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Yeshua: The Hebrew Word for Jesus |
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Restoring the Two Houses of IsraelYESHUA, OUR JEWISH MESSIAH 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. 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 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: " The G-d of Israel’s promise to David is repeated in Psalm (Tehillim) 89:20, 34-37 as it is written: " The Jewish Messiah (Mashiach) Yeshua/Jesus was born of the seed of David according to the flesh. In Romans 1:3, it is written: " In Hebrew 7:14 it is written: " In Revelation 5:5, it is written: " 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: "
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: "
THE IMPORTANCE OF A NAME 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 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: "
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: " 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: "
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: "
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: "
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: "
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: "…
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: " 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: " 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: "
YESHUA/ JESUS WAS 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: " 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: "
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: " The prophecy that the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach) would be born in Bethlehem of Judah is in Micah 5:2 as it is written: " 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 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: " 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: " 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 The earthly father of the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach) Yeshua/Jesus was Joseph (Yosef). In Matthew (Mattityahu) 1:16, it is written: " 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: " 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: "
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: "
OUR JEWISH MESSIAH: 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: "
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: " 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: " 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: " 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: " 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: " 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: "
THE SPIRITUAL FAMILY OF G-D 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: " 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: "
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: " 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: " The Jewish Messiah (Mashiach) Yeshua/Jesus is our great High Priest (Cohen HaGadol). In Hebrew 3:1, 4:14-16 it is written: " 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: "
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: " The Jewish Messiah (Mashiach) Yeshua/Jesus is also called rabbi in John (Yochanan) 3:1-2 as it is written: " In Jewish thought, another name for the Messiah (Mashiach) is the teacher of righteousness. In Hosea (Hoshea) 6:3 it is written: " 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 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: "
YESHUA/JESUS TAUGHT 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: " 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: "
YESHUA/JESUS TAUGHT 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: " 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: "
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: " 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: " 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: " In II Corinthians 5:19, 21 is it written: " 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: " 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: " The Torah is also called truth in Malachi 2:1, 6-7 as it is written: " 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: " 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: " 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: " 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: " The Torah is also called a lamp and a light. In Proverbs (Mishlei) 6:23 it is written: " In Psalm (Tehillim) 119:97, 105, David writes that he loves the Torah because it is a light to him as it is written: " 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: " 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: "
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: " 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: " 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: "
YESHUA/JESUS WORSHIPPED 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: " 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: " 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: " 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: " 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: " 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: " 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: "
BELIEF IN THE RESURRECTION 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: " 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: " 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: "
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: " 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: " 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: " 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: " 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 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: " 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.
Continue to Chapter 7
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The Hebraic Life and Ministry of the Messiah
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. |
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