Reflecting on Themes from the Prayer for Israel Podcast Episode
In our recent Prayer for Israel podcast, we delved into one of the most troubling legacies within Church history — the issue of blood libels and their continued impact the Jewish people today with opinions from Natasha Hausdorff and Douglas Murray.
What Is a Blood Libel?
Historically, blood libels were grotesque accusations made against Jewish communities — most infamously, the false claim that Jews murdered Christian children to use their blood in religious rituals. These accusations, beginning as early as the 12th century with the case of William of Norwich, spread like wildfire through Europe. With no evidence and often driven by religious or political motives, these lies led to brutal persecution, expulsions, and massacres.
Yet the most pervasive and enduring blood libel — one still echoed in subtle ways today — is the claim that “the Jews killed Jesus.”
Did the Jews Kill Jesus?
This accusation is not only theologically incorrect, but it’s also spiritually dangerous. The crucifixion of Jesus was not a random act of mob violence; it was the divinely ordained plan for redemption. Jesus Himself declared, “No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10:18).
In reality, both Jews and Gentiles were present at the crucifixion. Roman soldiers carried out the sentence, Jewish leaders opposed Him, and a Jewish crowd was involved. But the Gospel makes clear: Jesus died to atone for the sins of the world.
The Modern Expression: Replacement Theology
The belief that the Church has replaced Israel in God’s redemptive plan is a doctrine that erases the covenantal significance of the Jewish people and often leads to a passive or hostile stance toward modern Israel. It’s heartbreaking to witness how this theological error has given way to widespread misunderstanding and indifference — and at times, even hostility — toward the Jewish people. The result is a Church disconnected from its own spiritual roots.
The Jewishness of Jesus:
A Forgotten Truth
Our discussion touched on a profound truth: Jesus was and is a Jew. His earthly ministry was to the Jewish people. The apostles were Jewish. The early Church was Jewish. And yet, much of the Church today avoids this reality. As believers, we cannot fully understand the Gospel without understanding its Hebraic foundation.
The Role of the Church Today
We believe the Church has a sacred responsibility to:
- Reject antisemitism in all its forms.
- Stand with the Jewish people.
- Pray for the salvation of the Jewish and Arab people in the Land.
- Support Israel in prayer.
One New Man in Messiah
Ephesians 2 speaks of the Gospel breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating one new man in Messiah. This is the heart of God’s redemptive plan — not division, but unity in Yeshua. That unity cannot exist without recognising the Jewish people’s role in God’s plan.
A Final Word
We live in a time where false narratives abound — in politics, on social media, and sadly, in parts of the Church. As followers of Jesus, we are called to stand for truth.
Blood libels are not just medieval myths — they are living lies when the Church turns a blind eye to its own history, neglects Scripture’s context, or fails to stand with God’s covenant people.
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We love the Jewish people. We reject the lies of the past. We affirm God’s everlasting covenant with Israel. And we invite the Church to rediscover the richness of its Jewish foundation.
👉 Listen to the full episode on our YouTube channel.
God bless you, and may we all be found faithful in these days.
