As followers of the Christian faith, we often overlook the deep Jewish roots that underpin the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, a closer examination reveals that their Jewish heritage was an integral part of their identity and played a crucial role in shaping their experiences and beliefs.
Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, was born and raised in a devout Jewish family. He was a faithful adherent to the Jewish faith, observing the traditions and customs of his people. "Jesus was a Jew, born to Jewish parents, lived as a Jew, and died as a Jew," writes Rabbi Shai Held, the president and dean of Hadar, a leading center for Jewish learning and leadership development (Held, 2016).
Throughout his ministry, Jesus frequently referenced and interpreted the Jewish scriptures, known as the Tanakh or the Old Testament. His teachings and parables were deeply rooted in Jewish thought and tradition, reflecting the rich spiritual heritage of his people. "Jesus was thoroughly Jewish in his language, his concepts, his modes of thinking, and his basic religious orientation," explains biblical scholar James H. Charlesworth (Charlesworth, 1988).
The Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, was also a devout Jew. She was raised in a Jewish household and her life was shaped by the traditions and beliefs of her faith. Mary's role as the mother of the Messiah was foretold in the Jewish scriptures, particularly in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet speaks of a virgin who will conceive and give birth to a son (Isaiah 7:14).
The influence of the Jewish faith on the lives of Jesus and Mary is evident in their adherence to the commandments, their reverence for the Temple, and their deep understanding of the prophetic traditions of their people. The Magnificat, Mary's hymn of praise, is a testament to her profound knowledge of the Hebrew scriptures and the rich theological heritage of Judaism (Luke 1:46-55).
In the end, the Jewish heritage of Jesus and Mary serves as a powerful reminder of the deep interconnectedness between Christianity and Judaism. Their lives and teachings demonstrate the enduring significance of the Jewish faith in the history of salvation and the ongoing dialogue between these two great religious traditions.
References:
Charlesworth, J. H. (1988). Jesus within Judaism: New light from exciting archaeological discoveries. Anchor Bible Reference Library.
Held, S. (2016). The heart of Torah, Volume 1: Essays on the Weekly Torah Portion: Genesis and Exodus. The Jewish Publication Society.
Louisa Mastromarino is the CEO of Holistic Consortium, LLC, a distant holistic and life coaching practice worldwide. Louisa is a Licensed Spiritual Health Coach, Licensed Ecclesiastical Health Practitioner, and certified counselor educator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, a Master of Science Degree in School Counseling, and a post master’s degree in Supervision and Educational Leadership. She is also certified in Intuitive Consulting, Reiki, Integrated Energy Therapy, Esoteric Healing, Matrix Energetic and a host of holistic programs. Louisa is the author of Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to Washington, D.C., Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to New York City, Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brizzley Bear Loves Poetry and additional publications. Louisa's work has been highlighted in the noted publications Careers from the Kitchen Table by Raven Blair Davis and Miracles in the Divine by Beverly Pokorski. Louisa is also an intuitive artist and writer with works found at LouisaMastro.com. Please email Louisa at distantholistic@gmail.com to schedule a private holistic or spiritual life coaching session. Thank you.
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