Roots and Shoots Conference - November 2009

Held at Christ Church Kenilworth in Cape Town.

Speakers: Revd John Atkinson & Edith Sher

The Messianic Secret

Why it is important to understand Jesus in his Jewish context?

John Atkinson argues that a de-judaised Jesus can be co-opted for every cause and purpose, both godly and ungodly! John also explores aspects of the multi-layered approach of the synoptic Gospels. He demonstrates how the very structure of the gospels parallels the disciples' growing understanding of who Jesus is.

It is commonly taught in the Church that first century Jews were expecting a military Messiah who would free them from Roman rule. Edith Sher introduces a very different kind of Messiah awaited by the Jews of his day, namely the Leper Messiah. Edith explains that if Yeshua came to put an end to Torah, he could not save us from our sins.