Jesus and Jews

Reflection

Paul was a Jew.  He was raised a Jew.  He studied the Bible in Jerusalem.  Then he had an experience of Jesus.  This changed his life.  He wanted to bring his love of Jesus first to Jews.  For the most part Paul wasn’t successful in his preaching to Jews.  This caused him great pain. We Christians, through out anti-Semitism, have often painted an image of Jesus that is unacceptable. How can we make Jesus more appealing?

Scripture

Romans 9

Paul's Anguish Over Israel

 1 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! ^[a] Amen.

Prayer

Lord, forgive us for not presenting a true image of your son, Jesus.  Forgive us for our prejudice against Jews.  Help us to find our common ground in our love for the Father as manifested in Jesus.