A LETTER OF TRUST AND DISCIPLESHIP: WRESTLING WITH THE DEEPER QUESTIONS Dr Josimar Salum

 

A LETTER OF TRUST AND DISCIPLESHIP: WRESTLING WITH THE DEEPER QUESTIONS

Dr Josimar Salum

29/6/2025

Daddy, can I ask you something personal?

I sometimes wonder… am I stressing you out with all my questions, especially on things I can’t really change? If I am, please let me know, and I promise I’ll stop. I just don’t want to be a burden.

But the truth is, you’re the only person I genuinely trust when it comes to explaining the Bible and helping me understand the deeper meaning of the Scriptures. Since I met you back in 2016, the way you teach has completely changed my life.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot… To truly accept everything we’ve talked about, I feel like I’d have to:

1. Rethink what the covenant of God really means,

2. Redefine who the people of God are,

3. Reevaluate the central place of Jesus Christ,

4. And reconsider the entire story of redemption.

When I read Matthew 28:18–20, I feel like that mission isn’t just for the original disciples, it’s for all of us who believe in the God of Jesus. But that leads me to wonder:

Are even the Jews supposed to be told the Good News? Or are they somehow treated differently, like their case is set apart?

And what about Mark 16:16? Does it apply to them too?

Another thing that’s been on my mind:

We always refer to the Jews as the sons of Israel. But as far as I know, Jacob (Israel) had 12 sons, not just one. So technically, there were 12 tribes, 12 families. Judah (Yehuda) was just one of them.

So… what about the rest of the Israelites who aren’t from Judah? Where are they in all of this?

My dear son,

First, never be afraid to ask me your questions — you are never a burden to me. On the contrary, you are a joy, and it is a privilege and an honor to help you search the Scriptures and grow in understanding. Please never feel that your questions are too much for me. I welcome them because they show your hunger for truth, and that is something priceless.

I want you to keep asking, even if the questions feel hard or uncomfortable. We grow in truth when we wrestle with it together, seeking the Lord with sincere and humble hearts. Never let fear stop you from seeking.

You are right that to fully accept these things, you would have to rethink and redefine many foundations — and that is exactly what Jesus calls us to do. 

The greatest goal of my life is to keep changing: changing the way I think, changing my beliefs, changing my attitudes, changing my behaviors, changing every area of my life to align with Him. 

I am totally and wholeheartedly committed to change. I am not afraid of change. I do not cling to dogmas, patterns, traditions, or religious rites, but I am always open to change anything the Lord Jesus tells me needs to change. If there is something to unlearn, I want to unlearn it. If there is something to learn, I want to learn it. That is the posture of a true disciple.

Regarding your observations and questions about the covenant of God, the identity of His people, the "centrality" of Christ, and the entire story of redemption — all of these come together perfectly in Him. But religion and tradition can hide this clarity and keep people stuck. That is precisely why we must challenge those patterns with the truth of the Scriptures and the voice of the Holy Spirit.

About Matthew 28:18–20, you are correct — the commission is for all disciples, in every generation. That includes sharing the Good News with the Jewish people. There is no separate gospel for them; there is only one Name under heaven by which all can be saved, both Jew and Gentile. The Jews are not exempt from hearing the message of salvation, nor is there another covenant apart from Christ’s blood that can save them.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’”

— Romans 1:16–17 (NKJV)

As for Mark 16:16, yes, it applies to everyone: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” The word whoever includes every nation, tribe, and language — even Israel. There is no other message for the Jewish people apart from the same Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is why Peter preached it first to the Jews on the day of Pentecost, calling them to repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus.

“These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: ‘Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

— Matthew 10:5–7 (NKJV)

So yes, the Jews must also be told the Good News just like every other people group, because Jesus is the Way for them as well.

About the tribes: yes, Israel (Jacob) had twelve sons, and the covenant included all of them. Throughout history, many of those tribes were dispersed, and Judah became the most identifiable tribe because of its role in preserving worship, leadership, and Scripture, but God has not forgotten any of them. They are known to Him even if unknown to us, and their restoration is in His plan. Jesus, as the Son of David from Judah, came first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and then opened the door of salvation to every family, tribe, and nation on earth.

The rest of the Israelites who aren’t from Judah are included in God’s redemptive plan through Christ. Even though many of their descendants are scattered, God knows their lineage and their hearts, and He calls them to Himself through the same Gospel. They are part of the promise — they are not lost to God, even if history has lost track of them. His grace reaches every tribe, including those whose identity seems forgotten, because in Christ there is ONE new man made out of every people.

God’s promises remain, but their complete fulfillment is in Jesus Christ alone, who unites all the tribes, all nations, all peoples into ONE Kingdom under His reign.

So, my son, ask — keep asking — and don’t hold back. You are deeply loved, and I am always here to help you discover what God is showing us through His Word. Never doubt that I walk with you on this journey, with patience, faith, and love.

#ASONE