The unity of Jew and Gentile in Messiah Jesus is a foundational truth of the Gospel, revealing God’s plan of redemption for all people.
Throughout history, Israel was set apart as God’s chosen nation, entrusted with divine revelation. Yet, through Jesus, the invitation to be part of God’s household has been extended to the nations, breaking down the barriers that once divided Jew and Gentile.
In a recent teaching video, Rabbi Kirt Schneider passionately affirms that through Jesus, the message of redemption has extended beyond Israel, reaching the Gentiles who were once far off. “He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near,” (see Eph. 2:17), Rabbi Schneider quotes from Scripture, emphasizing that Jesus’ mission was to bring salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.
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Historically, only Israel had the revelation of God, but through Jesus, “the righteousness of God, apart from the law, has been revealed,” (see Rom. 3:21), he explains. Now, both Jew and Gentile have equal access to God, not by works of the law, but through faith in the Messiah. “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,” (see Eph. 2:19), he encourages, dismantling any perception of Gentiles being second-class believers.
/**/Rabbi Schneider warns against placing Jewish believers on a pedestal to the extent that it discourages witnessing to them.
“If you hold Jewish people over here to the point that you almost idolize them, it prevents you from being the solid witness to them that the Lord has called you to be,” he cautions. Jewish people, just like anyone else, need to hear the message of Jesus’ salvation. “Unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins,” (see John 8:24), Jesus Himself said to the Jewish people.
Paul’s calling as the apostle to the Gentiles reinforces this message. “Because of their rejection, I was sent to you, and you were blessed,” (see Rom. 11:11), Rabbi Schneider recalls, quoting Paul’s realization that the rejection of Messiah by some Jewish people led to the spread of the Gospel among the nations. However, he also emphasizes the continued calling upon Jewish believers. “I believe that the foremost evangelists in the last days will be Jews… fulfilling their calling to be a light to the nations.”
Ultimately, Rabbi Schneider calls believers to recognize their identity in Messiah.
“In Him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord,” (see Eph. 2:21), he proclaims, urging both Jews and Gentiles to embrace their unity and shared inheritance. He reminds listeners that God’s presence dwells not in a physical temple but within His people. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (see 1 Cor. 3:16), he declares, encouraging all to cleanse themselves from worldly distractions and fully embrace their divine calling.
This message is a call for all believers to step into their identity as members of God’s household. In Jesus, there are no divisions—only a united people set apart for His purposes. Jew and Gentile alike are called to stand together as one, shining the light of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
