Bruce Rubin
In previous articles we’ve focused on aspects of Aletheia’s unique approach to evangelism, what we call the Three Steps to Effective, Truth-centered Evangelism. We’ve focused on why addressing the Cost of Truth and Test of Truth has to occur before we can expect many non-believers – Jews, Muslims, cult members, and skeptics – to Embrace the Truth. While this approach is effective in illustrating Truth to a non-believer, we feel there’s another side to the evangelism coin – what we like to call Truth in Action. In short, the Holy Spirit works through not just what we say, but how we say it. And so there are some definite do’s and don’ts along the way, and knowing some of these will help you as you do God’s work. Being I am a Jew, let me focus on the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when witnessing to a Jewish person.
Do not use the term “converted”. It is important to understand that most Jewish people have been taught that being Jewish and believing in Jesus is mutually exclusive; they consider it impossible to be both. A term like “converted” reinforces that misunderstanding, as if they are “converting” from being Jewish into something else – when in fact nothing could be further from the truth. I my opinion, this cultural divide is the single biggest barrier to reaching Jewish people – but it can be gently overcome.
Do use the term “completed”. Thirty years ago that is exactly what someone did for me. He told me that Christ came “first for the Jew, and then the Gentile”, and that one could be Jewish and have Jesus. He helped me realize that Jesus came to “complete” any Jew who would trust in their Messiah. Emphasize that to receive Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah is not to become less Jewish – it is to become more Jewish.
Do not spend a lot of time on past persecution or unexplained tragedy, like the holocaust. Jewish people will normally ask “where was God during the Holocaust?” or “how could God allow that to happen?”. The Jewish people have suffered quite a bit of persecution and tragedy throughout their history – sadly, even from those abusing the name of Christ. This will certainly derail the beginning of a good discussion.
Do focus on the personal relationship that one can have with God through Jesus Christ. Many Jewish people remain separate from God because they simply cannot feel His presence. Focus back on the resurrection, showing that the Messiah is alive and ready for a relationship with them if they will simply open the door.
I have been saved for fifteen years. For most of that time I tried to reach other Jews for Christ by explaining the salvation message, God’s great plan, or my own personal testimony. I had limited success. During the past year I began to apply the Three Steps to Effective, Truth-centered Evangelism by focusing on the Cost of Truth first, and have had more success. Knowing what to say has made a difference – but also knowing how to say it is very important. Recently, while in the lunchroom at work, I was discussing Jesus with a colleague and a fellow Jewish employee overheard me discussing the Cost of Truth. Later that day the Jewish employee approached me to say that he wanted to hear more. He approached me! Keeping the Truth in Action principles in mind, I was able to have a respectful conversation with him, and we continue to have follow-up conversation since that time.
Remember – knowing what to say – that Truth is uniquely found In Jesus – is only as effective as knowing how to say it – with principles that communicate gentleness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15). After all – Truth and Love are two sides of the same coin! (Eph 4:15).