Portier's Judaism: Theologian Analysis

Many people know that Jesus was a Jew, which has always been evident. The Theologian, William Portier, wanted to make it clear that Jesus was involved in Judaism. There is also a conflict of who Jesus was: a prophet or wise man that is addressed. The laws of the Torah are not only rules on how to obey the religion but the laws of the Torah talk about how we must follow all of God’s commandments, especially the commandment to love. Portier argues that Jesus never made a break from Judaism, he just preached in a new fashion. Some people believe that Jesus rebuked the Torah when in fact, Jesus never did. The rules of one religion are not made to be bent. But when Jesus finds a new way to preach, he bends the rules of Judaism. He was more like
Sometimes it is good to switch the methods of teaching if the students do not understand the material that is being taught. Jesus would teach the same messages as the Pharisees. Instead of repeating the laws of the Torah and the stories of the Old Testament, Jesus used his own stories that were relevant and relatable to help the people fully grasp the meaning of God’s teachings. Many people did not always agree with his parables, nevertheless, whenever a parable was unclear, they would ask Jesus for clarification. One of the main differences is that when Jesus taught, he taught with love. It still amazes me how much God can love his people. I never thought that Jesus’ religion would be put into question. It is one instance to not believe he is the Son of God but a completely different instance to doubt Jesus’ relationship with Judaism. Jesus not only taught the Laws of the Torah, he also practiced the traditions of Judaism. He celebrated Passover, never ate pork, and went to the synagogue on Sunday. Jesus always had a positive relationship with Judaism. There was never a time when Jesus broke from his religion, even when he sent his disciples to evangelize across the