Jewish Tradition – Messianic Apologetics

The Impact of the Maccabees on First Century Judaism

2 December, 2021 J.K. McKee

For most Messianics I know who celebrate Chanukah, they hear a great deal about the military exploits of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Temple. Many of them honestly take the time to flip through the Books of 1&2 Maccabees in the Apocrypha, the principal historical record that influences our understanding of the wars fought by the Maccabees. When Jerusalem was recaptured and the Temple was rededicated, much more really did take place. This goes beyond the lives of Judah Maccabee and his brothers. Sadly, too many congregations and fellowships that honor Chanukah are not that familiar with this period of complicated history—not only for what took place in the Second Century B.C.E., but how it would influence the First Century C.E.

A Summarization of Chanukah Traditions

29 November, 2021 J.K. McKee

The holiday of Chanukah, or the Festival of Dedication, is full of many customs and traditions that give our celebration great life and depth. During this time of year, we have the awesome opportunity to commemorate the work of God from some 2,200 years ago during the time of the Maccabees. If they had not fought against the Seleucid invaders of Israel, the Jewish people would have either been destroyed through war, or would have disappeared via cultural assimilation.

A Summarization of Sukkot Traditions

20 September, 2021 J.K. McKee

The festival of Sukkot or Tabernacles (also commonly called Booths) begins on 15 Tishri and is intended to commemorate the time that the Ancient Israelites spent in the wilderness after the Exodus. Images of the post-Exodus period, God wanting Israel to remember what happened in the desert, and perhaps most importantly the need for His people to physically be reminded of His desire to commune with them, are all themes that are seen throughout one’s observance. The Feast of Tabernacles was considered to be so important in the Torah, that God gave it the distinction of being one of the three times of ingathering, along with Passover and Shavuot (Leviticus 23:39-43).

A Summarization of Yom Kippur Traditions

15 September, 2021 J.K. McKee

The Day of Atonement for Messianics can equally be a challenge, because of a possible emphasis on celebration at Yom Teruah/Rosh HaShanah, instead of a serious attitude and call to reflection from the sounding of the shofar. Many Messianics likewise have difficulty reverently focusing on their relationship with the Lord, and in considering where they need to improve in their spiritual walk. For us, while recognizing that our ultimate forgiveness is indeed found in Yeshua, we still need to know that we are humans with a fallen sin nature, and that we need the Lord to empower us for good works. We need to be reminded that without Him, we are nothing, and we need to intercede for the salvation of others.

A Summarization of Yom Teruah/Rosh HaShanah Traditions

6 September, 2021 J.K. McKee

There is a great deal of significance attached to this day in Jewish theology, as it is most often emphasized as a time when God looks down from Heaven and reconsiders where He stands with people. It is a time where we are to rejoice and celebrate, remembering His goodness to us, but also begin a sober examination of our humanity, and consider faults and sins that must be rectified.

Rosh HaShanah – FAQ

5 September, 2021 J.K. McKee

Why does the Jewish community call Yom Teruah “Rosh HaShanah”? I thought the Biblical New Year began in the Spring.

Headcovering Garments – FAQ

8 August, 2021 J.K. McKee

Do you believe it is acceptable for Messianic men to wear a kippah or yarmulke, when Paul says that it is a dishonor for men to have their heads covered? How do you interpret 1 Corinthians 11:4-16?

Q&A: Angel of the Lord; “the Jews” in NT; major/minor disagreements – Messianic Insider

25 December, 2020 J.K. McKee

J.K. McKee of Messianic Apologetics responds to three categories of questions: Tanach (OT), Apostolic Scriptures (NT), and theology/Biblical Studies.

1. Is it true that references to “the angel of the Lord” in the Tanach (OT) are to YHWH?

2. I have heard that there are references in the Apostolic Scriptures (NT) to “the Jews” that are anti-Semitic?

3. What issues should we legitimately disagree with others about?

Q&A: Fallen Angels & Human Females; Yeshua Broke the Sabbath; Election 2020 Prophecies – Messianic Insider

11 November, 2020 J.K. McKee

J.K. McKee of Messianic Apologetics responds to three categories of questions: Tanach (OT), Apostolic Scriptures (NT), and theology/Biblical Studies.

1. According to Genesis 6:4, did fallen angels have sexual relations with human females?

2. Did Yeshua break the Sabbath?

3. What am I supposed to do with all of the voices who prophesied Trump would win Election 2020?

Messianic People and Shabbat: Moving Beyond “Saturday Church” – Messianic Insider

6 November, 2020 J.K. McKee

Many people in today’s Messianic community treat the seventh-day Sabbath as a kind of “Saturday church” more than as a time to rest from labor, focus on God and one’s brethren, and enter into something special.