Lesson One (Chapter 11)
Preparing the Way
Eliyahu ha-Navi
Eliyahu ha-Navi, Eliyahu ha-Tishbi,
Elijah the Prophet, Elijah the Tishbite,
Eliyahu ha-Giladi
Elijah the Giliadite
Bimheira v’ yameinu yavo eileinu
Speedily may he come to us
Im Mashiach ben David
with Messiah son of David
-- Sung at the end of each Shabbat, and at the end of each Passover Seder--
“I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah, and though He tarry, I will wait daily for His coming.”
-- From the Yigdal - Principle Twelve: by Maimonides --
Introduction
- Seeing a “historical Yeshua” is of no value if there is no relationship. We need to continue to strive to “know” Him. Not in an, “informational” way – but in a Hebraic, relational way. “Informational” thinking might want to know ABOUT Yeshua. The Hebraic way is to WALK with Yeshua. To walk as He walked, to talk as He talked. Walking with Yeshua is not about doctrinal statements, or what you SAY you “believe”. It should be how you LIVE.
- Chapter Eleven reintroduces John the Immerser to us again. We see the forerunner preparing “the Way”. What is “the Way”?
The Forerunner: Yochanan, Eliyahu
- Matt 11:1-3: Yochanan haMatvil [John the Immerser], in prison, heard of the works and asks again. He does not doubt that Yeshua is Messiah – He wants to know what the delay is about, and what will happen to him (John).
- 11:4-6: Yeshua does not hold back – He answers John’s question with further proof of His Messiahship, from Isaiah 35 and 61 – and in so doing, reassures John that his mission was fulfilled. He uses remez.
- Is 35:3-8: Say to those fearful hearted (John):
- Chazak, Al-tira: Be strong, Fear not.
- Your G-d will come with vengeance.
- He will come and save you.
- Messiahship: Eyes of the blind opened; ears of the deaf unstopped; lame leap like a dear
- Is 61:1-2: Preach the “Gospel” to the poor. What Gospel?
- Anointed to:
- Preach good news
- Heal brokenhearted
- Proclaim liberty to captives
- Open prison to those bound
- Proclaim acceptable year of HaShem
- Proclaim day of vengeance
- To comfort those who mourn
- Is 40:3: Prepare the way…
- Matt 11:7-17: Not a reed – an oak that breaks off in the wind. No compromise. All Torah and the Prophets pointed (telos) to John’s purpose: preparing the way for Messiah.
- Mal 3:1-7: “My Messenger” – Messenger of the Covenant.
- Prepares the way.
- Precedes judgment – for “Torah-lessness”.
- Return to me (shuvi = “Repent…”).
- Mal 4:4-6: Eliyahu haNavi – Elijah the Prophet
- Remember Torah
- Elijah to be sent before the Day of HaShem.
- He will turn (shuv = repent) their hearts.
- John was one like Elijah. We will see Elijah again…
- Matt 11:20-24: He witnessed, and His talmidim witnessed that those cities did not repent…
The Yoke, Ancient Paths, the Way
- Matt 11:29-30: Messiah’s yoke – paired with Him, He shows us His way of living – fulfilling our purpose. It leads to rest for our souls.
- Jer 6:16: Walk in the Ancient Paths, and find rest for your souls.
- Gen 18:18-19; Gen 26:4-5: Abraham kept the Ancient Path. He believed and obeyed. What commandments, statutes etc. did Abraham keep?
- Heb 4:1-11: Gospel was preached to those who died in the wilderness. It was not mixed with faith – i.e. they were disobedient.
- Acts 9:2: What is in a name? The first believers were known by the path of faith and obedience – they were called “the Way”.
Summary
- Are you walking the Ancient Paths? Are you placing your feet in the footprints of your Master? Have you taken His yoke, in order to learn from Him? If so, you can know that your footsteps are sure – and you will find rest for your soul.
- Are you preparing the way for the return of King Messiah? Are you a living message like John and Elijah – does your life shout out, “Repent, the King is Coming?