The British Messianic Jewish Alliance

Winter 2002  Issue 216

Bearing Messiah’s Reproach

In this article I want to expand on the theme of Messianic Jews bearing the reproach of Yeshua. It seems to me that this is an almost impossible task, bearing in mind that no set pattern can be laid down due mainly to the individualistic nature inherent in Jewish people. My own personal preference is to call myself a Hebrew Christian rather than a Messianic Jew (Acts 11:26 ). I revel in bearing His reproach and name.

            The cutting off from family and friends does not come from the believer but often from their loved ones. We who believe have, however, to make a stand and it is our standing with Christ that makes us outcasts. Our lives of separation for the Gospel’s sake is not fully realised by our Gentile brethren who do not have to suffer physical separation to the extent that the Jewish believer does. Some Jewish believers return to Judaism due to having not been born again of the Holy Spirit. When a person is quickened by the Holy Spirit, he or she know their God and Saviour and, therefore, cannot deny the One they know.

            As a young soldier in 1942, I thought I was the only Jew who believed that Yeshua was Messiah. As I studied the New Testament, to my amazement I discovered it was written by Jews; it was a Jewish book! It was not until after the war, when I returned to England , that I met other Jewish believers and I just could not grasp the fact that there were several more. Several of them had been disowned but, like myself they knew Him, and nothing but nothing could separate us from the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. Being born again meant dying to the old life, and water baptism became a necessary sign and command in this respect. As a new creature in Messiah, I am no longer under Law but under Grace; I am crucified with Messiah. (Galatians 2:20-21)

            When I began to witness for the Lord, I had great difficulty with so-called Christians who held peculiar doctrines! I had always believed that everyone who was not Jew, a Muslim or a Hindus etc, was a Christian. Whilst serving in Italy , I clashed with the Roman Catholic priests, then Anglicans and some from the denominations. They had never come across a Hebrew Christian and some thought that I was weird. My defence against their arguments was based on Scriptures only and I faced Church tradition. I had left rabbinic tradition behind and was comforted by the Pauline Epistles, for it seemed that Paul’s experience at the commencement of his spiritual walk was akin to mine. Yeshua had to contend so often with Rabbinic tradition rather than the commandments of God.

            When I returned to England after the war I had to beware of being placed on a pedestal by well-meaning Gentile Christians who wanted to hear my testimony. There was a danger that I would attract glory to myself, whereas God said that He would not give His glory to another. Many have been removed because of this! It is right and proper to witness, but only that God might receive the pre-eminence. Young believers both Jewish and non-Jewish should take note.

            I am now an octogenarian and life has sometimes been a little difficult, especially when witnessing to my people. However, when I consider what our Saviour suffered, my little bit of persecution pales into insignificance and is not worthy to be mentioned.

            As a Hebrew Christian for over sixty years, I would not change my life in Messiah for anything. If the Rabbis think I am wrong then I have nothing to lose and neither have they but, if I am right and they are wrong, then they have everything to lose and I have everything to gain.

By Aaron Caplin (BMJA member, Whitstable , Kent )

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