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Remnant of Zion

Teaching Your Children to Defend their Faith in Yeshua

If you're active in your Jewish community whether it's where you live, your children go to Hebrew school or Day Camp, you attend a traditional synagogue, or it could be from friends or extended family, the day will come when your child hears, "Jesus isn't the Mashiach."


As an adult, you've heard it all already. You may have been told you're no longer Jewish or an apostate, but it's different for children and when unprepared, can be devastating and confusing.



Children want to be accepted by their peers and want to please the authority figures around them. They want the approval of their grandparents, aunts, cousins, and friends. However, learning that they have a core difference in belief with the Jewish people they love and respect will happen.


Unlike adults, children (especially younger children) are often unafraid to speak about their beliefs which is not a bad thing. May we all have the boldness of sharing our belief in Yeshua like children!


That said, it's imperative that messianic Jewish parents alongside raising our children knowing Yeshua is in fact our awaited Messiah, also prepare them for the responses they may receive and give them tools for when the time comes to defend their faith.


"And always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you." - 1 Kefa 3:15 (Peter)

When able to give an answer to someone questioning or opposing their belief in Yeshua, one's child will be empowered and strengthened in their own faith. Whether they choose to say the answer aloud, or if they only say it silently in their heart, knowing why they believe in Yeshua will lay down an unshakeable foundation of faith within them.



Here are a few points children can learn when it comes to defending their faith in Yeshua as the Messiah. It can be helpful to discuss them as concepts and then and pick memory verses they can keep in their hearts and minds.


1. It was prophesied that our Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.


"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me One who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." -Micah 5:2

2. It was prophesied our Messiah would be born of a virgin. Depending on the age and understanding of one's child, you can use the term, unmarried woman or maiden.


“Therefore the L-rd Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a Son, and she will call His name Immanuel. -Isaiah 7:14

Note: One can explain here that Immanuel in Hebrew means "G-d is with us." Yeshua was/is the Presence of G-d in man form. Isaiah 7:14 says, "He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty G-d, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." These names describe His attributes and roles.


3. Children can learn that Yeshua is in the Tanakh.


When Shadrakh, Meishakh and ‘Aved-N’go where in the furnace in Daniel 3, a third Man was seen.


"Suddenly N’vukhadnetzar sprang to his feet. Alarmed, he asked his advisers, “Didn’t we throw three men, bound, into the flames?” They answered the king, “Yes, of course, your majesty.” But he exclaimed, “Look! I see four men, not tied up, walking around there in the flames, unhurt; and the fourth looks like one of the gods!” -Daniel 3: 24-25

4. Children can learn it was prophesied our Messiah would suffer and be rejected by many.


Many of our people reject Yeshua as the Messiah because He was not a man of physical war. He was not a general in man's army but one of heaven's army. Consider explaining to your children that it was prophesied this would be so.


Our Messiah's life was never foretold of being one of land conquest or acquisition of battle regalia, but a triumph over sin and its consequence, death.

"He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him." -Isaiah 53:3

5. Children can learn that our Messiah would come to save all nations, not just the Jewish people.


The idea that the Jewish Messiah could be recognized by people of the nations before His own is a hard pill to swallow by any Jewish person, but especially the religious. Some might say, "There is no way our Messiah could be embraced by those who do not follow the commandments, or those who have killed and persecuted us."


But that is just the case. Yeshua is no respecter or persons or creed. While He came first for the Jew as was promised, He loves all people and will go to whoever puts their faith in Him. "G-d so loved the world."


It was prophesied that the Messiah would be for all who call upon His name.


“In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and His resting place will be glorious” -Isaiah 11:10
 

The idea or preparing one's child to defend their faith may feel overwhelming but remember two things:


You don't have to teach them every concept and verse in one day. Consider the age of your child and break it down in a way they can understand. Take one verse at a time and spend a month or even longer on it. Discuss it at the dinner table, in the car or during evening prayers. Children are like sponges. Make it fun. Engage in a mock debate. Let them pretend to teach you.


You're never teaching your child alone. The Ruach HaKodesh is also teaching them. Trust Hashem to guide you and guide your child as you lead them the way they should go. Teach with joy and peace, not with fear and rushing.



For younger children, focus on overall concepts and short memory verses. Teenagers can go further and research, read books such as The Case for the Faith, The Real Kosher Jesus, Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus, or can listen to the Two Messianic Jews podcast.



Teenagers are often seen as desiring to fit in above all else, but the truth is, they are also often unapologetic when it comes to a cause they truly believe in. Given the right tools and undeniable proof, your teen can be solidly rooted and immoveable when it comes to defending their belief in Yeshua as our Messiah.




As with all things, continue to pray for your children. Being a messianic child is not as easy calling. Of course, it would be nice to be able to seamlessly blend in with our community, but we have a high and beautiful calling to be a Light to our beloved people. Pray they will have courage, faith, and will be given the words to say at the right time.


"For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” -Luke 12:12
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. - Mattityahu 5:15 (Matthew)

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