Jews Jews are the physical descendants of Abraham through his grandson Jacob, the father of the Israelites. The label "Jew" came into use after the Babylonian captivity. The stories of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther highlight God's protection of the people in the midst of great danger and opposition. Jesus came into the world as a Jewish baby to be the King of the Jews. His disciples were all Jewish, as were the first Christians. Jewish worshipers welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem, but the Jewish religious leaders (often simply called "the Jews" in the Gospel accounts) rejected Jesus as their king and demanded his crucifixion on the Roman cross. Many Christians believe that God has returned the Jews to their ancient homeland, and he will one day bring many Jews to faith in their King, Jesus, and bless them as a nation. Jesus Christ was born as the King of the Jews, died as the King of the Jews, and will one day return as king of the Jews. The
Jewish leaders of Jesus' day reject him as their King. |