Yeshua/Jesus
was/is a Jew. He was born a Jew, He lived as a Jew and He died a Jew.
While most members from the house of Israel (Christianity)
recognize that Yeshua/Jesus was Jewish, they do not worship the
G-d of Israel by identifying with the Jewishness of the Messiah. The
roots of faith (emunah) in Yeshua/Jesus as the Jewish
Messiah is biblical Judaism. In fact, the early believers in Yeshua/Jesus
as Messiah (Mashiach) were considered a sect of Judaism (house
of Judah) (Acts 28:22). On the other hand, many members from the
house of Judah (Judaism) do not recognize Yeshua/Jesus as
being a Jew. For those Jews (house of Judah) who do recognize
that Yeshua/Jesus was Jewish, they do not realize that Yeshua/Jesus
was a Torah observant Jew. Therefore, both houses of Israel need to
identify in a greater measure with the Jewishness of the Jewish Messiah
(Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus.
In this
chapter, we will examine the Jewishness of Yeshua/Jesus. We will
discover that Yeshua/Jesus was born a Jew, He lived His life as a
Torah observant Jew and He died a Jew. Furthermore, when He returns to
the earth to rule and reign for 1,000 years during the Messianic Age
(Athid Lavo), He will do so as a Torah observant Jew teaching the
Torah of the G-d of Israel to the nations of the world (Isaiah [Yeshayahu]
2:2-4). In this chapter, we will study the Jewishness of the life of
Yeshua/Jesus. We will be mainly focusing on His life as recorded for
us in the New Testament (Brit Hadashah) books of Matthew (Mattityahu),
Mark, Luke and John (Yochanan). In doing so, may both houses of
Israel (Judaism and Christianity) recognize and identify with the
Jewishness of Yeshua/Jesus and realize that He is our JEWISH
Messiah (Mashiach).
OUR JEWISH MESSIAH: YESHUA/JESUS WAS BORN A JEW
Yeshua/Jesus
was born a Jew. He was born of the seed of David and in the city of
David which is called Bethlehem. When Yeshua/Jesus was born, His
parents were betrothed to each other. Betrothal is the first of two
stages of a biblical Jewish marriage. Yeshua/Jesus was
circumcised the eighth day (brit milah) as is the custom for the
birth of a Jewish boy. The name of Jesus in Hebrew is Yeshua.
Yeshua is the Hebrew word which means salvation. Yeshua/Jesus
was born a Jew. Yeshua/Jesus was born to be the Savior of the
world and the Messiah (Mashiach) of both houses of Israel
(Judaism and Christianity).
YESHUA/JESUS WAS BORN A JEW
FROM THE SEED OF DAVID
Yeshua/Jesus
was born a Jew. Traditional Judaism (house of Judah) believes
that the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach) will be born from the seed of
David. The house of Israel (Christianity) also believes that the
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach) will be born from the seed of David. In
I Chronicles 17:7-14 it is written:
"
Now
therefore thus shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the
Lord of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, even from following
the sheep, that thou shouldest be ruler over my people Israel: And I
have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and have cut off
all thine enemies from before thee, and have made thee a name like
the name of the great men that are in the earth. Also I will ordain
a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall
dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more: neither shall the
children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning, And
since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel.
Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee
that the Lord will build thee an house. And it shall come to pass,
when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers,
that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy
sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house,
and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father, and
he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I
took it from him that was before thee: But I will settle him in mine
house and in my kingdom forever: and his throne shall be established
forevermore."
The G-d
of Israel’s promise to David is repeated in Psalm (Tehillim)
89:20, 34-37 as it is written:
"
I
have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him …
my covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out
of my lips. Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie
unto David. His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun
before me. It shall be established forever as the moon, and as a
faithful witness in heaven. Selah."
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was born of the
seed of David according to the flesh. In Romans 1:3, it is written:
"
Concerning
his Son
Jesus Christ our Lord,
which was made of the
seed of David
according to the flesh"
In Hebrew
7:14 it is written:
"
For
it is evident that our
Lord sprang out of Judah…"
In
Revelation 5:5, it is written:
"
And
one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the
Lion of the tribe of Juda,
the Root of David,
hath prevailed to open the book…"
When
Yeshua/Jesus was born, the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary (Miryam),
the Jewish mother of Yeshua/Jesus and said in Luke 1:30-33 as it
is written:
"
And
the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found
favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and
bring forth a son, and
shalt call his name
JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall
be called the Son of the Highest:
and the Lord God shall
give unto him the throne of his father David:And he shall reign over
the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."
JESUS IN HEBREW MEANS SALVATION
In Luke
1:31, the angel Gabriel told Mary (Miryam) that the Messiah’s
name would be Jesus. The name Jesus in Hebrew is Yeshua which
means salvation. In Hebrew thought, a name is given to a person to
represent a person’s character, identity, purpose or destiny. A name
represents who a person is to be. One of the roles of the Jewish Messiah
(Mashiach) is to redeem the house of Jacob and save the
world from their sins. Therefore, the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)
was named Yeshua which means in Hebrew "salvation" because
the Messiah would save His people from their sins. In Matthew (Mattityahu)
1:21 it is written:
"
And
she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name
JESUS
[Yeshua]: for he shall
save
his people from their sins"
THE IMPORTANCE OF A NAME
IN HEBRAIC THOUGHT
A Hebrew
name is important because a name in Hebrew thought represents a person’s
character, identity, purpose or destiny. The angel Gabriel gave
instructions to Mary (Miryam) to name the Jewish Messiah,
Yeshua/salvation because his character, identity, purpose and
destiny in the heart of the G-d of Israel is to save His people from
their sins. Next, we will examine the names of the patriarch’s, Abraham
(Avraham), Isaac (Yitzchak) and Jacob (Ya’acov) to
understand in a greater way how a name in Hebraic thought represents a
person’s character, identity, purpose or destiny.
ABRAHAM IN HEBREW MEANS
FATHER OF A MULTITUDE
Abram is
the Strong’s word 87 in the Strong’s Hebrew Concordance. It is
the Hebrew word Avram. Avram (Abram) in Hebrew means "exalted
Father." When the G-d of Israel made a covenant with Abram (Avram),
He changed Abram’s name to Abraham (Avraham). Abraham is the
Strong’s word 85 which in Hebrew means "father of a multitude."
When He changed Abraham’s name, the G-d of Israel added the Hebrew
letter, hay ("h"), to Abraham’s name. The Hebrew letter, hay
("h"), represents the breath and life of the G-d of Israel.
By making
a covenant with Abraham (Avraham) and changing his name, the G-d
of Israel was communicating to Abraham (Avraham) that He was
going to change the character, identity, purpose and destiny of Abraham
and his descendents. The G-d of Israel was going to do this by adding
His breath and life (the Hebrew letter, hay, ["h"]) to the
life of Abraham (Avraham) and make him a "father of a
multitude." In Genesis (Bereishit) 17:1-7 it is written:
"
And
when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to
Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and
be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee,
and will multiply thee exceedingly … As for me, behold, my covenant
is with thee, and thou shalt be
a father of many nations
[Avraham in Hebrew].
Neither shall thy name any more be
called Abram [which
means ‘exalted father’ in Hebrew]
but thy name shall be Abraham;
[which means ‘father of a multitude’ in
Hebrew] for a father of many
nations
have I made thee. And I will make
thee exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and
kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant
between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for
an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after
thee."
ISAAC IN HEBREW MEANS LAUGHTER
Isaac
(Yitzchak) is the son of Abraham (Avraham) and Sarah. Isaac
is the Strong’s word 3327 and is the Hebrew word Yitzchak which
means "laughter." When the G-d of Israel told Abraham that Sarah
was going to have a child in her old age when she was past child bearing
age, Sarah "laughed." (Genesis [Bereishit] 18:9-14).
Therefore, Abraham and Sarah named their child Isaac (Yitzchak)
or "laughter." When Isaac (Yitzchak) was born, Sarah said
that the G-d of Israel has made her to "laugh" (which has a
deeper spiritual meaning of rejoicing with great joy) so that all that
hear (SHEMA in Hebrew which means to hear, do and obey) will "laugh"
(have great joy in the L-rd) with me. Therefore, Abraham and Sarah named
their child, Isaac (Yitzchak), because the name Isaac (laughter)
represented a prophetic event that the G-d of Israel performed in their
lives. In Genesis (Bereishit) 18:9-14 it is written:
"
And
they said unto him [Abraham],
Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold in the tent. And he
said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of
life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it
in the tent door, which was behind him. Now
Abraham and Sarah were old
and well stricken in age; and
it ceased to be with Sarah
after the manner of women.
Therefore
Sarah laughed
within herself, saying,
After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did
Sarah laugh,
saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is anything
too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto
thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."
When
Isaac was born, Abraham (Avraham) and Sarah named him Yitzchak
in Hebrew which means "laughter." In Genesis (Bereishit)
21:1-3, 6 it is written:
"
And
the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah
as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his
old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And
Abraham called the name of
his son
that was born unto him, whom Sarah
bare to him, Isaac
… And Sarah said, God hath made me to
laugh
so that all that
hear
[which is the Hebrew word SHEMA which means hear, do and obey and is
the Strong’s word 8085] will
laugh
with me."
JACOB IN HEBREW MEANS SUPPLANTER
Jacob is
the Strong’s word 3290 in the Strong’s Hebrew Concordance. Jacob is the
Hebrew word Ya’acov which means "supplanter, deceiver, kiniver,
heel catcher." The meaning of the name of Jacob (Ya’acov) was
prophetic of the life of Jacob (Ya’acov) until the G-d of Israel
changed his name to Israel. Israel is the Strong’s word 3478 which means
"to rule and have power as a prince with God." Jacob (Ya’acov)
was given the name "heel catcher" because when he was born, he
"caught the heel" of his older brother Esau. Therefore, his name was
called Jacob (Ya’acov) which means a "heel catcher."
During
his life, Jacob (Ya’acov) greatly desired to inherit the covenant
blessing that the G-d of Israel made with Abraham (Avraham).
While Jacob’s heart was honorable in desiring the covenant blessing that
the G-d of Israel promised Abraham (Avraham) and the G-d of
Israel honored the heart of Jacob (Ya’acov) for desiring this
blessing, the method that Jacob (Ya’acov) used to obtain this
blessing is best characterized as being a "supplanter, deceiver or
kiniver." This is the meaning of the name Jacob (Ya’acov) in
Hebrew.
Esau and
Jacob (Ya’acov) were twin sons of Isaac (Yitzchak) and
Rebekah (Rivkah). Because Esau was the firstborn, the family
inheritance legally belonged to him. However, Jacob (Ya’acov)
purposed in his heart that he would obtain the blessing of the
firstborn. Because Jacob desired the covenant blessing that the G-d of
Israel made with Abraham (Avraham) so greatly, Jacob (Ya’acov)
asked his brother Esau to sell him the birthright of Esau when Esau was
hungry and needed food to eat.
Esau
represents the carnal (earthly) believer in Yeshua/Jesus as
Messiah (Mashiach). Esau’s heart was more preoccupied with
meeting his TEMPORARY fleshly, earthly needs than inheriting the ETERNAL
covenant promises that the G-d of Israel made with Abraham (Avraham).
Therefore, Esau sold his "birthright" to satisfy his temporary
earthly desire of food for his body. However, Jacob (Ya’acov) was
more concerned with the eternal covenant blessing that the G-d of Israel
promised to the descendents of Abraham (Avraham).
Jacob
(Ya’acov) had a "wrestling" in his life between his carnal
nature (evil inclination) being a "supplanter, deceiver,
kiniver" with his brother Esau and his spiritual nature (good
inclination) which desired the blessing of the G-d of Israel. When
Jacob (Ya’acov) had a "wrestling" match with the G-d of
Israel toward the end of his life, this was prophetic of his life. In
the "wrestling" match, Jacob (Ya’acov) prevailed. Even
though Jacob’s method of obtaining the blessing of the firstborn was
carnal, fleshly and earthly (evil inclination), the G-d of Israel
honored the spiritual nature (good inclination) of Jacob’s heart
to desire the covenant blessing that He made with Abraham (Avraham).
When
Jacob (Ya’acov) prevailed in his "wrestling" match with
the G-d of Israel, G-d changed Jacob’s name to Israel. Israel is the
Strong’s word 3478 which means "to rule and have power as a prince
with G-d." The changing of the name of Jacob (Ya’acov) to
Israel represented a change in the character, identity, purpose and
destiny of Jacob’s (Ya’acov) life.
When
Jacob (Ya’acov) was born, he grabbed the heel of his twin brother
Esau who came out of the womb of their mother Rebekah (Rivkah)
first. In Genesis (Bereishit) 25:21-26 it is written:
"
And
Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and
the Lord was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And
the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be
so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord
said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people
[Esau after the flesh and Jacob after the
Spirit] shall be separated
from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other
people; and the elder
[Esau, the flesh]
shall serve the younger
[Jacob, the Spirit].
And when her days to be delivered
were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first
came out red, all over like a hairy garment; and they called his
name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and
his hand took hold on
Esau’s heel; and his name
was called Jacob:
and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.
JACOB SUPPLANTS THE BIRTHRIGHT OF ESAU
In
Genesis (Bereishit) 25:28-34, Esau sells his birthright to Jacob
(Ya’acov) when Esau was hungry for food as it is written:
"
And
Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah
loved Jacob. And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field,
and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with
that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his named was
called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And
Esau said,Behold, I am at the
point to die: and
what profit shall this birthright do
to me?
And Jacob said, Swear to me this day;
and he sware unto him: and
he sold his birthright unto Jacob.
Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat
and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus
Esau despised his
birthright."
JACOB SUPPLANTS ISAAC’S BLESSING TO ESAU
In
Genesis (Bereishit) 27:1-36, Jacob (Ya’acov)supplants
the blessing of his father Isaac (Yitzchak) to Esau with the help
of his mother Rebekah (Rivkah) as it is written:
"
And
it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so
that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto
him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I. And he said,
Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death: Now therefore
take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out
to the field, and take me some venison; And make me savory meat,
such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may
bless thee before I die. And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau
his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison and to bring
it. And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard
thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, Bring me venison,
and make me savory meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the
Lord before my death. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according
to that which I command thee. Go now to the flock, and fetch me from
thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savory meat
for thy father, such as he loveth: And thou shalt bring it to thy
father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his
death. And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother
is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man: My father peradventure will
feel me, and I shall seem to him as a
DECEIVER;
and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing. And his
mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my
voice, and go fetch me them. And he went, and fetched, and brought
them to his mother: and his mother made savory meat, such as his
father loved. And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son
Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her
younger son: And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his
hands, and upon the smooth of his neck: And she gave the savory meat
and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son
Jacob. And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he
said, Here am I; who art thou, my son? And Jacob said unto his
father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou
badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy
soul may bless me. And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou
hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the Lord thy
God brought it to me. And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray
thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau
or not. And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him,
and said, The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of
Esau. And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his
brother Esau’s hands: so he blessed him. And he said, Art thou my
very son Esau? And he said, I am. And he said, Bring it near to me,
and I will eat of my son’s venison, that my soul may bless thee. And
he brought it near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine,
and he drank. And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and
kiss me, my son. And he came near and kissed him: and he smelled the
smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of
my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed:
Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the
earth, and plenty of corn and wine: Let people serve thee, and
nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy
mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth
thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee. And it came to pass, as
soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet
scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his
brother came in from his hunting. And he also had made savory meat,
and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my
father arise, and eat of his son’s venison, that thy soul may bless
me. And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I
am thy son, thy firstborn Esau. And Isaac trembled very exceedingly,
and said, Who? Where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it
me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest and have blessed him?
Yea, and he shall be blessed. And when Esau heard the words of his
father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said
unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father. And he said,
Thy brother came with
subtlety
and hath taken away thy blessing. And
he said,
Is not he rightly named Jacob?
for he hath supplanted
me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he
hath taken away my blessing…"
THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF JACOB AND ESAU
Jacob
(Ya’acov) is a spiritual type and picture of the children of the
Promise who walk according to the Spirit (good inclination) and
not according to the carnal nature of the flesh (evil inclination).
Esau is a spiritual type and picture of those who walk according to the
carnal nature of the flesh and not after the Spirit. The G-d of Israel
loves those whose heart is toward Him and His promises (Jacob)
and hates those who are more concerned with pleasing the desires of
their flesh (Esau) above loving the G-d of Israel with all their
heart, mind, soul and strength and living for the eternal Kingdom of
G-d. This is explained for us in Romans 9:8-13 as it is written:
"…
They
which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of
God [Esau]: but the children of the
promise are counted for the seed
[Jacob].
For this is the word of promise, At
this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. And not only
this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father
Isaac; (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any
good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might
stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) It was said unto her,
the elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I
loved, but Esau have I hated."
JACOB WRESTLES WITH G-D AND PREVAILS
In
Genesis (Bereishit) 32:24-30, Jacob (Ya’acov) has a
wrestling match with the G-d of Israel and prevails. Jacob (Ya’acov)
would not leave Him depart until the G-d of Israel blessed Jacob. In
Genesis (Bereishit) 32:24-30 it is written:
"
And
Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the
breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against
him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s
thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me
go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go,
except thou bless me. And he said unto him,
What is thy name?
And he said,
Jacob.
And he said,
Thy name shall be called no
more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and
with men, and hast prevailed.And Jacob asked him, and said,
Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that
thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob
called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to
face, and my life is preserved."
How did
the G-d of Israel bless Jacob (Ya’acov)? He blessed him by
changing his name from Jacob (Ya’acov) which means a "supplanter,
deceiver, kiniver" (which was characteristic of Jacob’s [Ya’acov’s]
life) to Israel which means "to rule and have power as a prince with
God."
Therefore,
we can see from the lives of Abraham (Avraham), Isaac
(Yitzchak) and Jacob (Ya’acov) that their names represented
their character, identity, purpose and destiny in G-d. In Hebraic
thought, a name is prophetic of your character and your destiny. For
this reason, the Jewish Messiah is named Yeshua. His name
represents His character, destiny and purpose as the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)
to both houses of Israel (Judaism and Christianity). He is our Savior
and He was sent by the G-d of Israel as the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)
to save His people from their sins (Matthew [Mattityahu] 1:21).
MIRYAM WAS BETROTHED TO YOSEF
Mary (Miryam)
the Jewish mother of Yeshua/Jesus was betrothed to Joseph
(Yosef) when Mary (Miryam) was pregnant with the Jewish
Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus. In the ancient biblical
Jewish wedding ceremony, there are two stages to the wedding process.
The first stage is called betrothal. During betrothal, you are legally
married to your spouse but you do not physically dwell with your spouse.
By understanding the Hebrew language, we can see how betrothal is
legally binding. The word for betrothal in Hebrew is erusin which
comes from the Hebrew root word aras. Aras is related to
the Hebrew word asar which means "to bind." By this, we
can see that the Hebrew language teaches us that betrothal is legally
binding.
According
to the ancient biblical Jewish wedding customs, once you are betrothed,
the only way that you can get out of the marriage is through a divorce.
A divorce is known as a "get" to the house of Judah
(Judaism). The second stage of marriage is called in Hebrew nesu’in.
It is during the second stage of marriage that the bride and groom
physically come together and consummate the marriage. In Matthew (Mattityahu)
1:18-20, we can understand that the Jewish parents of the Jewish Messiah
(Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus were wedded according to the
ancient biblical Jewish wedding customs as it is written:
"
Now
the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary
was espoused
[betrothed] to Joseph,
before they came together
[the first of two stages of the ancient Jewish wedding ceremony],
she was found with
child of the Holy Ghost
[Ruach HaKodesh].
Then Joseph her husband, being a just
man [tzaddik],
and not willing to make
her a public example,
was minded to put her away privily
[get/divorce]. But
while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord
appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David,
fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is
conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost
[Ruach HaKodesh]."
Therefore,
the Jewish parents of the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
were wedded in accordance with the ancient Jewish wedding customs.
THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF BETROTHAL
What is
the spiritual (sod/deeper meaning) understanding of the ancient
Jewish wedding ceremony to Jewish and non-Jewish believers in Yeshua/Jesus
as the Jewish Messiah? The Messiah (Mashiach) is the groom and
the Jewish and non-Jewish believers in Messiah are His Bride. When the
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus came to the earth
nearly 2,000 years ago, He came so that whosoever would put their faith
and confidence (emunah) in Him would be wedded to Him forever. At
His first coming, the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
came as the suffering Messiah known as Messiah ben Yosef
(Joseph). Following His resurrection, He ascended to Heaven (olam
haba) to be with G-d the Father until He returns at His second
coming to be the Kingly Messiah known as Messiah ben David.
Today,
the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus does not
physically dwell with those who trust in Him. Therefore, the believers
in the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus are
currently betrothed to Him. We will enter the fullness of the marriage
and physically dwell with the Messiah during the Messianic Age known as
the Millennium to the house of Israel (Christianity) or
the Athid Lavo to the house of Judah (Judaism).
CIRCUMCISION IS A SIGN OF THE COVENANT
It is a
commandment in the Torah that every Jewish boy be circumcised the eighth
day. Circumcision is the physical sign of the covenant between the G-d
of Israel and His people. The G-d of Israel gave instruction to Abraham
(Avraham) in Genesis (Bereishit) 17:9-14 that the physical
offspring of Abraham (Avraham) were to be circumcised as it is
written:
"
And
God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou,
and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant,
which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee;
Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall
circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of
the covenant between me and you. And he that is
eight days
old shall be
circumcised
among you, every man child in
your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money
of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy
house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be
circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an
everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child
whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be
cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant."
YESHUA/ JESUS WAS
CIRCUMCISED THE EIGHTH DAY
In
accordance with the G-d of Israel’s commandment to Abraham (Avraham)
that every Jewish boy be circumcised the eighth day, the earthly Jewish
parents of the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
circumcised Him on the eighth day. In Luke 2:22-24 it is written:
"
And
when the days of her purification according to the law
[Torah]
of Moses were accomplished, they
brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is
written in the law
[Torah] of the Lord, Every
male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to
offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law
[Torah]
of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."
This
instruction is given in the Torah of the G-d of Israel in Leviticus (Vayikra)
12:1-3,6,8 as it is written:
"
And
the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of
Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man
child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days
of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the
eighth day
the flesh of his foreskin
shall be
circumcised
… And when the days of her
purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall
bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young
pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering unto the door of the
tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest … And if she be not
able to bring a lamb, then she shall
bring two turtles, or two young
pigeons;
the one for the burnt offering, and
the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement
for her, and she shall be clean."
YESHUA/JESUS WAS BORN IN BETHLEHEM
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was born in
Bethlehem. In Matthew (Mattityahu) 2:1, 4-6 it is written:
"
Now
when
Jesus was born in Bethlehem
of Judea in the days of Herod
the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem …
And when he [Herod]had gathered all the
chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of
them where Christ
[Messiah/Mashiach]
should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for
thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land
of Juda, are you not least among the princes of Juda: for out of
thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel."
The
prophecy that the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach) would be born in
Bethlehem of Judah is in Micah 5:2 as it is written:
"
But
thou,
Bethlehem
Ephratah, though thou be
little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come
forth unto me that is to be
ruler in Israel;whose goings forth have
been from of old,
from everlasting."
The ruler
in Israel who has been from everlasting and who was born in Bethlehem is
the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus.
THE HEBREW MEANING
OF THE WORD BETHLEHEM
Bethlehem
is the Strong’s word 1035 in the Hebrew Concordance. It comes from two
Hebrew words, Beit and Lechem. Beit is the Strong’s word
1004 which means "House." Lechem is the Strong’s word 3899 which
means "Bread." So, Bethlehem means in Hebrew, "House of
Bread." In John (Yochanan) 6:33-35, the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus said that He was the Bread (manna) that the
G-d of Israel sent from Heaven (Malkut Shamayim) as it is
written:
"
For
the
bread of God
is he which cometh down from heaven,
and
giveth life unto the world.
Then said they unto him, Lord,
evermore give us this bread. And
Jesus
said unto them,
I am the bread of life:he that cometh to me
shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
The
evening before the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
was crucified on the tree (I Corinthians 11:23), He had a Passover
(Pesach) Seder meal (Luke 22:15). During the Seder meal, bread known
as matzah is eaten. In Luke 22:15, 19, Yeshua/Jesus said
that this matzah bread represented His body as it is written:
"
And
he [Yeshua/Jesus]said unto them, With
desire I have desired to eat this
passover
with you before I suffer … and
he took bread,
and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave unto them, saying,
This is my body
which is given for you: this
do in remembrance of me."
The
blessing that is said over the bread is called HaMotzi. In
Hebrew, the blessing is: "Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheynu Melech Ha Olam
Ha Motzi Lechem Min Ha Aretz" which means in English, "Blessed are
you O L-rd our G-d King of the Universe who brings forth the bread from
the earth."
Spiritually
(sod/deeper meaning), the HaMotzi is a prayer of thanks to
the G-d of Israel for the resurrection of the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus who was "brought forth" (resurrected) from
the earth. Furthermore, the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
was born at a place called Bethlehem (Beit Lechem) which means
"House of Bread" in Hebrew.
THE EARTHLY FATHER
OF YESHUA/JESUS WAS JOSEPH
The
earthly father of the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach) Yeshua/Jesus was
Joseph (Yosef). In Matthew (Mattityahu) 1:16, it is
written:
"
And
Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who
is called Christ."
It is
traditional Jewish thought that the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach) has
two primary roles to fulfill in the redemption. The Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)
is seen as being a suffering Messiah and a Kingly Messiah. The suffering
Messiah is given the name Messiah ben Yosef (Joseph). The Kingly
Messiah is given the name Messiah ben David. Both Jewish and
non-Jewish believers in Yeshua/Jesus as the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)
know that He came to the earth at His first coming as the suffering
Messiah (Messiah ben Yosef) and will return in His second coming
as the Kingly Messiah (Messiah ben David).
The
earthly father of the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
was named Joseph (Yosef). Therefore, Yeshua/Jesus was the
son of Joseph. This has a double meaning. In the literal (peshat),
Yeshua/Jesus was the earthly son of Joseph (Yosef).
Spiritually (sod/deeper meaning), the son of Joseph is an
allusion to Yeshua/Jesus being Messiah ben Yosef (Messiah
son of Joseph). In John (Yochanan) 1:45, Philip recognized that
Yeshua/Jesus was the son of Joseph (Messiah ben Yosef) as
it is written:
"
Philip
findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom
Moses in the law
[Torah], and the
prophets did write,
Jesus
of Nazareth,
the son of Joseph."
Therefore,
from these things, we can understand that the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was born a Jew.
YESHUA/JESUS WAS RAISED A JEW
In Luke
2:40, we are told that the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
grew both physically and spiritually as it is written:
"
And
the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom
[chokmah]:
and the grace[chesed]of God was upon him."
YESHUA/JESUS IS A SON OF THE COMMANDMENT
At the
age of 12/13, a Jewish child is considered an adult. At this age, a
Jewish child is responsible for knowing, studying and walking in the
commandments of the G-d of Israel. Today, there is a special remembrance
for this event in the life of a Jewish child. It is known as a "Bar
Mitzvah." Bar Mitzvah means "son of the commandment."
The Torah
is the commandments of the G-d of Israel. Those who know the Torah of
the G-d of Israel and walk in the instructions of the Torah are known as
the "sons" of G-d. The Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
showed his superior knowledge of the Torah of the G-d of Israel at the
Bar Mitzvah age of 12 years old. In Luke 2:42, 46-47 it is
written:
"
And
when he was
twelve years old,
they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast … And it
came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple,
sitting in the midst of
the doctors[rabbi’s of the Torah]
both hearing them, and asking them questions.
And all that heard him
were astonished at his understanding and answers."
OUR JEWISH MESSIAH:
HIS LIFE, MINISTRY AND TEACHINGS
So far,
we have studied how the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
was born a Jew and was raised a Jew. Next, we will examine the
Jewishness of his adult life, ministry and teachings.
YESHUA/JESUS WAS A CARPENTER
The
earthly occupation of the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
was a carpenter. In Mark 6:2-3, it is written:
"
And
when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue:
and many hearing him were astonished, saying … Is not this the
carpenter,
the son of Mary…"
YESHUA/JESUS IS A BUILDER OF G-D’S HOUSE
Just as
there is a double meaning that the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)
Yeshua/Jesus was the son of Joseph, the occupation of Yeshua/Jesus
also has a double meaning. In the literal (peshat), Yeshua/Jesus
was a carpenter and built houses. Spiritually (sod/deeper
meaning), the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was
faithful to "build the house" of the G-d of Israel. In Hebrews
3:1-6 it is written:
"
Wherefore,
holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the
Apostle [Shaliach]
and High Priest
[Cohen HaGadol]of
our profession, Christ Jesus: Who was faithful to him that appointed
him, as also Moses
[Moshe]was faithful
in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than
Moses [Moshe],
inasmuch as he who hath
builded the house hath more honor than the house. For every house is
builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses
[Moshe]
verily was faithful in all his house,
as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be
spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house
are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope
firm unto the end."
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was faithful in
building the spiritual house of G-d.
HAVING A SON IS BUILDING A HOUSE
In
traditional Jewish thinking, having a son is associated with building a
household and raising up the family name. In Psalm (Tehillim)
2:6-7, the Jewish Kingly Messiah (Machiach) is called the Son of
G-d as it is written:
"
Yet
have I set
my king
upon my holy hill of Zion. I
will declare the decree:
[one of the steps of the enthroning ceremony of a
Jewish king] the Lord hath
said unto me, Thou art
my Son;
this day have I begotten thee."
In Acts
13:33, it confirms that Psalm (Tehillim) 2:6-7 is speaking about
the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus as it is
written:
"
God
hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath
raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm,
Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee."
At the
Mikvah (immersion/baptism) of the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus, a voice (kol) from heaven spoke to Yeshua/Jesus
and called Him the Son of G-d. In Matthew (Mattityahu) 3:13,
16-17 it is written:
"
Then
cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John[Yochanan the Immerser],
to be baptized
[mikvah/immersed]
of him … And Jesus, when he was
baptized [mikvah/immersed],
went up straightway out
of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw
the Spirit of God [Ruach
HaKodesh]descending
like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven,
saying, This is
my beloved Son[Psalm 2:7], in
whom I am well pleased."
Once
again, in traditional Jewish thought, having a son is associated with
building a house. This truth can be understood from the Hebrew language
itself. The word for son in Hebrew is "ben." It is the Strong’s
word 1121 in the Hebrew Concordance. Son or ben in Hebrew means
"a son or builder of a family name." Son or ben in Hebrew
comes from the Strong’s word 1129 which is the Hebrew word "Banah"
which means "to build." The Hebrew word for house is beit.
It is the Strong’s word 1004. The Hebrew word for house, beit,
also comes from the Hebrew word "banah" which means "to
build." Therefore, the Hebrew language communicates to us that
having a son is associated with building a house or raising up the
family name. This spiritual truth can be seen in the Torah in the book
of Deuteronomy (Devarim) 25:5-9 as it is written:
"
If
brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the
wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her
husband’s brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife,
and perform the duty of a husband’s brother unto her. And it shall
be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name
of the brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of
Israel. And if the man like not to take his brother’s wife … Then
the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him: and if he
stand to it, and say, I like not to take her; Then shall his
brother’s wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and
loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall
answer and say, So shall it be done unto
that man that will not
build up his brother’s house."
It can
also be seen in Ruth 4:11 that having a son is associated with building
a house. The two earthly mothers of the two houses of Israel, Rachel and
Leah, had a competition between them about having sons to build up the
house of Jacob. In Ruth 4:11 it is written:
"
And
all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are
witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house
like Rachel and like Leah, which two did
build the house of Israel:and do thou worthily in
Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem."
THE SPIRITUAL FAMILY OF G-D
IS NAMED AFTER THE MESSIAH
Because
the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was faithful in
His task to build the spiritual house of G-d, the spiritual family of
the G-d of Israel is named after the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)
Yeshua/Jesus. In Ephesians 3:14-15 it is written:
"
For
this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our
LordJesus Christ,
of whom the
whole family
in heaven and earth
is named."
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus came to rule over
both houses of Israel known as the house of Jacob. In Luke
1:31-33 it is written:
"
And,
behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and
shalt call his name Jesus
[Yeshua].
He shall be great, and shall be
called the
Son of the Highest:
and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall
reign
over the
house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there shall
be no end."
YESHUA/JESUS IS OUR HIGH PRIEST
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus began his public
ministry at 30 years of age. In Luke 3:21-23 it is written:
"
Now
when all the people were baptized
[mikvah/immersed]
it came to pass, that Jesus
also being baptized [mikvah/immersed]and praying, the heaven
was opened, And the Holy Ghost [Ruach
HaKodesh]descended
in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from
heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well
pleased. And Jesus himself began to be about
thirty years of age…"
Spiritually
(sod/deeper meaning), by starting His public ministry at thirty
years of age, the G-d of Israel is communicating to us that the Jewish
Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus had a priestly ministry.
In the Torah, it tells us that a priest could not perform his duties in
the tabernacle until he was thirty years of age. In Numbers (Bamidbar)
4:1-3 it is written:
"
And
the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Take the sum of
the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their
families, by the house of their fathers, From
thirty years old
and upward even until fifty
years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the
tabernacle of the congregation."
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus is our great High
Priest (Cohen HaGadol). In Hebrew 3:1, 4:14-16 it is written:
"
Wherefore,
holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the
Apostle [shaliach]and
High Priest
[Cohen HaGadol]of
our profession, Christ Jesus … Seeing then that we have a great high
priest, that is passed into the heavens,
Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold fast to our profession. For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but
was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come
boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find
grace to help in time of need."
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus is our great High
Priest (Cohen HaGadol) after the order of Melchisedec. In Hebrews
7:15,17,21 it is written:
"
And
it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of
Melchisedec there ariseth another priest … For he testifieth, Thou
art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec
[Psalm 110:4] …
The Lord swore
and will not repent,
Thou
[Yeshua/Jesus]
art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec."
YESHUA/JESUS WAS A JEWISH RABBI
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was a rabbi. A
rabbi in Hebrew means "a teacher." In John (Yochanan)
1:38, Yeshua/Jesus is called rabbi as it is written:
"
Then
Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them,
What seek ye? They said unto him,
Rabbi,
(which is to say, being
interpreted, Master
[teacher]) where dwellest
thou?"
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus is also called
rabbi in John (Yochanan) 3:1-2 as it is written:
"
There
was a man of the Pharisees
[P’rushim],
named Nicodemus
[Nakdimon],
a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and
said unto him,
Rabbi,
we know that thou art a
teacher
come from God: for no man can
do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."
In Jewish
thought, another name for the Messiah (Mashiach) is the teacher
of righteousness. In Hosea (Hoshea) 6:3 it is written:
"
Then
shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord:
his going forth
is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us
as the rain,
as
the latter and former rain
unto the earth."
In Joel
(Yoel) 2:23 it is written:
"Be glad then, ye
children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath
given you the
former rain moderately,and he will cause to
come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in
the first month."
Hosea
(Hoshea) 6:3 is talking about the coming of the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach).
If we cross-reference Hosea (Hosea) 6:3 with Joel (Yoel)
2:23, we can see that the former rain is the Hebrew word moreh
which means "teacher" and the word moderately in Joel (Yoel)
2:23 is the Hebrew word tzedakah which means "righteousness."
Rabbi’s are teachers of the Torah. In Jewish thought, rain is a type of
the Torah. Therefore, the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
was a rabbi who was a teacher of righteousness (the Torah).
THE JEWISH RABBI YESHUA/JESUS HAD STUDENTS OF HIS TEACHINGS
In Jewish
thought, a rabbi (which means teacher) has students/disciples
(talmidim). A disciple is a student. The closest students of the
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus were called his
disciples (talmidim). Yeshua/Jesus had twelve disciples
(talmidim). These twelve disciples (talmidim) are listed in
Matthew (Mattityahu) 10:1-4 as it is written:
"
And
when he had called unto him his twelve disciples
[talmidim],
he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to
heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names
of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called
Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John
his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the
publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus whose surname was
Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also
betrayed him."
YESHUA/JESUS TAUGHT
AS A RABBI IN PARABLES
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus taught in parables.
Parables are a rabbinic style of teaching the Torah. In the first
century, most rabbi’s were aggadic rabbi’s. Aggadah is a
Jewish style of teaching the Torah using parables and illustrated
stories to communicate a spiritual message. Today in the house of
Judah (traditional Judaism) most rabbi’s are halachic
rabbi’s. Halacha is the way one walks or follows the commandments
of the G-d of Israel. Halachic rabbi’s give instruction on how to
follow the Torah of the G-d of Israel that has been handed down from
generation to generation. It was prophesied that the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)
would teach the Torah of the G-d of Israel in parables. In Psalm (Tehillim)
78:1-3 it is written:
"
Give
ear, O
my people, to my law
[Torah]: incline your ears
to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable:I will utter dark
sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have
told us."
In
Matthew (Mattityahu) 13:34-35 it is told to us that the Jewish
Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus spoke in parables as it is
written:
"
All
these things spake Jesus
unto the multitude
in parables;and without a parable
spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken
by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will
utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the
world."
YESHUA/JESUS TAUGHT
FROM THE JEWISH SCRIPTURES (TENAKH)
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus taught from the
Jewish scriptures. The Jewish Scriptures are known as the TeNaKh.
The Jewish Scriptures are divided into three sections. The first section
is known as the Torah. The next section is known as the prophets
(Nevi’im). The last section is known as the writings (Ketuvim).
The Psalms (Tehillim) are located in the section of the Jewish
Scriptures known as the writings (Ketuvim). TeNaKh is an
acronym in Hebrew consisting of the first letter of each of the three
sections of the Jewish scriptures.
It is
traditional Jewish thought that all scriptures in the TeNaKh (Old
Testament) are written about the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach). In
Psalm (Tehillim) 40:7-8 it is written:
"
Then
said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me
[the Jewish Messiah],
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law
[Torah]
is within my heart."
In Luke
24:44, the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus referred
to the order of the three sections of the Jewish scriptures (TeNaKh)
and proclaimed that the Jewish scriptures speak of Him as it is written:
"
And
he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while
I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were
written in the law
[Torah]of Moses
[first section of the Jewish scriptures],
and in the prophets
[the second section of the Jewish
scriptures]and in
the Psalms [the
third section of the Jewish scriptures]
concerning me
[Psalm 40:7-8]."
YESHUA/JESUS WAS A TORAH OBSERVANT JEW
Earlier
in the chapter, we saw that Yeshua/Jesus was a Jewish rabbi. He
had students/disciples (talmidim) which learned His teachings.
His teachings came from the Jewish scriptures (TeNaKh). As a
Jewish rabbi, Yeshua/Jesus taught the Torah of the G-d of Israel.
He taught the Torah as an Aggadic rabbi in parables. The Jewish
Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was a Torah observant Jew
and He taught His followers to be Torah observant. Sin is the
transgression of the Torah. In I John (Yochanan) 3:4 it is
written:
"
Whosoever
committeth sin transgresseth also the law
[Torah]:
for
sin is the transgression of the law
[Torah]."
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was SINLESS.
Therefore, He NEVER transgressed the Torah of the G-d of Israel. In I
Peter (Kefa) 2:21-22 it is written:
"
For
even hereunto were ye called: because Christ
[Mashiach]
also suffered for us, leaving an
example, that ye should follow his steps: Who
did no sin, neither was
guile found in his mouth."
The
prophet Isaiah (Yeshayahu) also tells that the Jewish Messiah
(Mashiach) would live a life without sin. In Isaiah (Yeshayahu)
53:1-6, 9-10 it is written:
"
Who
hath believed our report? And to whom is
the arm
[zeroa] of the Lord
revealed? …
He is despised and rejected of
men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it
were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did
esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was
wounded for our transgressions[sin
is the transgression of the Torah – I John 3:4],
he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was
upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have
gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord
hath laid on him the iniquity of us all … And he made his grave with
the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because
he had done no violence,
neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise
him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an
offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days,
and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand."
In II
Corinthians 5:19, 21 is it written:
"
To
wit, that God was in
Christ [Mashiach],
reconciling the world
unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath
committed unto us the word of reconciliation … for he hath made him
to be sin for us,
who knew no sin;
that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him."
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was sinless. Since
sin is the transgression of the Torah, the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus never transgressed the Torah. The Jewish Messiah
(Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was a Torah observant Jew. Like any
Torah observant Jewish rabbi, He taught His students (talmidim)
to be Torah observant. In fact, Yeshua/Jesus taught that those
who believed in Him as Messiah (Mashiach) and were Torah
observant would be blessed above those who believed in Him as Messiah
(Mashiach) and were not Torah observant. In Matthew (Mattityahu)
5:17-19, Yeshua/Jesus taught these words as it is written:
"
THINK
NOT that I am come to destroy the law [Torah],
or the prophets
[Nevi’im]:
I am not come to destroy
[to incorrectly interpret and teach the
Torah], but to
fulfill [to
correctly interpret and teach the Torah].
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot
[yud which is the smallest letter in the
Hebrew alphabet]or
one tittle [taggim
which is the decoration crowns which are put on various Hebrew
letters]shall in no
wise pass from the law
[Torah],
till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall
break
one of
these least commandments,
and shall teach men so, he shall be
called the least
in the kingdom of heaven
[malkut shamayim]:
but whosoever shall
do and teach them,
the same shall be
called great
in the kingdom of heaven
[malkut shamayim]."
In these
verses, the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus taught
that He did not come to destroy the Torah but to fulfill the Torah.
"Destroying the Torah" and "fulfilling the Torah" are Jewish
idioms. An idiom is a slang expression that is understood in the
culture of its day. "Destroying the Torah" is a Jewish idiom that
means to incorrectly interpret and teach the Torah. "Fulfilling the
Torah" is a Jewish idiom that means to correctly interpret and teach
the Torah. Therefore, we can understand from these things that the
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was a Torah
observant Jew and He taught His students (talmidim) to be Torah
observant.
THE TORAH IS TRUTH AND LIGHT
The Torah
of the G-d of Israel is called truth. In Psalm (Tehillim) 119:142
it is written:
"
Thy
righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy
law
[Torah] is the truth."
The Torah
is also called truth in Malachi 2:1, 6-7 as it is written:
"
And
now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you … The
law
[Torah] of truth
was in his mouth, and iniquity
was not found in his lips … for the priest’s lips should keep
knowledge, and they should seek the law
[Torah]
at his mouth: for he is the messenger
of the Lord of hosts."
In these
scriptures, we see that the G-d of Israel calls His Torah truth and it
is the priests who are commanded to teach the Torah of the G-d of Israel
to His people. The Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
is the great High Priest (Cohen HaGadol) of the G-d of Israel
(Hebrews 3:1, 4:14). Being a Torah observant Jew, a Jewish rabbi and the
great High Priest of the G-d of Israel, the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)
Yeshua/Jesus taught His students/disciples (talmidim) to walk
(halacha) in the truth which is the Torah (Psalm 119:142). In
John (Yochanan) 8:31-32, Yeshua/Jesus taught His
students/disciples (talmidim) these words as it is written:
"
Then
said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my
word [in Jewish
thought, Torah is synonymous with the Word of G-d],
then are ye my disciples
[talmidim]
indeed; And ye shall know the truth
[which is the Torah – Psalm 119:142],
and the truth
[Torah]
shall make you free."
In John
(Yochanan) 17:17, the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
prayed that his students/disciples (talmidim) would be sanctified
(which means to be holy and set apart) by following the truth (which is
the Torah – Psalm 119:142) as it is written:
"
Sanctify
[be holy and set apart]
them through thy truth: thy word
[Torah]
is truth
[Psalm 119:142]."
The Holy
Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) came to dwell inside the hearts of both
Jewish (house of Judah) and non-Jewish (house of Israel)
believers in Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah (Mashiach) and to
write the Torah of the G-d of Israel upon the hearts of His people. In
Hebrews 10:15-16 it is written:
"
Whereof
the
Holy Ghost [Ruach HaKodesh]
also is a
witness to us: for
after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make
with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will putmy laws
[Torah]into their
hearts, and in their
minds
will I write them."
The Holy
Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) is called the Spirit of truth (which is
the Torah – Psalm 119:142). It is His responsibility to guide the
followers of Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah (Mashiach) in
following the Torah of the G-d of Israel and to testify that Yeshua/Jesus
in the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach). In John (Yochanan)
15:26, 16:13, it is written:
"
But
when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the
Father, even the
Spirit of truth,
which proceedeth from the Father, he
shall testify of me
... Howbeit when he, the
Spirit of Truth,
is come, he will
guide you into all truth:
for he shall not speak of
himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he
will show you things to come."
The Torah
is also called a lamp and a light. In Proverbs (Mishlei) 6:23 it
is written:
"
For
the commandment is a lamp; and the
law [Torah]
is light;
and reproofs of instruction
are the way of life."
In Psalm
(Tehillim) 119:97, 105, David writes that he loves the Torah
because it is a light to him as it is written:
"
O
how love I thy
law [Torah]!It is my meditation all
the day … thy word is a
lamp
unto my feet, and a
light
unto my path."
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus taught that those
who keep the Torah of the G-d of Israel (which is light) become a light
to the world. In Matthew (Mattityahu) 5:14-16 it is written:
"
Ye
are the
light of the world.
A city that is set on a hill
cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a
bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are
in the house.
Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The
followers of the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
are called to be children of light (which is the Torah). In Ephesians
5:8 it is written:
"
For
ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:
walk
[halacha]as children
of light."
YESHUA/JESUS TAUGHT THE SHEMA
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus taught his
students/disciples (talmidim) that the greatest commandment in
the Torah is the SHEMA. The Hebrew word SHEMA is the Strong’s word 8085
in the Hebrew concordance and means "to hear, do and obey." It is
the first word in Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6:4. In Deuteronomy (Devarim)
6:4-5 it is written:
"
Hear,
O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord
thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all
thy might."
The G-d
of Israel also commanded His people in the Torah to love your neighbor
as yourself. In Leviticus (Vayikra) 19:18 it is written:
"
Thou
shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy
people, but thou
shalt love thy neighbor as thyself:I am the Lord."
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus taught that the
SHEMA is the greatest commandment in the Torah and loving your neighbor
as yourself is the second greatest commandment in the Torah. In Mark
12:28-31 it is written:
"
And
one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together,
and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is
the first [greatest]commandment
[in the Torah]
of all? And Jesus answered him, The
first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God
is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all
thy strength:
[Deuteronomy 6:4-5]
this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this,
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself
[Leviticus 19:18].
There is none other commandment
greater than these."
YESHUA/JESUS WORSHIPPED
IN THE SYNAGOGUE ON THE SABBATH
Being a
Torah observant Jew, the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
worshipped in a Jewish synagogue every Sabbath. In Luke 4:14-16
it is written:
"
And
Jesus
returned in the power of the
Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all
the region round about. And he
taught
in their
synagogues,
being glorified of all. And he
came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom
was, he went into the synagogue on the
sabbath
day, and stood up for to read."
It is a
Jewish custom to call a reader to read the parasha (weekly
reading) every Sabbath from a raised podium (bema). When
he comes, the reader is regarded as making an aliyah (which means
to go up or to ascend). It is a tremendous blessing for the reader to be
able to read the Jewish Scriptures of the G-d of Israel. In Luke 4:17,
the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus followed this
Jewish custom. In Luke 4:17 it is written:
"
And
there was delivered unto him
[he made an aliyah]
the book of the prophet Isaiah…"
Because
the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was a Torah
observant Jew, He worshipped weekly in the Jewish synagogue on the
Sabbath.
YESHUA/JESUS KEPT THE BIBLICAL FESTIVALS
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus and His parents
kept the Biblical Festivals found in Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. In
Luke 2:41-42, Yeshua/Jesus and His parents kept the Biblical
festival of Passover (Pesach) as it is written:
"
Now
his parents went to
Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
And when he was twelve years
old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast."
In fact,
the last meal that the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
had was a Passover (Pesach) Seder meal. In Luke 22:14-15 it is
written:
"
And
when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with
him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to
eat this passover
with you before I suffer
[be crucified on the tree]."
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus kept Sukkot
(the Feast of Tabernacles). The last day of Sukkot is a special
day known as Hoshana Rabbah which means "the great salvation."
In the first century, a special ceremony took place in the Temple (Beit
HaMikdash) on Hoshana Rabbah where there was a circling of
the altar seven times. While circling the altar seven times, special
hoshanah prayers were recited. These prayers include the words,
"Save us now; we implore you!"
Water is
a very important aspect of the celebration of Sukkot (Feast of
Tabernacles). During the first century, there was a very important water
pouring ceremony that took place every day during the seven days of
Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) except the first day. This ceremony
was known as the Simchat Beit HaShoevah (the rejoicing at the
house of the water-drawing) (Talmud, Sukkot 5). It was with this setting
that the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was
attending Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) on the last day known as
Hoshana Rabbah. In John (Yochanan) 7:2, 37-38 it is
written:
"
Now
the Jews’
feast of tabernacles
was at
hand …In
the last day, that great day of the feast[Hoshana Rabbah],
Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any
man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on
me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers
of living water."
The Feast
of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is known as the "season of our joy"
by the house of Judah (Judaism). During the celebration of
Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), Isaiah (Yeshayahu) 12:3
is often quoted as it is written:
"
Therefore
with joy
shall ye
draw water
out of the
wells of salvation."
Yeshua/Jesus
in Hebrew means "salvation." He is the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)
and the salvation (Yeshua) of both the house of Judah
(Judaism) and the house of Israel (Christianity).
For a
more detailed study of Messiah and the Biblical Festivals, I would
encourage you to read my book, "The Seven Festivals of the Messiah."
In this book, I teach how the G-d of Israel gave the Biblical Festivals
in Leviticus (Vayikra) 23 to teach about the first and second
coming of the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus and
our personal relationship with the G-d of Israel.
YESHUA/JESUS LIVED AS A JEW
In this
section of this chapter of the book, we showed that the Jewish Messiah
(Mashiach) Yeshua/Jesus lived as a Jew. He was a Jewish rabbi. He
taught His followers to be Torah observant. The followers of His
teachings were known as students/disciples (talmidim). The Jewish
Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus taught His followers in
parables as an aggadic rabbi. He taught that the greatest
commandment in the Torah is the SHEMA (Deuteronomy [Devarim]
6:4-5).
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was a Torah
observant Jew. He worshipped in the Jewish synagogue on the Sabbath. He
kept the Biblical Festivals found in Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. In
His adult life, ministry and teachings, Yeshua/Jesus lived a
Jewish lifestyle as a Torah observant Jew.
In the
final sections of this chapter, we will show how the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus died a Jew and will return to rule and reign in the
Messianic Age (Athid Lavo) teaching the Torah of the G-d of
Israel to all nations during that time.
YESHUA/JESUS DIED A JEW
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus died a Jew. He had
a Jewish burial. In John (Yochanan) 19:40, it is written:
"
Then
took they the
body of Jesus,
and wound it in linen clothes
with the spices,
as the manner of the Jews is to bury."
BELIEF IN THE RESURRECTION
OF THE DEAD IS JEWISH
In
traditional Judaism, there are thirteen articles to Jewish faith. One of
these articles is a belief in the resurrection of the dead. The Apostle
Paul (Rav Sha’ul) was a Jew and an Israelite from the tribe of
Benjamin (Philippians 3:5). He took a Nazarite vow (Numbers 6:1-21) in
Acts 21:20-26 as a witness and to testify that he taught Jewish
believers (house of Judah) in Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah (Mashiach)
to be Torah observant. In I Corinthians 15:1, 3-4, 14, 20, 23 the
Apostle Paul (Rav Sha’ul) writes:
"
Moreover,
brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you,
which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand … For I delivered
unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ
died for our sins according to the
[Jewish]
Scriptures; And that he was buried
[as a Jew],
and that he rose again the third day according to the
[Jewish]
Scriptures … And if Christ be not
risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain … But
now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of
them that slept … But every man in his own order: Christ the
firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming."
The
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus was resurrected
from the dead in accordance with the traditional Jewish belief in the
resurrection of the dead.
YESHUA WILL RETURN AT HIS SECOND COMING
ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES
It is
Jewish tradition that the Mount of Olives is called the "mountain of
the Messiah." When the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
ascended into heaven following His resurrection from the dead, He did so
from the Mount of Olives. In Acts 1:9-12 it is written:
"
And
when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up;
and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked
steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by
them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand
ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from
you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go
into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called
Olivet [Olives]…"
When the
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus returns to the
earth at His second coming as the Kingly Messiah (Messiah ben David),
He will do so by setting His feet on the mount of Olives. In Zechariah
14:3-4, it is written:
"
Then
shall
the Lord
go forth, and fight against those
nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And
his feet shall stand in
that day upon the mount of Olives,
which is before Jerusalem on the east
…"
YESHUA WILL TEACH THE TORAH TO THE NATIONS DURING THE
MESSIANIC AGE
After the
Jewish Messiah (Mashiach) Yeshua/Jesus returns to the earth at
His second coming as the Kingly Messiah (Messiah ben David)
following setting His feet upon the mount of Olives (Acts 1:9-12,
Zechariah 14:3-4), He will rule and reign over all nations teaching them
the Torah during the Messianic age (Athid Lavo) from the city of
Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). In Isaiah (Yeshayahu) 2:2-3, it
is written:
"
And
it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the
Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and
shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto
it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to
the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he
will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of
Zion shall go forth the law
[Torah],
and the word of the Lord from
Jerusalem."
When the
Torah is taught to all the nations during the Messianic Age (Athid
Lavo) then the great commission of the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus will be fulfilled. The great commission of Yeshua/Jesus
is a commandment for His followers to make students/disciples (talmidim)
of all nations teaching them to observe all things (the Torah) that He
commanded them. In Matthew (Mattityahu) 28:18-20, it is written:
"
And
Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations
[the Torah],
baptizing
[mikvah/immersion]
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost [Ruach
HaKodesh]: Teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you[the Torah]:
and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
During
the Messianic age (Athid Lavo), there will be a Temple (Beit
HaMikdash) in Jerusalem (Yerushalayim). We are told this in
Ezekiel (Yechezekel) chapters 40-48. In these chapters, it also
tells us that during the Messianic Age (Athid Lavo), all the
nations will be keeping the Sabbath, the biblical festivals and the new
moon. In Ezekiel (Yechezekel) 41:1, 42:1, 43:5, 44:1, 46:1, 3,
the Sabbath and new moon will be observed as it is written:
"
Afterward
he brought me to the
temple …
Then he brought me forth into
the
utter court …
So the spirit took me up, and brought
me into the
inner court;
and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house …Then he brought
me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh
toward the east; and it was shut … Thus saith the Lord God; The gate
of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the
six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the
day of the new moon it shall be opened
….
Likewise the people of the land shall
worship
at the door of this gate before the
Lord in
the sabbaths
and in the
new moons."
The
worship of the G-d of Israel on the Sabbath and new moon will also be
done during the times of the new heavens and the new earth. In Isaiah
(Yeshayahu) 66:22-23 it is written:
"
For
as the
new heavens and the new earth,
which I will make, shall
remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name
remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one
new moon
to another, and from one
sabbath
to another, shall
all flesh
come to
worship
before me, saith the Lord."
During
the Messianic Age (Athid Lavo), the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus will instruct all nations to keep the biblical
festivals. In Ezekiel (Yechezekel) 45:21, Passover (Pesach)
and Unleavened Bread (Hag HaMatzah) will be observed as it is
written:
"
In
the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall have
the passover,
a feast of seven days;
unleavened bread
shall be eaten."
In
addition, during the Messianic Age (Athid Lavo), the G-d of
Israel will require all nations to keep the feast of tabernacles (Sukkot).
In Zechariah 14:16-17 it is written:
"
And
it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of
all the nations
which came against Jerusalem shall even go up fromyear to year to worship
the King, the Lord of
hosts, and to
keep the feast of tabernacles.
And it shall be, that whoso
will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to
worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain."
Therefore,
from these scriptures, we can understand that the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus will be teaching the nations to follow the Torah
during the Messianic Age.
YESHUA/JESUS IS OUR JEWISH MESSIAH
In this
chapter, we learned that the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach)Yeshua/Jesus
is the Messiah (Mashiach) of both houses of Israel (Judaism and
Christianity). Yeshua/Jesus was born a Jew. He was raised by
Jewish parents in a Jewish home. He lived a Torah observant Jewish
lifestyle. He was a Jewish rabbi and He taught His students/disciples
(talmidim) to live a Torah observant lifestyle. Yeshua/Jesus
died a Jew. When He returns at His second coming to be the Kingly
Messiah known as Messiah ben David, He will teach the Torah to
the nations from the city of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim).
In order
to be fully restored to the G-d of Israel, the house of Judah
(Judaism) and the house of Israel (Christianity) need to
recognize that Yeshua/Jesus is our JEWISH Messiah (Mashiach)
and need to identify with His Jewishness. The house of Judah
(Judaism) needs to accept that Yeshua/Jesus is the promised
Messiah (Mashiach) as foretold in the Jewish scriptures. The
house of Israel (Christianity) needs to more fully identify with the
Jewishness of Yeshua/Jesus and embrace the Jewish roots of faith
in Messiah. When these things are done, the G-d of Israel will bring
full restoration to both houses of Israel. May it be done speedily in
our days. Amen.
This teaching
will help you to identify with the Hebraic Life, Ministry and Teachings
of Yeshua the Messiah. Yeshua was born a Jew. He lived a Jew. He died a
Jew. He celebrated the weekly Sabbath and annual Festivals. He taught
the Torah in parables and the Torah to all nations from Jerusalem during
the Messianic Era.
Yeshua/Jesus
was/is a Jew. He was born a Jew, He lived as a Jew and He died a Jew.
While most members from the house of Israel (Christianity)
recognize that Yeshua/Jesus was Jewish, they do not worship the
G-d of Israel by identifying with the Jewishness of the Messiah. The
roots of faith (emunah) in Yeshua/Jesus as the Jewish
Messiah is biblical Judaism. In fact, the early believers in Yeshua/Jesus
as Messiah (Mashiach) were considered a sect of Judaism (house
of Judah) (Acts 28:22). On the other hand, many members from the
house of Judah (Judaism) do not recognize Yeshua/Jesus as
being a Jew. For those Jews (house of Judah) who do recognize
that Yeshua/Jesus was Jewish, they do not realize that Yeshua/Jesus
was a Torah observant Jew. Therefore, both houses of Israel need to
identify in a greater measure with the Jewishness of the Jewish Messiah
(Mashiach) Yeshua/Jesus. 