Why Christian While Jesus A Jew

 Why Christian While Jesus A Jew

"That’s a great question! Let’s break it down step by step to understand the relationship between Judaism (the Jewish religion) and Christianity (including Catholicism), and why Jesus—who was Jewish—became the central figure of the Christian faith.  

 1. Jesus Was a Devout Jew  

- Jesus was born, lived, and worshipped as a Jew (Hebrew: *Yehudi*).  

- He followed the Law of Moses (Torah), observed the Sabbath, and worshipped in the Temple (e.g., Luke 4:16).  

- When He was baptized by John the Baptist, it was within the context of a Jewish repentance movement, not to establish a new religion.  

 2. Why Christianity (Catholicism & Christianity) Differs from Judaism  

Although Jesus was Jewish, His teachings brought a spiritual renewal that eventually separated His followers from Rabbinic Judaism (modern Judaism). Here are some key reasons for this division:  

 a. Jesus’ Claim to Be the Messiah & Son of God  

- Jewish leaders (especially the priests and Pharisees) rejected Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah (Savior) and the Son of God (Matthew 26:63-66).  

- For them, the awaited Messiah was a political leader who would liberate Israel from Roman rule, not someone who would die on a cross.  

- However, Jesus’ disciples believed His death and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecies (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22).  

 b. Christianity Was Open to All Nations (Not Just Jews)  

- Initially, Jesus’ followers (called “the Way”—Acts 9:2) were a Jewish sect.  

- But after Pentecost (Acts 2), the Gospel began spreading to non-Jews (Gentiles).  

- The Apostle Paul (a converted Pharisee) became a key figure in bringing Christianity to the non-Jewish world (Rome, Greece, etc.).  

- The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) decided that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised or follow all of Moses’ laws to become Christians.  

 c. The Split Between the Synagogue and the Church  

- Around 70 AD (after the Romans destroyed the Temple), Rabbinic Judaism (led by rabbis) and Christianity grew further apart.  

- Christians were expelled from synagogues (John 9:22) for being seen as heretics.  

- Catholicism (meaning “universal”) developed as a distinct religion centered on Jesus as God, not just a Jewish prophet.  

 3. Why Catholicism (and Christianity) Is Not a Jewish Sect  

- Christian faith is based on Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises in the Old Testament (the Gospel = the Good News that the Messiah has come).  

- Sacraments (like Baptism and the Eucharist) replaced certain Jewish rituals (such as animal sacrifices).  

- The New Testament (Gospels and apostolic letters) became the highest authority alongside the Old Testament.  

 Conclusion  

- Jesus was Jewish, but His teachings transcended traditional Judaism and formed a new faith (Christianity).  

- Catholicism is the continuation of the apostolic faith that believes Jesus is God, not just a Jewish rabbi.  

- Modern Judaism still rejects Jesus as the Messiah, while Christianity/Catholicism sees Him as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.  

So, although Jesus was Jewish, Christianity (including Catholicism) emerged as a new religion because His followers believed He was God who came to save all nations—not just Israel."