It can be called an irony of history that Jesus, who symbolizes the bond of unity between Jews and Christians, has all too often become the sign and the origin of dissension and even violence between the two faith communities. Jesus of Nazareth embodies the paradox of uniting Jews with Christians and of separating Jews from Christians.

What makes the encounter between Judaism and Christianity so important as well as difficult is the fact that the major differences between the two religions show up in their radically different interpretations of just those matters that unite them. None is more crucial than their understanding of Jesus of Nazareth. In short, between the church and the synagogue stands the crucified Christ. He divides Jews and Christians.