In this episode, Tina Waldrom has a heartfelt conversation with Rabbi Lawrence Hirsch about the importance of bringing the Gospel to the Jewish Community. Rabbi Lawrence opens up about his personal journey to faith, giving listeners a glimpse into the unique challenges that Jewish people face when considering Jesus as the Messiah. He also takes time to share the historical background of Jewish-Christian relations, helping Christians better understand the sensitivities that still exist today. His story highlights both the struggles and the hope that come with following Christ, while holding on to the rich heritage of Jewish identity.
The discussion goes deeper into what evangelism looks like in this context, stressing the need for Christians to approach Jewish people with gentleness, humility, and respect. Rabbi Lawrence explains that sharing the gospel isn’t about stripping away Jewishness, but rather about showing how faith in Jesus fulfills the promises of Scripture. For churches and believers today, this episode is a valuable reminder that evangelism requires cultural awareness and genuine love, especially when reaching out to communities with such deep spiritual and historical roots.
In this podcast episode, you will discover that:
- Lawrence Hirsch’s journey from a Jewish upbringing to faith in Jesus.
- The importance of recognising Jesus’ Jewish identity in evangelism.
- Christianity has deep Jewish roots that should be acknowledged.
- Many Jewish people feel betrayed when someone converts to Christianity.
- Outreach to the Jewish community should emphasise continuity, not conversion.
- Historical tensions between Christians and Jews impact current relationships.
- Love and support for Jewish people are crucial in today’s climate.
- The recent events in Israel have heightened anti-Semitism globally.
- Christians can play a role in combating anti-Semitism through friendship.
- In times of hardship, people are more open to the Gospel message.
- And more…
Watch episode in Full Video
SHORT VIDEO – Why Following Jesus is the Most Jewish Thing You Can Do
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Reaching Remote & Indigenous People in Australia
Omar Garcia on Taking the Gospel to the Last Places First
Transforming Lives Through the Power of Conversations
How to Reach this Neo-Pagan World with Bill Hodgson
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Discussion Questions
1. How does remembering that Jesus Himself was Jewish shape the way we share the Gospel with Jewish people and with anyone?
Read: Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
2. Rabbi Lawrence shared how his brother used Isaiah 53 without revealing the passage, and he immediately recognised Jesus in it. What role should the Old Testament/Tanakh play in our evangelism conversations?
Read: Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions…”
3. Jewish people often feel that believing in Jesus means “rejecting” their Jewish identity. How can we, as Christians, communicate that following Jesus is not about abandoning culture or heritage but about fulfilling God’s promises?
Read: Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
4. Rabbi Lawrence mentioned his mother felt “betrayed” when he came to faith. How should we sensitively approach conversations with people who may see accepting Jesus as disloyalty to family, culture, or tradition?
Read: Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother… yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” (to wrestle with the cost of discipleship and relational tensions)
5. The history of Christian persecution of Jews is a massive barrier in evangelism. How can acknowledging past wrongs and showing humility open doors for Gospel conversations today?
Read: Romans 11:18 “Do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.”
6. Rabbi Lawrence described evangelism as not inviting Jews to “become Christians” but showing them that Jesus is their Messiah. How could this paradigm shift change the way you share your faith with anyone?
Read: John 4:22 – “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.”
7. Rabbi Lawrence and his wife Louise both came to faith within hours of each other on opposite sides of the world — a testimony of God’s sovereign timing. How can stories like this encourage us to trust God’s timing in our evangelism efforts??
Read: 1 Corinthians 3:6 “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
