Jewish people still come to Jesus

There is something undeniably powerful about a personal testimony. It’s real, it’s living, and it carries the undeniable mark of God’s hand at work.

Recently, I had lunch with some Jewish friends who do not recognise Jesus as the Messiah. Instead of debating theology or trying to construct the perfect argument, I simply shared a testimony — Oli’s story. I didn’t have to persuade, argue, or convince. The testimony did the work for me, and it can for you too.

This story is not just to encourage you that Jewish people are still coming to faith in Jesus today, but to equip you with a simple yet profound way to share the gospel with your Jewish friends. Sometimes, all we need to do is share a story and let God do the rest. Here is the story I told.

Oli’s journey to the Messiah

Oli was born and raised in a Jewish family. His world was steeped in Jewish tradition — Jewish schools, Jewish community, and a strong cultural identity. Like his brothers, he had a bar mitzvah, and his understanding of Christianity was shaped entirely by what he had been taught:

• Jesus was a man
• He was a Jewish man
• He had followers
• He was seen as a rebel
• He was executed

That was the extent of it — Jesus was a distant historical figure, nothing more.

When Oli started university, he introduced himself to his flatmates by saying, "I am a Jew." One of them responded with curiosity, saying they had never met a Jewish person before. This sparked conversations about faith, leading to an invitation to attend a Christianity Explored course, where Oli began studying the Gospel of Mark. For the first time in his life, he believed Jesus was relevant.

As his faith deepened, Oli knew he had to share this with his family. He had a careful plan to introduce his journey in steps but before he could go through all five steps, the moment came when he simply told his father, "I believe in Jesus." His father was devastated. Determined to bring Oli back to Judaism, he sent him to a Yeshiva in Jerusalem, which sought to entice him with free tuition, a job, and even the prospect of marriage. The message was clear — there was still a way back, a way to reclaim his Jewish identity. But Oli could not turn back; he had found the truth.

The power of testimony

I shared Oli’s story with my Jewish friends for one simple reason — because it was exciting to me. I didn’t have to persuade my friend that I hold Jesus as Lord — I could let my friend Oli do it. And so, I want to also encourage you to share Oli’s testimony, or the testimony of the many other Jewish people who have come to know Jesus is the Messiah. Share it with Jewish friends, neighbours, or colleagues. Let them hear that a Jewish man came to see Jesus as the Messiah. And then step back, pray, and watch the Holy Spirit work.

You don’t need to have all the right words. You don’t need to win a theological debate. Sometimes, all it takes is a story. Who knows? The next Oli might be sitting across the table from you, just waiting to hear that it’s possible to believe in Jesus and still be Jewish. Are you ready to share the story?

Remember, your proximity to a Jewish neighbourhood or work colleagues is no mistake, but a wonderful opportunity for Jewish people to hear gospel.