Lesson Five (Chapter 15)
He Walks on Water
“Therefore HaShem said: ‘Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men…’”
Isaiah 29:13
“So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.”
Ezekiel 33:31
“Hear, O Israel: HaShem our G-d, HaShem is one! You shall love HaShem your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Introduction
- In lesson four we saw several significant things which carry over into this week’s lesson. We saw the feeding of the 5,000 and some significant numbers being used. The motif of bread is repeated in chapter 15, and reminds us of Yeshua's statements about bread in Matthew 4 and John 6. Is there some significance to these accounts other than the miracles?
- We also saw that when Yeshua walked on water, the talmidim [disciples] began to understand more fully Who He was – that He was not merely “a messiah”, or “a prophet” – not merely “the Messiah” or “the Prophet” – but that He was King Messiah, the Prophet – and “Son of G-d”.
- Chapter 15 has great implications about what was coming – born out in Acts 2, and Acts 10: a return to G-d and His Written Word… and the revelation that Gentiles too can be in the Community of G-d.
The Commandment of Men
- Matt 15:1-20: Yeshua does not challenge the Pharisees’ tradition of washing hands (nothing wrong with that – but not a Biblical command) – what He challenges them on was their taking commandments of G-d, and adding to them. “Korban” was His example.
- The Pharisees framed the discussion around tamei and t’hor – but not around the Biblical commands – but their tradition. Yeshua turned the discussion on how they had taken the Biblical command regarding korban – and turned them on their head to disobey the commandment to honor father and mother.
- Is 29:13-14: Because their traditions were treated on par with the commandments of G-d, so G-d had caused their wisdom to perish.
- Mark 7:9-19: Yeshua's answer challenges their very understanding of G-d’s dietary instructions as well. They understood some of this concept in other areas (example: Leprosy), but in this area they believed that the Oral Tradition was governing – Yeshua instead shows that what is to be considered “fit” for food is what G-d said – not what their tradition said. (xref Dan 1:8-9).
- Sadly, these very passages are used by some to promote “replacement theology” and a new tradition – instead of seeing their real message.
- James 4:8: Ya’akov HaTsadik [“James the Righteous”], understood.
- What traditions do we have that over-turn G-d’s Written Word?
“Lost Sheep”
- Matt 15:21-28: This woman knew Who He was! Why did He not immediately answer her request? The Kingdom message was for the “lost sheep of Israel” – not for goyim… or was it?
- Jer 50:6-7: Lost sheep – because they had leaders who had replaced G-d. The leaders were the “shepherds” instead of G-d being shepherd. They followed blind leaders and their traditions instead of the Sk’kinah as they had in the days of the Wilderness.
- Jer 23:1-2: Shepherds who feed, but not what G-d’s has apportioned as food – tradition over Written Word.
- Ezk 34:22-23; 37:24-25: With David as King over them – with David as the Shepherd – they will return to G-d’s commands – not obscuring them with the traditions of men.
- Ezk 37:26-28: The nations [goyim] will know that He sets Israel apart. Hint. Hint.
- Acts 3:22-26: Promised first to the “sons of the prophets” – but a reminder of the promise to Abraham “… all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
- Blessed how? “…in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”
- Maybe Gentiles will be included?
Bread for Gentiles
- Matt 15:26-27: Even Gentiles get to eat...
- Matt 15:32-38: The crowd was not Gentile – but the imagery is. This account is intentionally paired with the account of the Syro-Phoenician woman.
- The numbers hint at something: 7 baskets left over (7 x 10 being the number of the Nations – i.e. Gentiles) – vs. 12 baskets from the 5,000 (12 tribes).
- Baskets of 5,000 = kophinos (Jewish “personal” baskets for carrying food)
- Baskets of 4,000 = spuris (no Hebrew equivalent – Gentile name)
- It is just a hint – but the account of the woman in Sidon and the feeding of the 4,000 hints at the possibility that the Kingdom message might be coming to the Gentiles – this is a major passage in the development of Matthew’s overall message: “Repent, the Kingdom of G-d is at hand!”
Summary
- We have seen, and will continue to see, that Yeshua is most harsh with those who are closest to Him theologically. What apparently distinguishes some of them is their adding to G-d’s Word.
- We need to be most fearful of teaching the “fear of G-d” by commandment of men. Our own traditions can cloud our vision of what G-d has truly said if we are not careful to distinguish between G-d’s Word – and our tradition.
- Adding to, or removing from the Word of G-d bears frightful consequences.
“Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” Deut 12:32
“If anyone adds to these things, G-d will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.” Rev 22:18b