain, touched unclean people, declared foods clean, or otherwise contradicted Torah.

This is worth handling carefully because Jesus' relationship to Torah is a major issue. Jesus says in Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets."

You can discuss whether Jesus was breaking Torah or challenging particular interpretations of Torah while claiming authority to interpret it correctly.

And importantly, Jesus' controversies were intra-Jewish debates. He wasn't a pagan outsider attacking Judaism.

God is one. Christianity teaches three gods​

This is probably one of the most important theological objections. They may quote the Shema, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one" Deuteronomy 6:4 And say "Judaism is monotheistic. Christianity introduced the Trinity."

A good response isn't to argue against the Shema. Christians agree that God is one. The question becomes: "Does ‘God is one’ necessarily mean that God's existence cannot involve distinction of persons?"

You can then look at passages where Scripture simultaneously maintains God's uniqueness while presenting distinctions involving the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.

Isaiah 53 is about Israel​

There are respected Jewish interpretations that understand the servant collectively as Israel. See the section above

Psalm 22 is about David​

Psalm 22 is traditionally attributed to David. The Christian argument is not that David never suffered. It is that the Psalm contains details which Christians believe find their fullest fulfilment in Jesus' crucifixion. Read Psalm 22 alongside Matthew 27 and John 19 and compare them carefully.

See the section above

Jesus did not fulfil everything expected of the Messiah​

Christianity teaches that the Messiah's work unfolds in two stages. His first coming brought suffering, atonement and resurrection.

His return will bring final judgment, restoration and the complete establishment of His kingdom.

Christians changed the Hebrew Scriptures​

The earliest Christians were Jewish and constantly appealed to the Hebrew Scriptures.

The question is What do these passages mean in context, and do they point to Jesus?

Jesus isn't mentioned by name in the Hebrew Bible​

That's technically true: you won't find "Jesus of Nazareth" explicitly named in the Tanakh. But it does give us a messianic portrait that Jesus fulfills perfectly.

A useful question is, "What characteristics would you expect the Messiah to have according to the Hebrew Scriptures?" Then make a list together before discussing Jesus. That approach can be much more effective than throwing twenty disconnected proof texts at someone.

Christianity has persecuted Jews for centuries​

This objection shouldn't be brushed aside.

A Jewish person may point to the Crusades, expulsions, forced conversions, pogroms, the Holocaust, Christian antisemitism, or other historical abuses. Point to the fact that even Jesus says judge a tree by its fruit. Say, "You're right that people who called themselves Christians have committed terrible things against Jews. I don't think those things should be minimized or defended. But I also don't think the actions of people who claim Christ determine whether Jesus himself is the Messiah." Rather lets examine what Jesus and the earliest Jewish followers of Jesus actually taught.

The New Covenant is for Israel, not Christians​

Interestingly, this can become a strong bridge to Christianity. Jeremiah 31:31 says "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah."

This is correct, you can respond with, "Exactly. The New Covenant was promised to Israel and Judah. So why did the earliest Jewish followers of Jesus believe that Jesus inaugurated that covenant?"

Then examine Jeremiah 31:31–34 and compare it with Jesus' words at the Last Supper, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood." That's a very significant connection.

The sacrifices already provide atonement. Why do we need Jesus?​

What exactly does the Torah say sacrifices accomplish, and are sacrifices themselves the ultimate solution to sin?

Then look at passages such as:

Hebrews then presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system

Jesus was a false prophet because he claimed to be Messiah​

This can be framed around Deuteronomy 13 and the Torah's warnings against false prophets. A thoughtful response is to ask:

"What exactly would make someone a false messiah according to the Hebrew Scriptures?"

Then establish criteria rather than simply assuming Jesus passes them. The resurrection becomes particularly important here. Christianity isn't merely saying "Jesus made a claim, therefore believe him."

It's saying, "Jesus made extraordinary claims, was publicly executed, and his followers subsequently proclaimed that God raised him from the dead." So the historical question becomes important.

Paul invented Christianity​

This is a very common objection, "Jesus was Jewish and taught Judaism. Paul came along and created Christianity." A helpful response is to point out that the earliest Christian movement was overwhelmingly Jewish. Jesus' apostles were Jewish. The earliest disciples were Jewish. The earliest Christian proclamation was made in Jerusalem. You can also ask: "If Paul invented Jesus' divinity and resurrection theology, why does Paul appeal to traditions he had received from other Christians?" For example, 1 Corinthians 15:3–7 contains an extremely early summary of Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and appearances that Paul says he received and then passed on.

Helpful Bible passages​

The Law and sin​

  • Exodus 20:1–17 The giving of the Ten Commandments, establishing moral and religious duties for God's people
  • Leviticus 16 Regulations for the Day of Atonement, providing ritual cleansing for the sins of the nation
  • Deuteronomy 6:4–5 One God, wholehearted love for God, and the foundation of biblical monotheism
  • James 2:10 Breaking even a single command makes a person guilty of breaking the entire law
  • Romans 3:19–24 All people are accountable to God under the law, but are justified freely by His grace through Christ

The suffering Messiah​

  • Psalm 22 A vivid prophetic picture of intense suffering, mockery, and eventual vindication, fulfilled in the crucifixion
  • Isaiah 52:13–53:12 The Suffering Servant who bears the sins and transgressions of others as a substitute sacrifice
  • Daniel 7:13–14 The heavenly vision of the Son of Man receiving universal dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom

The Messiah​

  • Genesis 3:15 The first promise of the Gospel, foretelling that the woman's seed will crush the serpent's head
  • Deuteronomy 18:15–19 The promise that God will raise up a prophet like Moses whom the people must listen to
  • 2 Samuel 7:12–16 The Davidic covenant establishing that an eternal royal dynasty will come from David’s lineage
  • Psalm 2 God's decree concerning His Anointed King who rules over the nations
  • Psalm 110 The Lord's declaration that the Messiah is both an eternal King and a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek
  • Isaiah 9:6–7 The prophecy of the child born to be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace
  • Isaiah 11:1–10 The righteous Branch from Jesse's stump empowered by the Spirit to reign in justice and peace
  • Micah 5:2 The prophecy predicting that the ruler of Israel will come forth from the small town of Bethlehem
  • Zechariah 9:9 The triumphant yet humble King coming to Jerusalem riding on a donkey

Forgiveness and the New Covenant​

  • Psalm 103:1–12 Praise for the Lord’s abundant mercy, compassion, and complete removal of our transgressions
  • Jeremiah 31:31–34 The promise of a New Covenant where God’s law is written on the heart and sins are remembered no more
  • Ezekiel 36:25–27 The promise of inner spiritual cleansing, a new heart, and the gift of God's Holy Spirit
  • Mark 2:1–12 Jesus demonstrates His divine authority on earth to forgive sins and heal the paralytic
  • Luke 22:14–20 The institution of the Lord's Supper, establishing the New Covenant in Jesus' blood poured out for many
  • Hebrews 8–10 Christ as the superior High Priest of a better covenant, offering a once-for-all eternal sacrifice

Jesus and the Scriptures​

  • Matthew 22:41–46 Jesus challenges the religious leaders by pointing out that the Messiah is both David's Lord and David's son
  • Luke 24:25–27 The resurrected Jesus explaining to the disciples how all the Scriptures point directly to Himself
  • John 5:39–40 Jesus testifies that the Old Testament scriptures bear witness about Him, yet people refuse to come to Him for life
  • John 14:6 Jesus declares Himself to be the exclusive way, the truth, and the life, and the only path to the Father

Resurrection​

  • Matthew 28 The empty tomb, the angel's announcement of the resurrection, and the Great Commission
  • Luke 24 The road to Emmaus revelation, Jesus appearing to His disciples, and His ascension into heaven
  • John 20 Mary Magdalene and the disciples encounter the risen Christ, including Thomas's confession of faith
  • 1 Corinthians 15:1–8 Paul summarizes the core gospel message of Christ's death, burial, and eyewitness-verified resurrection

A challenge for Christians​

Judaism should challenge us too.

We can say Jesus fulfilled prophecy. But have we actually read the passages?

We can say Jesus is the Messiah. But can we show someone why?

We can tell people to believe in Jesus without knowing the Scriptures that Jesus Himself used.

Do I know the Scriptures well enough to show someone why Jesus is the Messiah?

If Jesus really is the Messiah, am I actually following Him?

Am I living under His Lordship? Am I pursuing holiness? Am I loving God and people? Am I obeying His commands?

The goal is to help people see Jesus - and then faithfully follow Him.

Last updated on