The Jewish Jesus: Reconnecting with the Truth about Jesus, Israel, and the Church

by David Hoffbrand

Discover the Jewish Jesus What relevance does it have for us that Jesus is Jewish and what difference should it make to our faith? In The Jewish Jesus , David Hoffbrand explores the answers to these and related questions in a way that is accessible to everyone. As you see how Jesus lived, thought and taught as a Jewish man, you will come to know Him like never before, and find that His teachings come alive in their original context. This book will also help It’s time to discover the Jewish Jesus!

Genres: Faith, Theology, Nonfiction, Church History, Christian

230 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2017

Reviews

[Rachel Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was difficult to boil down to one paragraph. Because in telling you why this book was good I feel the need to explain what it is about and what it says and then that would cascade into far too much exposition. All that to prove that there is a lot of valuable information in this book!

So, after much refinement, the (much shorter than previously) review: This book does a fantastic job of illuminating how we may be missing a big aspect of who God is, His character and history and future, and the context of our lives under Him. Now that salvation is extended to all, it’s easy to forget the importance of God’s choosing Israel specifically, and to think that perhaps He has let go of His promises for the Jewish people. Not so! It’s important to remember that we live in an incredible era in history where both Jews and Gentiles live in community together under the same God, which also poses some confusing questions and challenges. By recognizing all the history of God’s works and promises for Israel, Jesus’ life, how the Church came into being, and the evolution of its views on Israel, this book puts forth some good insights on how we ought to live in light of these things, which enriches our faith and Christian community. It’s interesting and compelling and oh so important. Very grateful to have read this!

[Edith Morales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not at all what I was expecting.

For the title of the book I really thought I was going to read more about Jesus and his life as jewish, but what I got was a book that described the importance of the jewish people in the world and church.

I already knew most of things delivered here, but I guess a lot of people do disparage the role of the jews and their history within the church and this book could be an insightful read.

I do not agree with some things that the author wrote though I don’t rule them out entirely because gave great points to consider.

[Katherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book on the Jewish context of all of scripture, and how that lens gives even more humanity and care to the person and image of Jesus. It was even more intriguing having recently visited a Messianic church, for the concert of Messinic Jew Joshua Aaron & Christian artist Aaron Shust. It was an incredible concert, and I've really gained so much by learning more about Jew & Gentile together. Knowing the original context, history, and culture truly transforms the lens in which you read Scripture & makes the Old Testament more than just some history texts you may want to pass over. All of it is interwoven and gives so much meaning and intention behind how God led His chosen people throughout time. this book was very beneficial for a deeper study of the scriptures, of the whole picture of the promise and the blessing. I agree with other reviews on the most important point for context: Jesus was a Jew, talking to Jews, about God and the Jews! Once we start to read scripture through its original lens, so much more comes alive.

[Bright · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author makes a good point that modern Christians don’t think of Jesus as Jewish.
However, he doesn’t seem to realize how broad a generalization that statement is.
I was glad for the reminder, but thought he pounded that point a bit too hard. Just tell us about being Jewish and we’ll figure out how little we knew.
The book’s premise is great.
Thankful for a chance to learn more about the topic.

[Adrienne Nuttall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely book for the maturation of the Church / One New Man

Fantastic resource for all who desire to come back to their Hebrew beginnings and to better understand our role in biblically supporting Israel and the middle east nations.

[Amy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful book! Hoffbrand uses conversational language to unpack some foundations of the Christian faith through a Jewish lens. In the midst of some potentially incendiary topics, he takes time to point us back to the heart of things - loving others & hearing from God.

[Summer Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jewish Jesus

Excellent book for most people, I just did not learn anything, and audio can make it harder in this case

[Rob Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Great understanding of the history and application of Jesus' Jewishness for any and every reader.

[Tay Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super good because it challenges you! But at times I was ready to finish it haha

[Hunter Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

One third Hasbara, could only give it three stars