Jesus the Jewish Theologian

by Brad H. Young

Jesus the Jewish Theologian establishes Jesus firmly within the context of first-century Judaism and shows how understanding Jesus' Jewishness is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and for understanding the nature of Christian faith. Insights from Jewish literature, archeology, and tradition help modern readers place Jesus within his original context. Particular attention is given to the Jewish roots of Jesus' teaching concerning the kingdom of God.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion, History, Spirituality

308 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1993

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very important and should be read by those in ministry, especially teaching. I still think that one should read "Our Father Abraham; Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith" first as it lays the foundation for this and many other books like this. This book will definitely give you many things to think about and challenge the way you understand some of the things Jesus said. In particular I find that I must revisit Matthew 5:17 and study as my whole understanding of that text has been deeply and properly challenged. I find this quite exhilarating and I look forward to interacting with this text in a new way. Although I teach weekly and have now for several decades I desire to continue to learn and this is right up my alley, if you want to be stimulated to deeper study and are excited about learning and being challenged this book and this subject will do it. And yes, this book like the others in this genre comes from a high view of scripture, a position of great reverence and conservative scholarship.

[Jake Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books on the context of the (Jewish) world of Jesus I have read so far. If you want a book on the teachings of Jesus from his own context then this is definitely the book for you.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author of this book is using the Jewish teachings of the first century (around the time of Jesus' ministry) to shed new light on what Jesus likely meant by his teachings in Scripture. I think this is a valuable perspective as modern, Western Christians are so far removed from the Jewish context - especially an ancient Jewish context - that we often risk misunderstanding or misinterpreting some of Jesus' teachings. On that note, virtually everything in this book was entirely new information to me as the focus is on other Jewish teachings of the day and not strictly on the Old Testament Biblical text.

However, I do have one cautionary note for the reader. There were a couple of points (two out of 23 chapters) in the book in which, despite the evidence, I was not convinced of the author's conclusions. Namely, because in each of these two points (which I will not delineate here), Jesus seemed to be explicitly correcting the inaccurate interpretations and teachings of the day on that particular point. In both these cases the author presented a case for an interpretation based on these inaccurate understandings. I might have found his conclusions more compelling had he addressed all of the instances of Jesus' teachings on the matter, but he notably exempted those verses/texts that seemed most directly contradictory to the first century Jewish teaching he was relying on.

All that to say, my recommendation is to read the book but to do so with a healthy (meaning small) dose of skepticism and be willing to weigh the conclusions carefully against Scripture and/or other Jewish-Christian sources before adopting them completely.
Really, this is just good advice when reading any spiritual text.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing style is a bit dull and choppy, and the author is unnecessarily repetitive in some parts. However, much of the extrabiblical parallels to Jesus' teaching in Jewish literature is fascinating and casts new light upon the teachings and life setting of Jesus and his contemporaries. In fact, several of these parallels seemingly clarify some oft debated teachings of Jesus, especially his instruction on divorce and remarriage. I found the chapters on "Controversy and Children," "Divorce and Adultery in Light of the Words of Jesus," "Giving Thanks- a Way of Life," "Faith as Chutzpah," and "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector" to be the richest and most value-laden for my personal studies.

[Curtis Hefner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who wish to keep their culturally independent idea of Jesus in tact should steer clear of this book. But, those who are adventurous enough to accept the real Jesus should read this book twice.

---Update---

I have just finished reading this excellent and challenging work for the second time (likely not the last). It is a difficult read not because of its opacity but its clarity. Having heard, I must respond; having learned, I must practice.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Brad Young book and I have to say WOW...the man clearly did his homework and research for this book. If you're trying to understand the Jewish roots of Jesus, what better way to learn than consulting with some great Jewish minds like David Wolpe, David Flusser, and Abraham Joshua Heschel. Whether it's the historical background or some of Jesus' parables, Young does a great job finding the deeper meaning that gets lost when Jesus gets examined through Western civilization eyes after a two millennia gap. A couple of my favorite quotes towards the end:

"The tragedy of church history, in my opinion, is the lack of interest in Jesus. Simply having faith in Jesus has replaced responding to his urgent call to active discipleship, which includes serious study of his teachings and intense involvement with the Hebrew Bible. The Torah is the most neglected volume among people of the church."

"That Jesus fulfilled the Torah certainly does not mean that the prohibitions against adultery and murder have now been lifted...Jesus did not cancel the Torah. He put it on a firmer footing by interpreting it correctly."

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book looks at Jesus' teachings and actions within the context of 1st-century Judaism. The author talked about what Jewish teachers around this time period were saying and doing that was similar to and provides insight into Jesus' words and actions. I found the information about inheritance as applied to the "Prodigal Son" parable to be very interesting. Much of the book focused on insights into Jesus' parables.

I have read other books that show how Jesus' teachings are more similar to the beliefs of Pharisees than the Sadducees and that he was joining in the debate going on within the Pharisees. However, this author stated that Jesus supported all of the Pharisees' teachings and implied that he was not in any conflict with them. He also explained how Pilate was a cruel man (and he was) who rightly bears the full blame for Jesus' crucifixion. I think the author went too far in reinterpreting what happened in an effort to fight anti-Semitism. Overall, though, I felt like this book was well worth reading for the insights gained into the meaning of Jesus parables.

[Jacob Hudgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

The parallels between Jewish rabbinic thought/parables/emphases and Jesus are enlightening. Surprisingly, these similarities are usually neglected in studies of the gospels.

But I have to say that this book is kind of a mess. Young is extraordinarily repetitive. He writes as a corrector of historic imbalances and this affects the style and structure of the book. Rather than broad summaries of Jesus’ theology or approach, he has short “gotcha” essays about a word here or there and how Christians have missed it. He also has a strange interest in defending the Pharisees, to the point that he ignores the continual hostilities between Jesus and the Pharisees throughout the gospels.

The history of Christian treatment of Jews is largely shameful and should be repudiated. There is also tremendous value in the Jewish background of Jesus. Just not sure this is the best introduction to either of those topics.

[Charlotte Gunther · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a better understanding of Jesus Christ -- his character, his mission -- I highly recommend this book. My favorite chapter is the one that clarifies "the kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force." What a pleasure to learn the context and background in the prophets of Jesus' preaching and parables. Every chapter brought a sweet surprise.
The only part that fell short for me was the chapter about Divorce and Adultery. The author did not explain fully the "certificate of divorce" or the responsibility of the man to grant the freedom of remarriage (not leave her homeless) to the one "put away".

[David Runyon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent reminders of the Jewish roots of Christianity, written respectfully for both Hewish and Christian audiences.

This book often repeats points within a few paragraphs, so if your mind wanders you don’t have to rewind; I found this more annoying than helpful.

[Bailey Wiebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely eye opening! A complete overhaul on my understanding of the life and sayings of Jesus. Do your Christian life an immense favour and read this book!

[Eric Blessing · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came into this book with the expectation of contrasting the Gospels to 2TJ but ended up contrasting more with rabbinic literature. An alright survey overall.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful and insightful. Tons of sources cited and referenced for further research and study. I'm going to check out some of the author's other writings.

[Eddie J. Johnson, Sr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Reading

A thorough but concise articulation of Jewish life through the eyes of Jesus. A must read for all Bible scholars.

[Katie]

very scholarly and occasionally repetitive but highly, highly recommend to all followers of Jesus to read at least section 3 on the parables and also the book’s epilogue.

[Vera Hardiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides astounding insights

[Dauris L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent material about Jesus’ Jewish perspective.

A must read for people interested in knowing more on the intersection between Jewish thought and Jesus teachings. Good job¡¡

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man what can I say? So much value, so many insights. What a hero for Christians who want to know Jesus better.

[Gay Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me invaluable insight into the deep roots of Judaism in the teachings and parables of Jesus.

[Rohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a respected Christian professor decides to put his preconception aside and take a long look at the Jesus described in the Gospels? How does the Jesus of the New Testament compare to Jesus the Jewish theologian or even the Jesus we think we know so well? Jesus The Jewish Theologian, gives a moving and refreshing portrait of the central figure of history. Can modern Christians see Jesus as he was in his historical and cultural setting? Did Jesus placed the meaning of Torah on a firmer footing or did He completely replace the Torah?
How much has linguistic study, historical reflection, cultural heritage, and archaeological discovery help cast light on our view of Jesus? Did Jesus view Torah like other Jewish rabbis and teachers, or did he develop his own approach? How difficult is it to account for a character born 2,000 years ago into a different world, whose legacy is interpreted by so many strong-minded followers?
The structure of this volume seeks to address questions of the above nature. The theme of Jesus the Jewish theologian unifies the chapters bringing clarity and insights into the Jewish background and the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Young, argues successfully that “we must not kill Jesus by destroying his links to his people and his faith.” (p. xxiv). Jesus represents a break from Judaism, and became the fountainhead of another faith, like a religious child that broke from its parent. (p.xi)
This volume establishes Jesus firmly within the context of first-century Judaism and shows how understanding His Jewishness is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and for understanding the nature of the Christian faith. The proceeding chapters begin with the Gospel account of Jesus life and teachings with emphasis upon the messianic drama of his life, his kingdom announcement, his parable illustrations, the conflict leading to his death, and his fascinating predictions concerning the future.

Dr. Young took away my blinders and open my eyes to a Jesus I thought I new, until I saw the savior anew in this well written volume. Dr. Young in this volume, places Jesus in his Jewish context. He permits the words of Jesus to glisten within their own Semitic setting. To look at the Gospel events and to hear the words of Jesus in their Jewish context should be the desire of every student of the New Testament. Jesus The Jewish Theologian, helps make this possible. It open many windows and offers the reader fresh and needed insight into the wonderful world of New Testament studies.
Christians and Jews can both profit much from reading this readable and scholarly work. It will be my delight to commend this volume to a wide readership. Readers will find this volume as a useful tool for discovering Jesus as a theologian who based his theology on Judaism. I deeply believe that this book will help readers discover a different Jesus from the Sunday school figure, the sweetly smiling Victorian Savior, and all the cultural clichés that have tamed Jesus and kept him in comfortable religious “westernized” boxes. Jesus The Jewish Theologian, has rocked my own preconceptions and has made me ask hard questions about why those of us who bear his name misunderstand his parables and teaching so much. Dr. Young argues that we have remove Jesus from his cultural and historical setting to the point of ignoring or overlooking some of the true intention of his teachings. Jesus The Jewish Theologian uncovers a Jesus who has been too long hidden in western theological interpretation that often miss or ignores his historical background and heritage.

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I read this book I really liked it. There were several points at which I disagreed with Young's conclusions however. I also noticed that he relied fairly heavily on one or two sources which also relied heavily on the Talmud and Mishnah. The danger in using these documents to accurately reflect 1st century Judaism is that they were not compiled until the 3rd or 4th centuries. So while this is an interesting and easy book to read, many of it's insights stem from bad scholarly practices.

[Daniel Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging and shows the connections between Jesus and Jewish context. There are several key episodes explored that while not greatly challenging my thoughts on Jesus did sharpen my understanding of what was occuring and what the orginal hearers would have connected to.

To be honest, I will probably never think of the Pharisees as a group in the same way again after reading this book.

[Jane Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not the easiest read, but I learned quite a lot about Jesus as a Jewish rabbi and a practicing Jew. My intent is to understand Jesus' teachings better in the context of His Jewish heritage, culture, background and teachings of the day. I feel that I have just grazed the surface. Another book that has helped a lot is Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus by Lois Tverberg.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written and easily readable book by a scholar and is very usefull for Bible Study and getting a new look at the life, times and teaching of Jesus from a Jewish perspective. After all, Jesus was a Jew.

[Apryl Anderson]

Learn more about the Man and His mission, you can't go wrong!



Well, come to think of it, I've knocked off a star for lack of enthusiasm. This could've been a more enjoyable read. Where's the glee of Dallas Willard?

[geoffrey ellerby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening

This read was enlightening and eye opening. It is a good introduction to the study of Christ in his historical setting and context. This ultimately will help the reader to better understand what Christ taught and did during His time in Earth.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't know enough about Jesus.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesus in his original context. Encourages asking questions, seeking knowledge to understand what we are reading and interpreting.

[Rick Hogaboam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent work, as always, from this under-read scholar.