This Scripture verse has often been quoted when messengers of the gospel were sent into foreign countries. But who ever considered that it speaks before everything else of the glorious ministry of those who bring peace and salvation to the Jewish people? The apostle Paul used this verse in its correct application. Referring to the Jews he asks:

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15).

Unfortunately, for centuries the Jewish people have been neglected by most ministers of the gospel. Scattered among the nations they experienced indescribable trouble and suffering. This was the result of unbelief and disobedience to God, as it is written:

“And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee....And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone....And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:”- Deu 28:37,64-65.

Many Jews had early in life bitter experiences of persecution. Rabbi Isaac Lichtenstein† wrote in “Der Judenspiegel” (The Jewish Mirror):

“Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say: Psa 129:1. Mockery, scorn, blows, and all manner of humiliation, have been our portion even at the hands of Christian children. I still remember the stones which were thrown at us as we left the synagogue, and how, when bathing in the river, and powerless to prevent it, we saw them cast our clothes, with laughter and insult, into the water ... It is no wonder that I came to think that Christ Himself was the plague and curse of the Jews - the origin and promoter of our sorrows and persecutions. In this conviction I grew to years of manhood, and still thinking so I became old. I knew no difference between true and merely nominal Christianity”.

† [LICHTENSTEIN, Isaac, Rabbi (?-1909).
A Hungarian Rabbi, he preached Messiah Yeshua to his Jewish Hungarian congregation in Tapio-Szele who refused to dismiss him in spite of persecution for years, saying “I shall most willingly retract if you can convince me that I am wrong.” Later witnessed in many parts of the European for twenty years about the truth of Yeshua til his death. He died on Oct. 16, 1909, leaving writings explaining how he read a copy of the New Testament after 40 years of work as a rabbi in Hungary and was impressed by "the greatness, power, and glory of this book, formerly a sealed book to me. All seemed so new to me and yet it did me good like the sight of an old friend.... I had thought the New Testament to be impure, a source of pride, of selfishness, of hatred, and of the worst kind of violence, but as I opened it I felt myself peculiarly and wonderfully taken possession of. A sudden glory, a light flashed through my soul. I looked for thorns and found roses; I discovered pearls instead of pebbles; instead of hatred, love; instead of vengeance, forgiveness; instead of bondage, freedom." A letter to his son, a doctor, reports that "From every line in the New Testament, from every word, the Jewish spirit streamed forth light, life, power, endurance, faith, hope, love, charity, limitless and indestructible faith in God." Others, hating the idea of a long-term rabbi turning "renegade," attack Lichtenstein. His reply: "I have been an honored rabbi for the space of 40 years, and now, in my old age, I am treated by my friends as one possessed by an evil spirit, and by my enemies as an outcast. I am become a butt of mockers, who point the finger at me. But while I live I will stand on my watchtower, though I may stand there all alone. I will listen to the words of God." Source More on him at Messianic Art Profiles in Faith. - esn]

How tragic that throughout these years Rabbi Lichtenstein had not heard the gospel of peace. Even believers showed little sympathy and understanding. Where was the Christian witness? where the messengers of salvation? Why did they not obey God’s injunction: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people! Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem!” (Isaiah 40:1-2)?

Some Christians think: “God has cast away His people!” But the apostle Paul objects: “God forbid. For I also am an Israelite... God hath not cast away his people..” (Romans 11:1-2). On the contrary: Not God but the Christians have cast them away! Some argue: “They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them”- (Luke 16:29). But how can they know that Messianic prophecy has been fulfilled, if they never see it in the New Testament? - others say: “Leave them alone! They are God’s people and now back in the land!” Yet, according to the Bible it is not enough to be in the land. They must return to God. If they want to be called God’s people, they have to come into a personal relationship with Him! Peter, the apostle to the circumcision, writes to Jewish believers in the Lord Jesus: “In time past ye were not a people, but now ye are the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. For ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls” (I Peter 2:10,25; cf. Hosea 1:6-10; 2:23; Isaiah 53:6). Jesus said to the unbelieving Jews: “Ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:26-27).

Every Christian knows that the great commission of our Lord to make disciples of all nations begins with the Jewish people (Luke 24:47). He said: “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

How can we fulfill our Lord’s command to bring salvation to the Jewish people? To answer this question let us consider four guiding principles from the letter to the Romans.

1. LOVE THE JEWISH PEOPLE

If we want to help people we must first of all love them and be concerned about their salvation. Maybe you find it difficult to love a person because of one reason or another. Then remember: God hates and abhors sin, but He loves the sinner. You must also distinguish between the person and his attitude, not condoning the evil, though loving the person. God desires that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2:4).

The apostle Paul had a great love for his own people. He writes:

Paul wished to be cut off and banished from Christ for the sake and instead of his fellow-countrymen. How did he come to such a love? He was set aflame by Calvary: God’s love was shed abroad in his heart because Messiah died for sinners (Romans 5:5-8). The love of Christ constrained him (2 Cor. 5:14).

We see this love for Israel also in the Old Testament: MOSES, the servant of God, was willing to sacrifice himself for his people so that they might be saved. He pleaded with God: “Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them Gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin-; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written” (Exodus 32:31-32). DAVID, the man after God’s own heart, said a similar prayer: “Let thine hand, I pray thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father’s house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued” (I Chronicles 21:17).

If Paul, Moses and David loved the Jews, how much more does JESUS love them. The prophet Isaiah speaks of this love, saying: “He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people (the Jews) was he stricken” (Isaiah 53:8). When Jesus saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed, and scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd (Matthew 9:36). He said: “I lay down my life for the sheep (the Jews). And other sheep I have (the gentiles), which are not of this fold: them also I must bring” (John 10:15-16).

Do you love the Jews? God loves them with an everlasting love! (Deuteronomy 7:7-8; Jeremiah 31:3). Should we not also love them? It is amazing how many Christians will tolerate the Jews but do not really love them.

A certain Christian who did not love the Jews once dreamed that he had died and was carried into heaven. It was glorious beyond expression. Angels led him into a wonderful mansion prepared for him. But after some days he felt uncomfortable for he asked himself: “Where is Joseph whose story in the Bible I liked so much? Where is David the sweet psalmist of Israel? Where is my beloved apostle Paul? And above all, where is our blessed Lord and Saviour?” He asked one of the angels for an explanation. And the angel said: “O my dear, we thought you did not like the Jews. Therefore we placed you in a part of heaven, where you would never see them.”-This gave him such a shock that he woke up. Suddenly he realized that these men and most writers of the Bible and the Lord Jesus Himself were Jews. He was pleased that he could still change his attitude toward the Jewish people.

Yes, when we think of the Jewish writers of the Bible and the blessings which they brought to us (2 Peter 1:21; Jeremiah 15:16; Psalm 119:72, 97, 127); when we consider that salvation was given to us through the blood of the King of the Jews (John 4:22; 19:19); when we realize that we gentiles became partakers of the wonderful blessings in the New Covenant which God had made with Israel (Jeremiah 31:31; Romans 9:4; 11:17-20; 15:27; Ephesians 2:11-13; 3:6), then we shall show true gratitude to the Jewish people: We will love them as Paul did.

2. PRAY FOR THEIR SALVATION

Paul loved his kinsmen not only in words. He was concerned about their eternal well-being. Therefore he gave himself to fervent intercession. He says: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved.” Romans 10:1.

He knew that the majority of his people were lost and in need of salvation (Isaiah 53:6; Matthew 7:13-14). “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Nobody can save himself by his own efforts and good works. How often have Jews (and also gentiles) tried to outweigh their sins with deeds of kindness, being zealous to establish their own righteousness before God and not willing to submit themselves to God’s righteousness? (Romans 10:3). However, we receive forgiveness and justification as a gift from God, and that only through Messiah Jesus (Isaiah 45:25; 53:11). He is our salvation and righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6; Isaiah 49:6). “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10: 13; cf. Joel 2:32).

Christians are known as those who call on the name of the Lord (I Corinthians 1:2; Acts 9:14, 21).* Paul speaks from personal experience. But how did this violent opponent become ready to call upon the name of Jesus? He had thought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus (Acts 26:9) This furious persecutor of the Church could never have changed except the believers had loved him and pleaded for his forgiveness.

* ["It is as binding on the Church now to preach the Gospel to the Jew for the conversion of “the remnant according to the election of grace,” (Rom 11:5) as it is binding on the Church now to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles “to take out of them a people for His name.”-(Act 15:14) An election of individuals now—Jews and Gentiles—to form a new body—the Bride of Christ; then the blessing of the nations in millennial times, after the return of the Lord."-- from "ISRAEL MY GLORY” Israel’s Mission, and Missions to Israel by John Wilkinson The Founder and Director of the Mildmay Mission to the Jews.---esn]

Fervent prayer is needed! Many Jews are still opposed to the gospel as Paul was in his ignorance and unbelief (1 Timothy 1:13).The apostle says: “As concerning the gospel, [they are] enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, [they are] beloved for the fathers' sakes.” (Romans 11:28). What an astonishing statement: Enemies of God and at the same time beloved of God. Yes, God loves His enemies! He loved us while we were yet enemies (Romans 5:8,10). Do you love those who try your patience and oppose the gospel? Paul experienced most persecutions from his own people and yet he loved them (Acts 9:23-24, 29; 13:45, 50; 14:2, 19; 17:5, 13; 18:12; 20:3, 19; 21:11; 23:12-14). For Jesus says: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Jesus practiced what He taught. On the cross, mocked and insulted, He prayed: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do!” (Luke 23:34). Paul had seen this Divine love which forgives and prays for the persecutors (Acts 22:20). When Stephen was stoned Paul watched over the clothes of the witnesses. And then he saw the love of this wonderful disciple of Jesus who knelt down, and cried with a loud voice: “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge!” (Acts 7:58-60). Surely Paul could not have been saved if the disciples had not obeyed the Lord’s command: “Love your enemies, bless them, pray for them!”

Are you praying for the Jews? Even for those who are not interested in the gospel: your neighbour, the grocer, the chemist and doctor? Would you not share with them the blessings which are yours in the Messiah? God promised to bless them that bless the descendants of Abraham, the Jews! (Genesis 12:3). Pray for their salvation! “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

3. TELL THEM OF THE SAVIOUR

Because we received salvation through the Jews and because the first pioneers, who brought the glad tidings to the gentiles, were Hebrew Christians, many of us realize that we are deeply indebted to the Jewish people. While some of us pray daily for them to call on the name of Jesus for their salvation, this is not enough! Paul says:

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14

We must introduce our blessed Lord and Saviour to them. How? Through the Word of God! Jesus says “Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me!” (John 5:39). No one can be born again and receive eternal life without the living and abiding Word of God (I Peter 1:23-25; John 1:12-14; 1 John 5:11-12).

You may know noble and charitable Jews of whom you think they have no need of being born again. But is it not significant that the Lord Jesus spoke of the necessity of the new birth to a high-ranking theologian, a pious rabbi and member of the ecclesiastical court: “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:7). Did you ever consider that the well-known verse John 3:16, the gospel in a nutshell, was first spoken to this rabbi: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”? The apostle Peter said to the Jewish leaders: “Be it known unto you all, and to all people of Israel ... Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10-12). Yes, they must be born again! If any Jew believes in Jesus, he shall not perish but have everlasting life. But Jesus said: “If you believe not that I am He (the Messiah and Saviour), ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).

Therefore the gospel must be preached to them. Scripture says: It should be brought to the Jews first (Romans 1:16): “it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (i.e. the gentile). Did we bring it first to the Jews? We cannot reverse God’s sequence: To the Jew first! This is taught in God’s Word:

1)    God loved them first of all (Exodus 4:22; Deuteronomy 7:7-8).

2)    To them He entrusted His oracles (Romans 3:2).

3)   His judgments come first upon them (Romans 2:9).

4)   First to them His grace is revealed (Romans 2:10).

5)    The Saviour was sent first to the Jews (Matthew 15:24).

6)   Jesus came to bless them first (Acts 3:26).

7)   He sent His disciples first to them (Matthew 10:6).

8)   The great commission begins with the Jews (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8).

9)   The gospel is to the Jews first (Romans 1:16).

10) Paul went always first to the Jews (Acts 26:20; 13:46; 14:1).

Take your Bible and read to them the gospel in the Old Testament: That Messiah is born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14); the Seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15); coming out of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2); the suffering Servant of God (Isaiah 52:13-15; 53:1-12); the crucified One (Psalm 22:14-18). Show them the types which speak of the Messiah: Isaac carrying the wood and being laid on the altar (Genesis 22:6-9); the Paschal lamb dying that the first-born might live (Exodus 12:21-30); the sign of the uplifted serpent which saved everyone that looked up in faith (Numbers 21:6-9). Point out to them how clearly it is fulfilled in the New Testament. Give them the testimony of a Jewish person and tell them how you found the Saviour. And while you give to them the Word pray for them that their blind eyes may be opened to see that God’s Word is fulfilled: Salvation has come!

“Arise from the dust! Put on your beautiful garments, my people. Through the Son of Jesse from Bethlehem comes salvation to your soul!” (From the Jewish prayer book: Inauguration of the Shabbat).

4. SHOW THEM THE LIFE

After having spoken about these three vital steps - to love, to pray and to witness, the apostle stresses the importance of Christian living. Many will agree wholeheartedly and say: “Yes, this is most important! Israel suffered much. We must show them sympathy, kindness and friendliness!” Some have gone so far as over-emphasizing the works of love but leaving out the Christian witness. They put all their efforts into material and physical help and neglect the spiritual blessings, not showing them the way to eternal salvation. This is not sufficient!

When Paul speaks about Christian living he means our life must confirm our words of testimony, the glad tidings of peace, the report about Jesus Who took our sins upon Himself that we might have peace (Romans 10:15-16; cf. Isaiah 40:9; 52:7; 53:1; 61:1). He who found righteousness, justification and new life through faith in the Messiah cannot keep quiet about it. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10; Psalm 40:9-10; 2 Corinthians 4:13). Through this glorious message comes faith also to those who hear it (Romans 10:17).

But they shall not only hear! Lip-service is not enough! (Isaiah 29:13-14). They must see in us the new life showing that we are redeemed and obey the gospel (Romans 10:16). Otherwise they may say: “What you are, speaks so loud that I do not hear what you are saying!” O, that we would understand what a great responsibility we have toward the Jewish people! Paul asks: “...Did not Israel know?...” And he refers to the Word of God through Moses: “I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people: and by a foolish nation I will anger you.” Romans 10:19; Deut. 32:21.

Unfortunately, more have been angered than provoked to jealousy. How angered? Through anti-Semitism, crusades and inquisitions, blood accusations and pogroms, and other persecutions. There are many who lost all relatives through the holocaust in Europe.

Words are not sufficient to convince them. They must see the changed life of those who profess to know the Saviour. “The fruit of God’s Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22). Jesus says: “By their fruits ye shall know them!” (Matthew 7:16). “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Yes, a life that shows the fruit of God’s Spirit, the character and attitude of Jesus, will make a deep impression on the Jewish people. I know a Jewish doctor who was provoked to jealousy by a nurse who reflected the life of Jesus. One day he asked her: “Tell me, why are you so different?” She gave no long explanation but said: “It is through Jesus, doctor!” This made him inquisitive. He wanted to know more about Jesus. So he got a New Testament and discovered how wonderfully prophecy has been fulfilled. He became a sincere believer in his Messiah and Saviour Jesus.

God says: “I WILL PROVOKE THEM TO JEALOUSY!” For that very purpose we received Jesus into our lives. The name Jesus means “Saviour” “Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Paul says that salvation has come to the gentiles to provoke the Jews to jealousy! (Romans 11:11)

They will say:

“What happened to them? How could their life be so changed? This could not happen by their own will-power. There is a new Spirit within them. Indeed, they have found the answer in Jesus! I wish to find Him too!”

Yes, God has given a great responsibility and vocation to all gentiles who know the Saviour. He will work through them to provoke the Jews to jealousy. Like Paul let us say,

“Lord, if you will provoke them to jealousy, then I will too. Please do it through me!”

“I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.” Romans 11:13-14

Paul wished to save them by all means. Love is inventive. It will find a way, some new method to bring salvation to the Jews (I Corinthians 9:20-22). Today we have more possibilities than Paul ever had: think of the many tracts, Christian books, tapes, radio programs, films. The question is: Are we willing to use these means? Or rather, are we willing to be used by God to fit into His program to provoke the Jews to jealousy?

Dear friend in the Lord, God says: “I WILL PROVOKE THE JEWS TO JEALOUSY!” How can the Lord do this? The apostle Paul says: “Lord, use me! that by any means I may provoke them to jealousy!” May I ask you: “Are you also prepared to make God’s will your own?” Then pray: “Lord, take my life and make of me a Christian who will provoke the Jews to jealousy!”

God expects our help in His great plan to bring salvation (Jesus) to the Jewish people, and He beseeches us to be equipped for the task. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul says:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2.

This is a slightly edited piece from one of the "Must Read - Articles” off a webpage of: ©1997-2011 Hope Of Israel Baptist Mission, Inc. | PO Box 1700 | Powder Springs, GA 30127 USA; accessed July 2011. http://www.hopeofisrael.net/2011/articles/must_read/take_gospel_to_jew.html

A List of Most Famous Messianic Jews; accessed July 2011. http://israel-pro.org/wiki-de/pmwiki.php/Resources/Biographies

Introduction to The Collected Writings of Rabbi Isaac Lichtenstein (1824-1909); accessed July 2011. http://www.messiahnj.org/bio-lichtenstein.htm

Why I Believe that Yeshua is the Jewish Messiah: The Story of Rabbi Isaac Lichtenstein; accessed July 2011. http://www.messiahnj.org/bio-lichtenstein.htm

“ISRAEL MY GLORY” Israel’s Mission, and Missions to Israel by John Wilkinson The Founder and Director of the Mildmay Mission to the Jews; accessed July 2011. http://www.baptistbiblebelievers.com/BooksoftheBible/ISRAELMYGLORYbyJohnWilkinson1894/tabid/435/Default.aspx

Reasons Why We Should Take the Gospel to Jewish People

+  Because we have all received knowledge of God and salvation from the Jewish people.

“Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.” John 4:22

+  Because there is a blessing for those who bless the descendants of Abraham and a curse on those who curse them.

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:  And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3

+  Because the Lord is jealous for Zion and angry with those who have persecuted the Jewish people.

“. . .  Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.  And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are] at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.” Zechariah 1:14-15

+  Because the priority of evangelism in the New Testament is to the Jewish people. **

Rom 1:16 KJV - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

+  Because God’s heart is for their salvation.

Rom 10:1 KJV - Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

+  Because God’s chosen method of reaching them is the preaching of the gospel.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:14-15

+  Because the Jewish people are being restored to the land of Israel in fulfillment of Bible prophecy in preparation for their spiritual rebirth.

Eze 36:24-25 “For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.  Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.”

+  Because a time of great troubles lies ahead from which only the Messiah Jesus can bring salvation.

Jer 30:7 “Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.”

Zec 12:10 KJV - And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

+  Because these events are a sign that we are living in the last days of this age during which time God will move among Jewish people.

And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. . . . Then He (Jesus) spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.” Luke 21:24; 29-30

+  Because God’s purpose is to bring the elect remnant of Israel to salvation.

And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” Romans 11:26-27

+  Because they are Christ's brethren according to the flesh.

This is repeated for emphasis. We need to really let this truth sink in. Jesus was indeed a Jew. According to the record of God's infallible Word: "of whom (Israel) as concerning the flesh Christ came" (Romans 9:5).

+  Because they are lost.

Romans 3:9; 6:23. Christ told the Jews of His day that they would die in their sins unless they believed that He was the Messiah (John 8:24). The way of the Cross is the only way home for Jew as well as Gentile. What a fallacy it is to take the attitude that we have our "religion" and the Jews have theirs, and we should leave each other alone! The stark, sad truth is that the Jew without Christ is LOST!

+  Because Christ died for them (as well as for us).

Isaiah 53:6, and Romans 10:4, 11-13. Are we constrained by His dying love to witness only to the Gentile? Surely not, for that precious blood was shed as much for Jews as for us.

+  Because God wants them to be saved.

II Peter 3:9 If we really want to be "in the center of God's will" we will be soul winners, because He is not willing that any should perish. If we by-pass the Jew, we are that much off-center as far as His good and perfect will is concerned.

+  Because Christ commands us to witness to them.

Mark 16:15 Our marching orders are both explicit and all-inclusive. When our Captain commanded us to witness for Him to all the world, He meant just that. This includes the Jew, as well as the Gentile.

+  Because they are especially precious to God.

Genesis 12:3, and Zechariah 2:8.  This great truth neither condones Israel's sins, nor minimizes God's boundless love for Gentiles as well. But the fact remains that in His sovereignty, He has chosen the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for a special token of His affection. As children of our Heavenly Father in Christ, what is our attitude toward those who are the "apple of His eye?"

+  Because they gave us the Word of God.

Romans 3:1-2 Fellow Gentile-Christian, have you ever stopped to think that, humanly speaking, we would have no Bible had the Jews not written it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit? Are we not their debtors, indeed?

+  Because a Jewish missionary died to give us the gospel.

Galatians 2:8, and 2 Timothy 4:6-8 Paul, the greatest of missionaries, was a Jew. He had a love for lost Gentiles that caused him to burn out his life giving them the gospel - the "good news" that a Jewish Christ had died for our sins and risen for our justification! Are we grateful? Do we show it?

+  Because they will yet conduct the greatest worldwide crusade for Christ.

Matthew 24:14 with Revelation 7:1-14 The shadows are lengthening and deepening as this age rushes toward its predicted end, to wind up in unprecedented evil and feel the unprecedented wrath of God in the "great tribulation." We believe the true Church, the Body and Bride of Christ, will be raptured before the judgment-stroke falls. Then the task of preaching the gospel will revert to Israel. And, from Revelation 7, it is evident they will do a masterful job for Christ! Perhaps you and I might have the inestimable privilege of winning some of these future evangelists to Christ if we would only witness to the Jews as we should!

+  Because they are central in the earthly kingdom to be set up by Christ when He returns as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

It would take pages just to cite the many prophecies relating to the time of Israel's glorification. Let it suffice for the present purpose simply to state that they will then be the leading nation, and Jerusalem the world-capital, when our Christ personally takes over the reins of the government of the world at His glorious return. Brethren, it is an honor to witness to anyone for the KING OF KINGS, but especially to give the "good news" to His chosen people!

+  Because they are increasingly eager for the gospel of Christ.

Romans 11:23-27 As the Church-age draws toward its close, and the time approaches for Israel's purging and restoration (the "day of Jacob's trouble" the "great tribulation"), their "blindness in part" is beginning to give way to light, and Jews are more and more willing to listen to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Should we not be alert to take advantage of every opportunity to make Him known to them? Many Jews of our acquaintance may be far more anxious to hear the story than we dare hope!

+  Because Gentile Christendom has tragically neglected and ignored the plain injunction of Romans 1:16.

“The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Gentile).” The fact that Gentile Christians in general seem prone to reverse this Divine pronouncement (if indeed the Jew is sought at all), should only serve to spur on to greater endeavor those of us whose spiritual eyes the Holy Spirit has graciously opened. All about us the fields are white unto harvest, both at home and abroad. The laborers are indeed few, but we sometimes wonder if there is a needier or more neglected field than the children of Israel, God's own chosen people! May it please the Lord of the harvest to awaken more of His people to the greatness and importance of this task of getting the precious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to lost Jews throughout the world.

+  Because that by greater zeal, activity and sacrifice the coming of Christ can be hastened.

Note: "I have already shown that there are three stages to the kingdom, the blade, the ear, and the full corn in the ear, Mark 4:26-28. We do recognize the present, or blade stage, but we do not ignore the millennial stage as some do. The kingdom exists today in the person of the King, Christ, and the ruling class He is now calling out. But that over which we are to reign is yet future, for flesh and blood doth not inherit the kingdom of God. We must first be resurrected. This is just more proof that the first resurrection in Rev. 20:5-6 is the resurrection of the bodies of the saints." --Excerpt from "The Millennial Issue" by Elder G. E. Jones, c. 1950; See also "the Three Stages of His kingdom".

"We conclude, if Christ’s second and glorious Advent is waiting upon the Gospel being published among all nations as a witness by the instrumentality of the churches, then this makes clear an inexplicable passage as it stands in our Common Version : ‘Looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.’ (2 Pet. 3:12.) What a powerful incentive to push forward the missionary enterprise on the part of those who love and earnestly desire the Presence of the blessed Lord once more upon this earth!" --- "A People Must Be Prepared." by J. R. Graves. ]

+  Because the Lord and King will remove a New Testament churches candlestick.

As the office of His Holy Spirit in all kingdom activities (Jo14:23-26; Ac1:4-7,8;2:1-4,16-19; Rev2:5); this effectively leaves each member shut out (Matt. 25:10-13), cast out (Matt. 22:11-14) and beaten with stripes accordingly: thus He will burn up (Matt. 13:30) or “will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers” those that do not love Him (Luke 12:46-49; 2 Tim. 4:4-7,8; John 14:15-18) and His people (Matt. 25:44-46), at the Judgment seat of Christ (1 Peter 4:15-19) on His Return (Luke 12:31-53; I Cor. 3:13-16).

**  NOTE: In our LORD'S final commands & warnings for those who are to "occupy" His kingdom,(Luke 19:13; Revelation 2; 3) in what we nowadays would call a "Risk Assessment / Management" statement(or maybe a "State of the Union" address); He said, and in order of priority, I believe,  FIRST: "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love."-- Rev. 2:4. Isn't it obvious that Israel is His "First Love"? Shouldn't we love what He loves and hate what He hates? Maybe it's high time to reevaluate our Jewish outreach programs--if we have any.  YA THINK???---see also:
http://www.wvi.com/~moses/GOD Bless True ISRAEL.htm

The Shayne Moses Project