Ask a Pastor Column

Q:  Why does it seem like the Jews are disliked by many today? Is it because they are accused of crucifying Jesus? Does the Bible support antisemitism?

A:  There is indeed a considerable amount of negative feeling towards the Nation of Israel and Jewish people present in the world today. Historically, the Jews’ rejection of Jesus has been used in an attempt to justify that bias. But I think the bias itself goes far deeper, originating in one of the most fundamental sins known to man: jealousy.

In approximately 2100 B.C. God, in His sovereign and mysterious will, called one man out of millions to receive a special offer of blessing. That man’s name was Abram (later Abraham), and he was the progenitor of the Jewish race. God promised unconditional blessing to Abraham and his descendants, including the unconditional possession of the Promised Land, success in their endeavors and protection from their enemies (Genesis 12:1-3). God also blessed Israel with the revelation of His will (Romans 3:1-2; 9:3-5). Of the 66 Books of the Bible, only two were written by a non-Jew. All the rest contain revelation given by God directly to the Jewish People. These blessings are significant and seem somewhat unfair when viewed by themselves. Much as a favored child will be envied and mistreated by their siblings, so also jealousy can rise in the hearts of Gentiles if they see the blessings bestowed upon the Jews without also recognizing the responsibilities that accompany them (Romans 2:5-11).

God, in His perfect justice, always balances greater blessings with greater expectations (Luke 12:48). Just as the Jews are foremost in blessing, they will also be foremost in judgment (Romans 2:8-11).

In my opinion, the Abrahamic promise remains in effect, even to this day (Romans 11:1-5, 25-27). The Nation of Israel and the Jewish people continue to enjoy unconditional protection, prosperity and blessing (Romans 11:11-15), even though some of their blessings have passed to Gentiles in the Church (Romans 11:11). The blessings God has given to the Jews serve as a kind of test for us Gentiles: are we willing to accept God’s sovereignty as He distributes His grace according to His own purpose? Those who accept God’s will in this matter share in the blessing (Genesis 12:3). Those who refuse to do so reveal themselves to be God’s enemies, regardless of what justifications they might use. Their mistreatment of God’s Chosen People will be addressed by Him at the proper time (Exodus 2:23-25; Matthew 25:31-46).

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