Comments on: “Re-Judaizing Jesus”

By: Aaron L

Aaron L — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 18:08:32 +0000

That’s an interesting point Rivkah. So by your reasoning, as long as we look at things with “Yeshua-loving” eyes, then we can see the deeper meaning of His teachings. So then the “Anglo-Saxon” way of seeing Jesus in Easter and Christmas is justified - by your reasoning. Please understand that I am not trying to patronize you, but I thought the only way to see Yeshua in full and correct context is through the filter of the Torah. Remember the words of Isaiah when he said (also quoted by Yeshua) “Then the Lord said, ‘Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned {by rote,}’” (Isa 29:13, NASB).

You see the difference here. I would agree with your point if Yeshua taught as those of Talmud/Rabbinic sources taught, but he did not. Yeshua quoted and taught from the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings; the Rabbis only quote and teach from themselves and others like them. Remember when the crowds gathered and were amazed at Yeshua’s teachings because HE DID NOT TEACH AS THE PHARISEES TAUGHT, HE TAUGHT AS HAVING AUTHORITY (Mat 7:29, Mar 1:22) Yeshua taught with the authority of Elohim, the Rabbis only taught with the authority of those that preceded them.

It is my utmost belief that the only contextual way to understand Yeshua’s teachings; in fact any teachings found in the Brit Chadasha, is through the lens of the written Torah of Elohim (and of course by the leading of the Ruach, which should go without saying). Shalom, sister in Yeshua, and may the Shalom and truth of our master Yeshua and the Elohim of Israel guide you in all ways.

Aaron

By: Kevin Geoffrey

Kevin Geoffrey — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:19:01 +0000

Sounds good, Rivkah. I look forward to the excerpts from Jewish literature you’ll be posting here to support your position.

By: Rivkah

Rivkah — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:10:16 +0000

I beg to differ with you, Kevin. Although over-focusing on the Talmud/Rabbinic sources can cause some to focus less on the actual Word, re-reading these sources CAN help us better understand the life and ministry of our Messiah. As we read the Rabbinical literature with Yeshua-loving eyes, we are able to see him in his proper context and it opens up our eyes to the deeper meanings of his teachings. It’s time we saw him for who he really is and was, and not in the Anglo-Saxon context we have been taught for centuries. Thank you for your blog, and I pray for more healthy discussions such as this.

By: Aaron L

Aaron L — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:49:17 +0000

Amen Kevin!!

I give you credit because so many in the “messy-anic” movement would call such a comment as “anti-semitic”. I would say anti-semitic against who? Why is the “true Judaism” always referred to how one follows the Talmud and the rabbis, instead of of how one follows the true God and His Messiah Yeshua?

I applaud you Kevin, as you continue to inspire believers to realize that they do not need man’s “interpretations” to live a life dedicated to The Almighty. By allowing the Ruach to guide you and Yeshua as the example for you to live a life pleasing to the Father, is the personal relationship that He desires from all those who He calls His own.

May He bless you and keep you, and may He bring blessings to you and your family and on all of the work of your hands.

Aaron L.

By: Bryan Z

Bryan Z — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 09:22:41 +0000

For the most part I agree with your points. When my Messianic Rabbi mentioned the piece in Time, it sounded very exciting, and in some ways it is, for when the church discovers more of the Jewishness of Yeshua, it will help to bridge gaps and begin a very exciting time, and it seems like maybe that time is soon coming. However the text of the article was much less exciting than the title. I found nothing interesting in the use of traditional Jewish text, nor in the inclusion of someone in the forefront of Emergent/Emerging theology. To include Jewish writings and water down the Good News, does little for me, and little for God, but how often does Time magazine do anything to glorify God?

So, for me, I am glad that the idea is spreading and Gentile believers are starting to see the roots of their own faith. Ultimately the Scripturally Jewish Jesus is not Jewish because of the rabbinic traditions of His day, but because of being Torah true. He was Jewish not for doing Jewish things, but for doing Biblical things, the commandments of God. Recognizing that is a positive thing as we have a consistent Messiah and a consistent Father in Heaven, the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). B”H

Bryan Z.