Jesus, Jewish Theologian

Lesson Three

Jewish Theology in Matthew

  “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”  Matthew 24:30

   “And as I was watching in the night visions and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom…” Daniel 7:13-14

Introduction

• We have been looking at the historical, religious atmosphere in the First Century, to better understand how Yeshua (Jesus) introduces truly biblical theology.

• We have seen how the understanding of Scripture, and midrashic principles shaped the understanding of the hearers of Jesus’ teachings.

• In the First Century, virtually all Jewish children were taught to memorize the TNK (Tenach = Hebrew Scriptures)

• Jesus taught theology to a highly educated audience. He revealed Jewish theology as it was given by G-d. He revealed Himself as G-d.

Four Gospels: Good News From a Jewish Perspective

• Although the Gospels were written in koine Greek, they have clear Jewish roots. Matthew, Mark, and John were penned under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) , by Jewish men, and their Jewishness is evident. Luke too may have been Jewish.

• Matthew (written by Matityahu or Levi) and Mark (written by Yochanan, aka John Mark) appear to be written with the Jewish liturgical calendar for festival readings in mind. 2^nd Century church fathers said that Matthew (Levi) wrote in Hebrew and translated in Greek.

• Luke appears to be written to follow the liturgical Shabbat readings. Often uses phrases such as “and he lifted up his eyes and saw” – which is a Hebrew way of speaking. Also it begins so many sentences with, “And he” which is the Hebrew way of beginning sentences.

• John (written by Yochanan) appears to act as a supplemental reading to the normal Jewish synagogue readings with a emphasis on the festivals. This gave Messianic synagogues a way to include Newer Testament (Brit Chadashah) readings with the normal Shabbat readings. It is the most Jewish of the Gospels.

• The lectionary (liturgical) background of the Gospels follows the 3 year cycle as did the Jewish synagogues in the 2^nd Temple Period (today they use a 1 year cycle).

• 2 Jewish historical figures are central to the Gospels: Moses and Elijah. The saga of Moses begins in Egypt, and ends at the Jordan River. Jesus’ story begins in Egypt and ministry begins at the Jordan River. Elijah is seen in the Older Testament as a Messianic announcer. John (Yochanan) “the Baptizer” – appears “Elijah-like” and announces the coming of Messiah (Yeshua). Those 2 periods (Moses/Elijah-Elisha) are the 2 times in Israel’s history that had a large concentration of miracles.

Gospel of Matthew

• Matityahu or Levi was his name (Mark 2:14): written in Greek, but likely from his tachygraphic Hebrew/Aramaic notes.

Daniel Pattern in Matthew

• Matthew 24:15; 26:64: “Abomination of Desolation”, and “Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven.” Jesus uses remez to bring Daniel 6-9 into focus. These phrases draw attention to a historical pattern.

• Daniel 6:3-5 (sought a charge); 6:5 (innocent); 6:10 (prays 3 times - Matt 26:36-44); 6:16 (May G-d rescue you); 6:17 (a stone rolled, and sealed); 6:19 (came early morning – Matt 28:1); 6:23 (no wounds); (trusted in G-d – Matt 27:43); 6:24 (children suffer - Matt 27:25); 6:25-26 (King praises G-d – Matt 27:54); 6:27 (signs and wonders – Matt 27:51-53)

• Psalm 22:13, 21 (rescue from the mouth of lions) – Jesus quotes Psalm 22 in Matt 27:46. To reference Scripture, they used the opening line. Jesus is using remez to point to Psalm 23 and then to Daniel 6 through 9.

• Daniel pattern in Matthew - an innocent suffered who becomes ruler.

Moses Pattern in Matthew

• Rabbinical writings and Josephus record that Pharaoh's killing of Israelite children was prompted by a prophecy from Egyptian scribes of the birth of Israel’s liberator. Herod also plays off of the prophecy of the birth of the King of Israel – and Messiah (Matt 2).

• The same writings record that Moses father was prompted to rescue his son by a dream – like Joseph was warned to protect Jesus (Matt 2:13).

• Matt 2:19-20; Ex 4:18-20: Those seeking his/your life are dead. Note: Herod is not a “those” – a pointer to Exodus!

• Moses was 40 years in the desert before his ministry. Jesus was 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His ministry (Matt 4).

• After Moses time of testing, he calls the 12 tribes of Israel to follow his leadership. After Jesus’ 40 days of testing, He calls the 12 disciples and then all Israel to follow Him (Matt 4).

• Moses performs miracles and the people believed him and worshipped G-d. Jesus performs miracles to lead to G-d (Matt 4:23).

• Early Messianic believers connected the “Sermon on the Mount” in Matt 5-7 with the giving of Torah at Sinai and read it a Shavuot (Pentecost – the celebration of giving of Torah). Jesus gives the explanation of Torah. He says, “I say to you…” G-d is speaking! Matt 7:28-29: He teaches with AUTHORITY!

• Matthew has 5 blocks of teaching, thus connecting to Torah.

• Matt 8-9: 10 Miracles

• Matt 11:12: The Kingdom breaks forth – points to Micah 2:13. Jesus is pointing to John “the Baptizer” as the one who opens the breach and the Kingdom of G-d EXPLODES out. 2 people set captives free: the King and the breaker. Jews believed that Micah 2:13 speaks of Elijah opening the breach – followed by those who broke through – lead by their king, the Messiah.

• Matt 12:1-8: Oral tradition was that the ”bread of the presence” was baked on the Sabbath. David’s men would perish if not fed. Oral Torah said that Torah observance did not have precedence over saving life. Jesus is also mentions that the the priests “labor” on the Sabbath. When Jesus later says the the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, Hillel said the same thing.

• Matt 19: A dispute between followers of Rabbi Hillel and Rabbi Shammia – Jesus does not take sides, but clearly “out midrashes” the rabbis by explaining what G-d MEANT in Torah about marriage.

Summary

• The Gospel of Matthew introduce Israel to her Messiah and King. G-d uses the language, the imagery, and patterns of the Older Testament to introduce us to the Savior of the world – Jesus (Yeshua) the Messiah of the world – and by the way… He is Jewish.