Roots and Shoots Conference - March 2009

Held at Christ Church Kenilworth in Cape Town.

Speakers: Revd John Atkinson & Edith Sher

The Kingdom and the Synagogue

For many Christian Bible commentators, Jesus came to reject His Jewish heritage, the Law, the Temple and the synagogue. For them, Jesus is the replacement of a variety of other Jewish figures and institutions. What is wrong with this perspective?

John Atkinson demonstrates how the Gospels’ description of Yeshua's relationship to the synagogue contradicts the notion of replacement. Jesus' reading and exposition of Isaiah in the synagogue in His home town is just one example of the identification of Jesus with the Jewish institutions of His day.

Edith Sher demonstrates that as a Torah observant Jew Yeshua was fully part of his Jewish community, yet as God incarnate, he drew enmity from members of the religious and political establishment. By looking at the New Testament passages dealing with the concept of new wine and new wineskins, and the discussion about the man born blind, Edith explores Jesus’ understanding of His relationship with the Synagogue. Edith also reveals why his disciples were frowned upon by the religious leaders.