Jesus, Jewish Theologian

Lesson Four

Jewish Theology in Mark

“I will declare the decree: the L-rd has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.”    Psalm 2:7

“Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.”    Isaiah 42:1

“Hear, O Israel: The L-rd our G-d, the L-rd is one! You shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. Deuteronomy 6:4-6

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.

• Jesus used the rich theological understanding of the people. He uses remez (word hinting), qal wahomer (light to heavy), agada (story-telling), and references to Torah and Oral Torah.

Our Rabbi in Mark

• Mark (written by Yochanan, aka John Mark) appear to be written with the Jewish liturgical calendar for festival readings in mind.

• Yeshua is represented in Mark’s Gospel as Rabbi (Teacher) more often than any other book in the Newer Testament. The Greek verb used most often denotes continuous action. Whether it is with the crowds or His talmudim (disciples), He is always teaching. This is commonly seen in the “traveling rabbi” of the 2^nd Temple period.

Moses and Elijah

• In midrash, Moses and Elijah are prophets of Salvation.  They are 2 who come out of the tribe of Levi – Moses first, and Elijah last.

• Mark 9:1-10: Appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus on the mountain. This has profound influence in Jewish reasoning.

• Mark 9:7: G-d uses remez to remind and encapsulate other passages (“stringing pearls”). “My Son” (Ps 2:7); which leads to “Chosen” (Is 42:1); and “listen” brings in the entire focus to the Sh’ma (Deut 6). Note: The authority now lies with the Tribe of Judah – specifically the House of David!

• The “Transfiguration” takes place just before Jesus foretells of His death. It foreshadows the tragic and triumphant picture of G-d suffering for His people. Jewish Scholar Saul Lieberman said that G-d is the most tragic of all figures in Scripture – because He shares in the suffering of His people…

Elisha Pattern in Mark

• elisha = “G-d is salvation”; yeshua = “Salvation”

• Mark 1:2-8; Malachi 3:1; 4:4: The coming of Elijah will herald the Day of the L-rd. Yochanan (aka John “the Baptizer”) is clothed as Elijah was clothed (word for word identical).

• Mark 1:9-11; 2 Kings 2: John commissions Jesus at the River Jordan. Elijah commissions Elisha at the River Jordan.

• Kings 2: Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.

• Elisha began his ministry after Elijah was gone. Jesus begins His ministry following John “the Baptizer.”

• Mark 1-7: The people respond to Jesus miracles with amazement. 16 miracles (reflect upon Moses time, Elijah/Elisha). Elisha performed more miracles than any other before Jesus.

• Mark 7:37: “…He has done all things well…” 2 Kings 8:4: “…the great things Elisha has done…”  In Mark 7:37, Jesus has just finished His 16^th miracle before the people. Elisha performed 16 miracles. (Elijah had done 8 – thus Elisha had a double-portion). In the rest of Mark – 8 more miracles. Total: 24

• Elisha’s miracles: fed 100 people using 20 loaves. Jesus fed 5,000 with 12 loaves with leftovers. Elisha raised the Shunammite’s son from the dead. Jesus raises the girl with a hand and a command.

• 2 Kings 2: Elisha swears 3 times to Elijah, “I will not leave you”. Simon Peter repeats Elisha’s words – but reverses his behavior.

• Elisha is greater than Elijah. Jesus is greater than Elijah (and Elisha)

The Son of the Vineyard and the Sh’ma

• Mark 12:1-12; Luke 10:18: Jesus speaks a parable that names Himself the only Son… and the Temple leadership (Sadducee) as the vinedresser tenants… and Himself as the Stone = the Son of David.

• Ps 118: Jewish tradition is that David is the rejected stone – the unlikely son becomes king.

• The Son is killed – but as the Stone, He remains victorious.

• Mark 12:28-34: The greatest commandment comes from the Sh’ma. Jesus teaches another rabbi. This is Jewish Theology at its core. This is Jesus’ theology.

Summary

• Only parts of the Sh’ma may be recited while traveling. The “unity” must be recited while standing still, directing your “whole heart to G-d, with awe, fear, trembling, and quaking.” The rabbis taught, “the recitation of the Sh’ma must be accompanied by the intention of the heart (kavanah).” Kavanah (direction) denotes concentration and heartfelt sincerity. G-d is calling all His people to worship Him with the dedication and focus of the Sh’ma. To live what they say…