To blame the Jews for the death of Jesus is a theological error so profound as to be only possible amongst those who suffer from severe Biblical illiteracy.
To suggest the guilt of the Jews is to ignore 6,000 years of Biblical history as well as both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament writings. Such a view can only be held by those who lack a true understanding of who Jesus really was and what He accomplished by dying as He did.
Jesus was a Jew. He was born and lived in Israel. He was circumcised. He spoke Hebrew. He wore a tallit (a prayer shawl). He learned the scriptures by rote memorization as a boy. He was in outward appearance like the other serious Jewish boys his age.
He would have called his father “Abba.” He would have attended synagogue with his family on Shabbat. He would have traveled with his family to Jerusalem for the three required feasts each year. He would have sung the songs of ascent on His way up to Jerusalem each year.
Like other Jews, Jesus had heroes–Abraham and Moses. Like other Jews, He had enemies–the Romans.
The Hebrew Bible is clear about Messiah. He would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2) He would be born of a virgin. (Isaiah 7:14) He would enter Jerusalem in triumph. (Zechariah 9:9) Messiah was to be rejected by his own people. (Isaiah 53:1, 3; Psalm 118:22) Even Jesus himself prophesied his arrest and execution by the religious authorities. (Luke 9:22) Messiah was to be betrayed by one of his followers. (Psalm 41:9) Messiah was to be tried and condemned. (Isaiah 53:8) Messiah would be silent before his accusers. (Isaiah 53:7) Messiah was to be struck and spat upon by his enemies. (Isaiah 50:6) Messiah as to be mocked and taunted. (Psalm 22:7, 8) Messiah was to die by crucifixion. (Psalm 22:14, 16-17)
The list of Hebrew Bible prophecies that foretell the details of Jesus final days on earth goes on in detail. These details were written hundreds of years before Jesus was even born. They were written by Hebrew prophets speaking the Words of Adonai–the only true and living God–the God of the Jews and the Christians.
Jesus’ fate was not determined by the Jews. His fate was set by God. To blame the Jews is to turn a blind eye to God and his plan for redemption which made clear through the Hebrew Bible. To blame the Jews is to overlook the sovereignty of God and to miss the message of His great love.
The Jews didn’t kill Jesus. Jesus gave His life–laid down His life–as a sacrifice to meet the requirements of the Torah, the law. He who knew no sin became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God.
