Moriel Ministries and MIDRASH
Moriel Ministries and Midrash
Moriel and Midrash
by Martin Horan – 21/12/2012
Having held a fascination for Jewish theology and philosophy, and read and studied much on these things for about forty-five or so years, I occasionally check out Jewish sites on-line. I especially enjoy the Messianic sites. It delights me to know that Jews are fulfilling Scripture [Rev 7:4-8] and becoming Christians. My home is surrounded by Jewish culture-art, music, literature, philosophy etc. Indeed, I am the editor/compilator of The Little Book of Jewish Wisdom which has been published in six languages.
I also like to contribute in the way of donations and prayers to Jewish-Christian evangelism. So I like to keep informed on what’s going on in in those circles. I am therefore fascinated, though deeply saddened, by Israel’s present isolation in the world and the explosion of worldwide anti-Semitism. I am fascinated and exited, nevertheless, because these things also verify Bible prophecy, as does Israel’s very existence.
One of the sites I enjoyed checking out was Moriel Ministries. I liked it because it would give news on worldwide events relating to prophecy, considering these things are ignored or deliberately concealed from the public by the international media. I appreciated Moriel‘s awareness and some of their interpretations of those events. I also enjoyed listening to the few of Jacob Prasch’s lectures and sermons that I heard. I did notice too that he mentioned things about the Midrash.
I didn’t really pay much attention to those parts of Mr Prasch’s teaching. I felt that I knew all I needed to know about the Midrash.
My attitude may seem a bit arrogant. But the reason I say so,is that I mean it in the sense that I do not need to go into Midrash in any detail. That’s because I don’t have to. I have the Scriptures which teach me all I need to know regarding Salvation and all other things relating to a truly Christian life [2 Tim 3:16]. So I do not believe it is incumbent on anyone else to go into the Midrash in detail or even at all.
Having access to the Word of God, anything else, however instructive or interesting, is-in comparison-totally superfluous….
I have nothing against anyone reading Midrash, the Talmud, Apocrypha or any Jewish texts, especially when they are well-grounded in Scripture. In fact, as a past-time, I would encourage some Christians to read those Jewish writings, in the same way as I would encourage them to read Josephus and Edersheim and other kinds of Jewish writers; or learn Jewish languages like Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino.
Some Christians read a lot worse things which contribute nothing to a Christian life and often detract from it. Some have time to read and view pornographic and violent material that Muslims, pagans and cultists never would. And reading Jewish historians, theologians and philosophers can at least give us a better understanding of how the people in Bible times thought and lived. I believe those things can enrich our lives.
Please note, however, that I am not saying it’s essential to read those writers and scholars because it is NOT [2 Tim 3: 15-16]. If a person would prefer to do other reading conducive to Christian living then they should go ahead.
The thing that has caused my mind to recently return to thinking more about both Moriel and the Midrash writings is due to having read a Discerning the World article where I discovered Discerning the World – Defence from the Attacks of Jacob Prasch.
I was shocked at the appalling attack on Deborah and immediately replied to it. This attack is the reason for my present preoccupation with Moriel and Midrash.
I do not know who wrote the scurrilous diatribe against Deborah because they did not have the courage of their convictions-or courage per se-to put their name to it. And I checked it on its author’s site. Even on that site he/she does not give their name.
Personally, if I were in Mr Prasch’s position, and I was not the person who wrote the thing, I would be doing my best to find out who did and then name them. Anyone who knows the New Testament knows that Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul named names. So if Mr Prasch were to do so he’d be in excellent company.
Besides, the diatribe was not only cowardly, inasmuch as the author didn’t put his/her own name to this thing, it was also outrageously hypocritical: The finger-pointer accused Deborah of hiding her name! And-yes-I do dare to call such a person a hypocrite because the Bible clearly states what hypocrisy is.
A Hypocrite is someone who accuses people of doing bad things when he or she does the same things.
Even children recognize hypocrisy.
And Jesus castigated hypocrites so often that the Scriptures do not even need to be given here.
Besides, even if Deborah was guilty of those accusations-and those who read her comments on DTW know she is not-the attack still would not have been justified.
This anonymous attacker ought to consider I Thess 5:15: “That none render evil for evil.”
The wickedness of this attack was that Deborah was receiving evil for none that she had given.
So, if I were Mr Prasch, I would name this accuser lest I be thought a hypocrite or condoning hypocrisy. Quite rightly too! 1 Thess 22 tells us that we should not even put on a show of evil, let alone practise it. Some people can get the idea that’s exactly what Mr Prasch has done or is otherwise covering up for someone who has done so.
If the attacker has done so without Mr Prasch’s consent he ought to make that clear if only to let those who have read the attack that it was none of his own doing.
It is quite apparent that the attacker has reverence for Midrash as he/she claims the word Midrash is in the Bible, to contradict Deborah’s correct statement that it is not.
And the word Midrash isn’t there! It simply is not. I hasten to add that I am talking about in each given word, in English, relating to every word in the Bible.
You can find it in a descriptive sense in 2 Chron 13:22 & 2 Chron 24:27. But it is translated into English as “story.” And those are the only two places I can find it. Though the original word which is Midrash in Hebrew, God did not see fit to have it translated as such. If it was important to our salvation He would have done so. The Translators of the KJV would have known what it meant. They weren’t translating to back up a paradigm.
And the word Midrash isn’t there! It simply is not. So this attacker is either ignorant or is lying. If the person is not lying and is merely ignorant, then why is he/she arguing from ignorance? Not only is that unbiblical [I Thess 5:21; I John 4:1] it is stupid.
That is not a cheap jibe. It is an actual fact.
Why would a sensible, honourable or logical person argue from ignorance?
The fact is they would not. I do not want to get into a slanging match, or likewise become an accuser, but the only reason I can think why an articulate person would do so is because they are being deceitful.
If they are not being deliberately deceitful and they read this, I hasten to let them know that I come to that conclusion because I cannot see an alternative one. So if they show me where the word Midrash is in Scripture with a connotation that it is to be revered to the point that it is a requisite for reading Scripture, I will not only openly apologize but I will gladly thank them: I will be grateful for being furnished with information that is unavailable in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.
But even if the deceit is not intended and they are merely deceived, being deceived is no better [2 Tim 3:13].
Also, I have read every word of three translations of the Bible from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:16 and never seen the word Midrash anywhere.
In case any reader is wondering what Midrash is, let me explain. I will keep it as succinct as possible.
The Hebrew term Midrash means “story.” It is from the Hebrew darash for “investigate” or “study”. It is a homiletic method of Bible exegesis and is also a way of interpreting biblical writings. It attempts to fill in gaps in events or personalities in the Bible. (Plainly, fill in the gaps which the Bible did not consider important enough to include!)
In parenthesis, this homiletic method of Scriptural exegesis is not limited to Judaism. Protestants, Catholics and other religious groups make us of similar techniques. As Judaism is older than Catholicism or any form of Christianity or pseudo-Christianity, Bible exegesis undoubtedly started with Midrash.
These Midrashim (plural), of which there are over one hundred books, as the Jewish author Leo Rosten writes, “…are efforts to ‘penetrate’ a text and illuminate its inner spirit.” They contain “…parables, allegories, illustrative, inspirational and edifying interpretations, that spoke directly to the common people.”
The first Midrash scholars go back to around 500 BC, the time of Ezra. They were called Soferim-i.e., scribes. They taught the Oral Law which they reckoned to be derived from the Torah (the Pentateuch or first five books of the Bible). The Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ day also upheld the Oral Law. That is why there was conflict between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The latter only accepted the written Law. So the Scribes and Pharisees would, presumably, be direct heirs to the Soferim.
To be fair to the rabbis who agreed on the rules of exegesis, they themselves ruled, “Nothing can supersede the plain meaning of the text.”
That’s really the basics on the Midrash. It can get complicated if I go into further explanation. Of itself that should be enough to make a Christian suspicious of placing any biblical emphasis on it. Scripture reminds us of the simplicity that is in Christ [2 Cor 11:3].
Perhaps the present-day Christian Midrash proponents reckon that those moved of the Holy Spirit to write the Bible have either overlooked or neglected these things. Whatever: I have to call to mind, yet again, [2 Tim 3:15-16]. I am bold enough to say that so should any real Christian call those verses to mind when presented with extra-biblical notions.
As to Midrash not being mentioned anywhere in the Bible-as it isn’t-I can’t find it anywhere in Josephus either. Evidently he didn’t seem to set great store by it as he hasn’t mentioned it. It is in none of the references to my own Josephus, translated by Whiston, which has copious footnotes and includes Antiquities, Wars of the Jews, Against Apion, and several of Whiston’s dissertations.
Josephus is definitely worth reading-if you have the time. But if you don’t, don’t worry about it. You are better reading the Bible than reading Josephus just as you are better reading the Bible than anything else-though it is good to read other things, especially writings which enhance our knowledge of God and Scripture.
As Jesus never alluded to Midrash and the Apostle Paul, a former Pharisee, didn’t either it is surely unimportant and really a side-track at the best. Yes, it is an interesting study in itself. But to take it to the lengths of where it becomes necessary to the study of Scripture then it is best avoided, and totally. The same goes for any extra-Biblical literature.
When such writings are put on a par with or are deemed necessary to understand or compliment Scripture, then they actually become dangerous. You may as well put Gulliver’s Travels or Don Quixote on the same level. In fact, if you consider yourself to be a Christian and have a proclivity to put ANY kind of religious writings on a par with Scripture, then you would be best to read more of Gulliver’s Travels or Don Quixote because there would be much less chance of revering them to such levels. (I would encourage any Christian who hasn’t done so to read Don Quixote. It satirizes a man who puts his religious experiences above those of the Bible.)
I personally do not see any use for any Bible hermeneutics. A person can be a born-again saved Christian without knowing what hermeneutics are, Midrash or any other kind. As Paul reminds us of the simplicity that is in Christ, he obviously didn’t set any store by Midrash either. As the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth [John 16:13], why bother with hermeneutics?
Leo Rosten makes the following apt comment: “What is the difference between a midrash and any other analysis of, say, a verse? The midrash purports to penetrate the ‘spirit’ of the verse and derive and interpretation which is not obvious. (It is often also not persuasive.) In the midrash there is total amnesty for non sequiturs, and poetic license-greatly inflated-becomes philosophy or, at least, theology.”
True, philosophizing does impress some people but it does not impress God. It never impressed Jesus Christ.
The Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees loved to debate and I daresay many, possibly most, would have known of Midrash exposition. So if they did, it did not help them any-considering so few of them were saved. In fact, their kinds of reasoning put them at odds with their Messiah. So much so that they didn’t even recognize that’s exactly who and what He was! Often they provoked Jesus to anger.
I would rather be pig ignorant of all and any kind of hermeneutic argumentation if it couldn’t help me recognize my Saviour and even deny Him.
Why would Midrash then be considered an important appendage to the study of the Bible?
I am not saying that it is not an interesting subject in itself. It is. But so is philosophy. So is art. So is French literature. So is science and bird-watching, chess, ice-skating and taking swimming lessons. But these make no contribution of themselves to our spiritual growth. And neither does Midrash study.
If it does why didn’t it affect the lives of those who met Jesus Christ? The Old Testament was full of prophecies regarding Him but where’s the evidence of Midrash helping any of His contemporaries to recognize His claims?
When the resurrected Jesus met the men on the Emmaus Road, He expounded to them from Moses and the prophets concerning Himself [Luke 24 27]. There is not even a hint of the Midrash mentioned by the Lord. Surely there would have been if it was that important.
There are Talmudists who know Midrash hermeneutics. But how many of them are Christians? Talmudic stories make fun of Jesus’ birth from a virgin, insinuate that He was illegitimate, fervently contest his claim to be the Messiah and Son of God, and maintain that He was rightly executed as a blasphemer and idolater. They reject the Christian idea of His resurrection and claim He got the punishment He deserved in hell and that His followers will end up there too.
So how is Midrash helping them? Well, it isn’t It never did. If anything, it entrenched them in their Talmudic paradigms and still does with Talmudists. And I say that as someone who is impressed with many of the Talmud’s maxims.
We know that God loves the Jewish people. The curse put on their enemies in Gen 12:1-2 is reiterated in Rom 11, showing it still stands. (Look at the present state of the Middle East if you disagree!) But we know that the Jewish people as a whole have suffered for their rejection of Christ as their Messiah and will do so till climax of that rejection in the Great Tribulation.
If Midrash hermeneutics are so important, how is it that the Jewish people still by and largely remain blind to their Messiah? Surely that would not be the case if the Midrash was divinely inspired as the Bible itself is. Countless millions of people who have not even heard the term Midrash have believed Jesus Christ to be the Messiah.
There are people who have never heard of Midrash who are going to be in heaven with the 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel. Please remember, there will be far more of those ignorant of the Midrash than the 144,000 [Rev 7:9]. Possibly many of them will not have read any Midrash. And if any of the 144,000 have read it, they are not going to be there because they apply the Midrash to their Bible study. Rev 7:14 makes it plain how they get there. They are washed in Christ’s blood (and not their own blood, please note).
We know that because it tells us right there in Revelation, not because the Midrash mentions it. I have never applied Midrash to my study of the Bible yet I know those things from that Scripture as do countless others who have never even heard of Midrash or even of hermeneutics.
Yet many who have studied Midrash over the centuries have denied their only Saviour. So how can Midrash be of any importance? Scripture itself makes it plain that it is not important. So does logic and indeed so does common sense.
I wonder if Deborah noticed how little common sense her attacker used in spite of his/her Midrash scholarship!
Where was that person’s knowledge of simple every day Scriptures so well-known to non-Christians, such as “Love thy neighbour,” “Love your enemies,” the “Love” chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 and so on? For all of the person’s defence of the Midrash he/she c couldn’t see the blatantly obvious!
What has saddened me is that person is a defender of Moriel, so it is fair to presume that he/she is involved with Moriel in some way. So I am not likely to consider Moriel in the same light ever again-unless they make a public apology if this scurrilous attack on Deborah was by them.
If they do not condemn this attack and deny it having anything to do with them, or expose and name this attacker, if he/she from their ranks, then they are just as guilty of the offence as that attacker.
As to Alfred Edersheim:
He was from a Viennese Jewish family and he was a Christian, at a time when it would have been difficult for any Jew to have been a Christian-thanks to the anti-Semitism of “Christian” churches back in the days of his time (1825-89). His school was a Viennese gymnasium and he studied the Torah and the Talmud at a Hebrew school in that city. His main education was at Vienna University. Later, hecame to Scotland where he studied at Edinburgh and was a minister in Aberdeen and also was a missionary to the Jews of Romania.
This man truly was a great Jewish scholar as much as he was a great Christian one. I would recommend his books. If you actually wanted to find more about Midrash he goes into it into greater detail than I’ve done above.
He did not attempt to impose it onto Christian doctrine. He didn’t think it was needed. In a chapter dealing with Midrash (in his book Sketches of Jewish Social Life), regarding certain Midrash rules, he states, “Little objection can be taken to them; but unfortunately their practical application was generally almost as fanciful, and certainly as erroneous as in the case of the ‘Haggadah’.”
(The Haggadah is a part of Midrash; a different thing from a Passover Haggadah.)
I do not know of anywhere in the writings or teachings of Edersheim where he stated that Midrash was important for a Christian to study. In the things I have read by him on the matter, he writes of it in a matter-of-fact way as would any objective historian. If anyone can show me where he did urge people to study Midrash or claim that it was essential to salvation, I would greatly appreciate it. I am not infallible and am apt to overlook things as much as the next person. So I have to be ready to accept correction. Again it comes back to 1 Thess 5:1 and 1 John 4:1.
For Edersheim to have claimed Midrash was necessary to salvation it would put him the category of being a cultist. I don’t believe he would have contemplated such a thing, from what I’ve read of his work, and for the simple reason that work strikes me as showing him to having been a true Christian.
I checked Mr Prasch’s own comments on the Apostasy Now blog where he states “Hence, because I believe in the priority of the original languages, I have more faith in the Bible than I do in the translations of it.” And on a Moriel Ministries Newsletter, By James Jacob Prasch – June 4, 2010 he states, “God’s Word itself however, teaches plainly that the authority and priority is on the original languages of the original divinely inspired manuscripts (Nehemiah 8:8) and not on a translation of a translation produced between 17 and 23 centuries later after initially God breathed His Word and inspired its authorship. It is not that we have a problem with the KJV itself or with the legacy of godly men like Tyndale and Coverdale. As we have written multiple times, the KJV is a valid translation that God has used and is superior to most modern translations in its accuracy.”
First of all, Mr Prasch’s statement here is clear that in his view, then, no translations are actually the Bible! So he somehow has the right to dictate what Scripture is and what it is not. (Really? See 2 Pet 1:20). That would mean then that he does not mean most people have the opportunity to be saved. Unless he sees the Bible as irrelevant to salvation!
I find that comment a bit worrying. As it is God’s will that no man should perish but should all should come to repentance [2 Pet 3:9] and that God never changes [Mal 3:6] and that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever [Heb 13:8], Mr Prasch’s comment is really saying that though God wants no one to perish He is giving precious few the chance to be saved.
And let’s bear in mind that there are millions who have known Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic but who never did experience salvation.
This is on a par with the God of John Calvin. Frankly, I’d rather have the false God of Islam anytime! At least he assures those a place in his heaven that kill themselves in Jihad, and take out as many infidels as possible in the process. (I am being sarcastic!) But Mr Prasch’s god-I use the lower case intentionally-is not quite so straightforward. He says one thing and then goes back on it.
I would also like to know how God can never leave us or forsake us [Heb 13 5] if it is so important that we must know the original Greek of that passage, bearing in mind that God knows that most people would never know biblical Greek. From Mr Prasch’s standpoint then, the rest of the folk who don’t understand biblical Greek can forget that Scripture! Actually, they might as well forget the rest of the Scriptures also.
As the Greek Septuagint is a translation it stands to reason, then, that was a waste of time anyone studying that version if we must know the original Hebrew and Aramaic. But if we do really need to know all the Greek New Testament Scriptures to be saved, why did Jesus tell the thief on the cross that he would be with Him in heaven? Jesus made the comment to a man who has never heard of a New Testament, let alone read one in Greek. So, according to that original Scripture’s paradigm, if we go by Mr Prasch’s version of Midrash, that man would best not place too much faith in what the dying Saviour suffering for humanity’s sins has just said.
How ridiculous.
I have to admit that good has come out of this attack on our sister, Deborah, as offensive as it was and as hurtful as it was to her personally.
It has made me realize that not all professors of Christianity are what they seem to be. I consider myself to be Sola Scripture but even those of us have to keep on our toes. Not all apostates are as blatant as Benny Hinn, Reinhart Bonke, and the like. Some are actually quite astute and know the Bible intimately-even to the point of being scholars in the original languages.
But being such great scholars proves nothing because we can see that some who have knowledge of Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic are still willing to add and subtract to and from the Scriptures. The Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees did just that.
We cannot judge their hearts although-as we have seen in the attack on Deborah-some think they can see into others’ hearts. (If they really can then that power is not from God but is from the devil.)
Oh, yes, though we cannot see into others’ hearts and judge their motives, we can however know where the evil in people comes from and we can know its root. We know, for example, that the love of money is the root of all evil.
We also know that touchiness, anger, envy, false accusation, and the refusal to repent-which are all connected-have their root in pride. The Bible condemns pride often and God actually strikes back at it.
Satan is proud. He is also utterly unrepentant and is a wishful thinker [Rev 12:12], the result of his pride. He knows his time is short [ibid] yet he refuses to acknowledge it and will continue to try to overthrow God. And after the 1000 years when he is released, he will do the same thing again.
Such is the stupidity of pride. Let us remember that Satan is more intellectual than any human being. He is also far more devious and subtle.
People who refuse to repent are also devious and subtle. “My way or no way” is their attitude.
We find this among false teachers too. I was a member of the Armstrong cult a while back and saw that attitude in their leader. It can be seen in cult leaders, popes, Imams, the Scribes, the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
It is a human failing to which we are all susceptible.
However, there is an antidote to pride. It is the willingness to be corrected, no matter how we cherish our opinions. And itis easy to be corrected if one is a Christian. All we have to do is pray when we read the Scriptures and ask God to help us to be corrected by them, knowing that He hates pride and how susceptible we are to it.
Then we will face up to our responsibility to heed God’s Word and conform to it.
The very reason that peopledo not deal with the points they are asked, but retort with slander, false accusations, anger, ad hominem statements and circular argument, is because of pride. This too is the case when such people are professing Christians.
Proud people wouldn’t even accept that. That’s why it would not surprise me in the least when people who make gods of their extra and anti-biblical beliefs will retort to those who discern it with further evasive statements and accusations.
A nineteenth century Scottish Christian, Thomas Erskine of Linlathen, made a comment I often think on: “A man who makes a god of his religion won’t have God in his religion.”
It reminds me of the fact that a man who makes a god of anything won’t have God as their god. So, to my mind, it applies to those who put extra-biblical writings on a par with the Bible.
That is something true Christians have to face and deal with.
We must continue to bless those who curse us and turn the other cheek. And we should pray for them. But that should not stop us from contending for the faith once delivered when false brethren continue to lead others astray. We must challenge them [Jude 3]. Our Saviour did and He is our exemplar.
We must pray for those, like Deborah and other fighters for God’s truth, when they meet the opposition.
We cannot convince people who refuse to be convinced [Prov 26:11-12]. We are not to answer a fool according to his folly, lest we become like him. Then we are to answer a fool according to their folly, lest they become wise in their own conceit [vs 4-5].
We ought to bear in mind 1 Corinthians 20:21-22 if we want to know who God deems as wise and who He deems as foolish:
“Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
“For after the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”
We see the foolishness of this world’s wisdom daily when scientists believe evolution although it cannot be tested by the scientific method; and that scientists have to ignore the first three Laws of Thermodynamics and the Law of Biogenesis to hold to that belief.
We see the foolishness of the world’s wisdom in our universities where philosophy lecturers teach that there is no such thing as truth and that everything is really opinion. Then they expect their students to believe those statements are true and not simply their opinion!
We see the foolishness of the world in politics where politicians are more the problem than the answer. And we see the world’s foolishness in the media where their pundits not only contradict each other but even contradict themselves.
Such is the wisdom of the world. Such is the wisdom of learned and scholarly men who put their own writings or the writings of others on a par with the divinely inspired Word of God.
Anyone who knows the Word of God, then, ought to know the foolishness of putting any kind of writing on a par with it. And those verses of Proverbs 26: 11-12 tell us how to deal with them.
If one way doesn’t work then try the other. If neither works then we have at least done our own part and God will deal with them eventually [Psalm 37:1-11].
No hermeneutist-of the Midrash or any other theological discipline-wrote with the wisdom of those who wrote the Scriptures, including those of a humble working man like Peter.
Glory to God for that!
Martin – If you dont mind me interjecting with another question – I hope you dont mind but I am asking you since you are a Jewish convert. What are the messianic Jews views on John re the eucharist and also paul when he talked aboout discerning the body of the Lord in the communion.
Hi, Dit is met groot hartseer dat ek die afgelope weke se gebeure sien ontvou het oor Jacob en DTW asook die hele polimiek oor alles. Ek wil sommer aan die begin se dat dit maak nie saak wie die skrywer/spreker is nie ons moet alles toets aan die woord en dit is baie baie, belangrik. Wat my egter bekommerd maak is dat om alles te toets en reg te wees oor alles is in altyd genoeg nie. Om reg te wees ter wille van reg wees is net so gevaarlik. Gaan lees maar wat word gese vir die kerk van Efese Openbaring 2:1-7. Waneer persone begin om hulle eie standpunte te verdedig op n manier wat nie spreek van iemand wat JESUS dien nie, wil ek weghardloop. Ongelukkig voel dit asof Jacob, DTW en baie van die mense wat kommentaar lewer op DTW hulle eerste liefde verlaat het. Dit klink vir my asof mense probeer reg wees ter wille van reg wees en dan word standpunte verdedig en Jesus word nooit verheerlik nie. Wel om regverdig te wees teenoor almal moet ek se ek ken vir Jacob of enige vanDTW se mense persoonlik nie, so dit sal gevaarlik wees om so n algemene stelling te maak. Ek hoop ek is verkeerd! Ek sien verder in baie min webtuistes wat handel oor “discernment” dat Jesus te alle tye verheerlik word so ek het dit nog altyd as n swak bron van tydverdyf gesien. Ek is wel dankbaar dat daar mense is wat in diepte navorsing doen oor sekere onderwerpe en persone, maar ek weet nie meer wie se woord om te glo nie en ek weet nie meer wie verkondig die goeie leer nie. (Dit sluit beide DTW en Jacob in) Ja, ja ek weet ek moet self ondersky en met die hulp van die Heilige Gees en goeie gesonde lees van die bybel probeer ek, maar ons het die res van die liggaam nodig om mekaar te help. Ek bid dat hierdie gevegte, tot n einde sal kom, dat Jesus verheerlik sal word en dat mense sal ophou om hulle eie standpunte te probeer verdedig. Mag Jacob en DTW en sy lesers nie hulle eerste liefde verlaat nie en mag die werklike wolwe wat uit is om die kudde te verskeer aan die kaak gestel word.
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Translation:
It is with much sadness that I have watched events unfold over the past few weeks regarding Jacob and DTW as well as the entire issue surrounding it. To start off with, it doesn’t matter who the writer / preacher is, we have to test everything against the Word of God. This is very, very important. What concerns me is that testing everything and being right about everything isn’t always enough. To be right just to be right is just as dangerous.
Read what is said about the church at Ephesus: Revelation 2:1-7. When people defend their viewpoint in a manner that does not speak of someone that serves Jesus, I want to run away.
Unfortunately it feels as if Jacob, DTW and most of the people who comment on DTW have lost their first love. It sounds as if people are trying to be right to be right, defending their viewpoint and Jesus is not glorified. To be fair I have to say that I do not know Jacob or any of the DTW people personally, so it would be dangerous to make a general statement. I hope I am wrong.
I do not see Jesus glorified at all times in many websites that deal with ‘discernment’, and have always considered this a poor way to pass the time. I am grateful for people who do in-depth research regarding certain topics and people, but I don’t know who to believe and I don’t know who shares sound doctrine (this includes DTW and Jacob).
I know I must discern and with the help of the Holy Spirit and reading the Bible, I’m trying, but we need the rest of the body of Christ to help us. I pray that this fighting will come to an end, that Jesus will be glorified and that people will stop trying to defend their viewpoint.
May Jacob, DTW and its readers not lose their first love. May the real wolves in sheep’s clothing – which tear the flock apart – be exposed.
charles allan
You can’t be serious? I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Hi Phil
Just translated your comment into English.
You miss the point!!! Jacob Prasch has possibly millions of followers who are ALL being deceived by him. I get the impression that most of JP’s followers give BLIND loyalty to the man and to his teachings – maybe more so than to Jesus and to the Bible. As Paul said “some follow Peter, some follow Apollos, some Paul” then he says sarcastically some even follow Christ. In these apostate days it is clear that people follow men rather than Christ.
The articles from Deborah and all our comments are NOT designed to destroy but to PROTECT would be followers of men like Jacob and also warn his followers of the false teachings, so that they can escape JP’s clutches. We are writing these things out of love/compassion for those “millions”.
Phil
Actually what you are doing is attacking me. the innocent victim in this whole ordeal. Thank you for judging me and somehow knowing what’s in my heart. Are you God? How is is possible that you can say I have lost my first love? Unbelievable. My first love is Jesus Christ and to WARN PEOPLE OF FALSE TEACHERS that they may stop following men and follow Jesus Christ instead and not go to hell.
Instead of attack me who has done nothing but WARN. Why don’t you email Jacob Prasch and ask him what kind of a god fearing man speaks like that? Instead you come on here and attack the sheep!
You say I must stop trying to defend my viewpoint? So I must shut up about false teaching and let wolves ravage the sheep.
I think you speak from a spirit that is not from Jesus Christ. And it is clear you DO NOT DISCERN because you say that you don’t, YOU ARE A WOLF.
John & Deborah
I suppose John is right I am missing the point, sorry
Deborah, I am not attacking you and I am sorry if it come over that why. I will keep on praying for you. Please read my comment again. I say: it feels like. I am not judging your heart I have also say: I dont know you. May you always love Jesus as your first love and may that be the reason why you do what you do.
Phil
@ Deborah (Discerning the World): I was just interested from the Jewish perspective as opposed to the catholic lutheran and CofE perspective.
I just say thank Deborah for your faith…me inglish is not so well, but i understand…
you are burning for Jesus-Christ and im burning for the Father God..
Tite 1: 15
Greetings in JESUS-CHRIST
In the above, and a couple of related articles, the issue has been raised about Midrash, both in general and concerning Prasch in particular. I wanted to offer this information because I used to be just as mystified about Prasch’s use of the term.
(1) The Hebrew word “midrash” IS in Scripture, found in 2 Chr. 13:22 & 24:27 and translated in the NASB as “treatise“. This is in of itself may not authorize it in the way it has come to be used and applied, but for information’s sake, the truth is that the word does appear in Scripture.
(2) What Prasch is referencing is NOT the Jewish writings called “Midrashim” or “Midrash”, which are largely gnostic in their approach to Scripture, but he is instead referring to Midrash as guidelines for biblical exegesis. He not only never advocates for anyone to study the Midrashim or even use them as commentaries, but has often warned people away from them. When he speaks of Midrash, he is talking about RULES of exegesis which are also called “Midrash”, not the Jewish writings of the same name.
(3) The specific rules involved are the “Seven Midot” of the School of Hillel, the same school attended by the Apostle Paul. A simple Google search will recall them and, for me, they weren’t a stark contrast to my own approaches to Bible study. (I’m not bragging, I’m just saying when you take a look at them they’re not as dramatic as you might think.)
(4) Yes, Edersheim studied The Midrashim, along with every extra-biblical Jewish source available, in order to educate us as to Jewish social life, culture, and their interpretation of Scripture as it may have existed at Christ’s First Coming. Edersheim never endorses The Midrashim and often shows how they not only often contradict themselves, but regularly conflict with other Jewish sources such as the Talmud, Targumim, etc.
So Prasch isn’t using Jewish commentary (The Midrashim) to interpret Scripture, but is employing these guidelines in the course of developing his own teachings. That is really where assessment of his teachings has to take place, in terms of how he employs these rules in his handling of Scripture.
Historically, as it turns out, this is something not unique to Prasch alone. Beside a few others who currently use the same rules, there is quite a history of its use including going back to the Plymouth Brethren and even further.
I hope that on this one point there is a little more clarity. When I first researched “Midrash” I saw the same kind of things people on this forum have repeatedly reported. It was very confusing to come across someone who wasn’t using the term in the traditional sense. I think Prasch’s definitive teaching on this can be found at:
Blessings in Christ!
Phil.
>>>Unfortunately it feels as if Jacob, DTW and most of the people who comment on DTW have lost their first love. It sounds as if people are trying to be right to be right, defending their viewpoint and Jesus is not glorified. To be fair I have to say that I do not know Jacob or any of the DTW people personally, so it would be dangerous to make a general statement. I hope I am wrong<<<
…Net die feit dat jy in jou laaste sin erken dat jy mag verkeerd wees wys dat jy hier 'n skoot in die donker waag. WARE liefde is die waarheid Phil. As jy bietjie verder gelees het op hierdie blog sou jy agterkom dat dit juis oor siele gaan en nie slegs om "reg" te wees nie.
Sal ons maar stories opdis of die waarheid weerhou net ter wille van vrede??? is dit WARE liefde?
Kyk na die blog statement bo aan Phil. – Romeine 1:16.Want ek skaam my nie oor die evangelie van Christus nie, want dit is ‘n krag van God tot redding vir elkeen wat glo,
Mense word koud teenoor die Woord omdat daar soveel valse profete is wat my EERSTE liefde se woorde verdraai!!
Hulle word koud en afgesit omdat daar wolwe is wat my EERSTE liefde se werk aan die kruis bespot en sy Woorde en reddingswerk kompliseer.
Besef jy dat as jy die waarheid stil hou ter wille van vrede word jy verantwoordelik gehou?
I think you found a shoe that fits Phil, and you are hurt because it offended YOU.. what about your first love?? Wanna take a moment and consider Him and the pain He suffered for US… while we twist His love and grace?
Good article, so much more to what Jacob says about Midrash, I have found myself, that many react very strongly when you speak against his representation of the “necessity” of midrash in order to understand the deeper things of Scripture. They seem to sadly miss the obvious, in excusing his lack of sound speech for “brashness” as if these outbursts of anger are not indicative of his heart and the flesh. But, those should be a major indicator of something wrong, yet people will still excuse his bad behavior, and continue to recommend him to others. It baffles me, but may they eventually see…
Deborah, please do contact me.
Holly G
Check yer email 🙂
Hi Robbie
I think you guys misunderstand me. I was not attacking this website. I have visited it in the past and found some valuable information in here and I will also visit it again in the future. I am very greatfull for the work that Deborah is doing and I hope and pray that she can keep on doing it.
I will never call any body to be silent for the sake of peace or love. There is no love in keeping quite if somebody is wrong. If Jacob P is wrong he needs to be exposed. ( If Dave Hunt is found to be wrong he needs to be exposed) It does not matter who the person is. And please dont keep quite about it.
But I also know that there is a warning in Revelations 2 :1-7 for everybody and specialy those that are in descernmant ministries.
Phil
I am so sorry! Please forgive me.
There are many big discernment ministries who have gone off the rails – or were they real in the first place – that is the question. I know that I am held accountable for every single word I say and everything I do, I will stand before God and give account, yes and I pray every day for Jesus to give me guidance when I am on this site. I have no where near lost my love for Jesus Christ, hence I contend for the Gospel the way I do. I can’t stand to see people speak lies about Jesus’ Word and lead people to hell.
People come and attack me personally on this website, they call me names, they attack my health and they go after ME as a person, because they are weak and can’t contend for the gospel – they don’t have a leg to stand on when it comes to their FALSE TEACHING, so they attack me in other areas. This is something I deal with daily and of late it has been horrendous. I am protected by the armour of God and Jesus Christ daily as people have opened nasty websites about me, tried to hack my site, etc. There are only a handful of people (that I can count on my one hand) who have stood by me, unlike the hordes who support those who follow these false teachers and their doctrines of demons.
Deborah
I will pray for your protection and for your health. Keep up the good work
Hello, Charles.
I don’t mind your question as I am not a Jewish convert. I was raised a nominal Catholic who went to Catholic schools. I have plenty of Jewish connections, though. So I’m afraid you would be best to contact a Messianic group and they will explain their views to you.
—————
As to Phil,
I would have to beg to differ with your point that it doesn’t matter who the writer of the diatribe was, especially as it was an insulting diatribe and a particularly cowardly and hypocritical one. Had DTW written such a thing about Mr Prasch—and anonymously then I would have written to them in a like manner and rebuked them.
I agree with you that to be right just to be right is dangerous. I would disagree with you, though, on the point of discernment. Discernment is important because Jesus and other New Testament writers warn that we have to be discerning, especially in these last days. One of the many examples is 2 Tim 4:3. A truly discerning person will not descend to personal attack but they will strive to contend for God’s truth.
It is easy to discover sound doctrine if you keep to the Bible and pray to God to be discerning.
But in this world where ecumenists claim that we ought never to be critical (unbiblical), though they are very critical of those who disagree with them, we often think because people are straight to the point—especially when they are contending for the faith once delivered—that they are therefore angry or aggressive. Angry, aggressive people descend to personal and insulting comments as Debs’ attacker did. There is a big difference between them and someone who loves their neighbour and is fighting for God’s Truth.
I read a comment from Mr Prasch where he calls King James Only proponents “lunatics”. In my mind, that is being harsh. When I come over stuff like that, it makes me cringe.
————
As to Edward,
You are of course correct that the Midrash is in Scripture. I found it myself there but unfortunately sent in the first draft before I amended what I’d written, to explain my meaning before these comments were written. (Perhaps Debs will put in my amended version?) Midrash is in the Bible in those two places (alone) as you mentioned. But if you check through Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance you will not find it in any of the reference headings—as I checked them all—when it stuck me I should look up “story” (as it is translated in the KJV & other English versions) and found it in the footnotes. I could not find it in the actual reference headings, and neither can anyone else.
As the translators where all Hebrew and Greek scholars without an axe to grind—as Mr Prasch seems to show that he has—and wanted the ordinary person in the street to get the message they used the word ”story”. Jews and Gentiles alike, have come to Christ through the KJV and other translations. Most who read the Midrash have not.
At the time the KJV was printed very few lay people in England, including the clergy, would have known Hebrew. There were also very few Jews in (what we now call) Britain at that time. And most of them would not be reading a Bible containing the New Testament. (We have the anti-Semitic “teachings” of the Roman and Orthodox “churches” to thank for that. Even today some of the other mainline churches such as the Anglicans cling to similar traditions via their Replacement “Theology” [heresy].) So it would not have been considered that important as it still isn’t by other translators.
The average person, even armed with a Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, would find it difficult to find. Try finding it in one if you think I kid. You have to go into the footnotes to find it where it is lost among hundreds of others.
You mention that in the NASB translation the word is “treatise” which it also could mean. I know it can mean that. But not in any way that states it is necessary to Salvation or that we need to use it to understand the Bible. Other books are mentioned in the Bible. Paul mentions pagan writings. Does that mean that we need to study them to have salvation?
The original Hebrew in the Bible does not go into any detail regarding Midrashim of any sort. And most Jewish folk who know anything of Bible Hebrew know little of the Book of Chronicles or of where it is mentioned in the Bible. The most they know of the Bible per se is the Torah. Jews are like everyone else (only more so, as the old Jewish joke goes).
God knows everything and God would have known that most of the Old Testament was going to be read by more by Gentiles than Jews. I think the translators of the KJ and early Bibles knew that! In fact, it’s never stressed in any Bible translations that I have read. It didn’t need to be as it isn’t stressed in the original Hebrew. The purpose of it being there, although it was inspired of God, has about the same relevance as the Book of Enoch.
And yes, Edward, I do know why Mr Prasch is using Jewish commentary. I have read his statements and I don’t happen to agree with them. And I have commented myself that others use it.
My point is that if it is that important why does the Bible not make a bigger deal of it? In my view it is straining at a gnat to swallow a camel. And I have made my other points clear already.
If a person descends to insult in anything their arguments have lost all credibility. I read the comments that were aimed at Debs and, for me, until there is an apology or that person who was willing to name Debs is named, I have lost any interest in Moriel. Like Phil, I found things on it I found interesting and useful and, as I’ve said before, I found Mr Prasch to be interesting and affable. I found his attitude very saddening. I could not imagine Dave Hunt or Tom McMahon behave in that way.
Hallo Debs
I feel a little like a “stranger in Jerusalem” … I haven’t visited your website for a while and was unaware of the Jacob Prasch exposure.
Debs, you have really opened up a “hornets nest”. You will be attacked, slandered and castrated by the followers of Jacob. It happened to me personally as well.
I was part of moriel a few years back and was personally “taken out” from the Moriel’s management by fellow Jacob followers because I dared to disagree with some of Jacob’s management team on some of his teachings.
His followers are “fanatic” and they do elevate him to a “god” status.
I will pop you a mail with the details.
Me and my wife keep on praying for you and your hubby… I think your hubby is an awesome man !
Blessings
Smugger
My goodness a hornets nests is an understatement. LOL.
I had no idea that happened to you. Please do email me when you have time.
Thank you for your constant support Smuggler and your prayers *hugs to your and your wife*
Yes my hubby is truly a God send – that is what happens when you pray for a husband, God sends you the best 🙂
>>>Yes my hubby is truly a God send – that is what happens when you pray for a husband, God sends you the best :)>>>
Hey!, That is what my wife also said about me!! :-))
Yea, it is great to have your partner/spouse’s support – BOTH knowing that it is not always pleasant to work for God on this earth…
At least the retirement plan is out of this world… 🙂
Good article, Martin. kudos for your writing style…very readable and captivating. Makes me want to read it rather than skim it. And after reading it, there isn’t much to add except “good insights and I agree”. The question we are left with is, “Who gets the glory?” Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up.
Luke 11:43
“Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.
Amen to comment by Holly G. #11. What we need to be emphatic about is the Biblical way…love. I know many others have said the same thing pertaining to this issue on other threads, but I concur, that we should not be making excuses for any ministry or minister because we feel like they’re “somebody important”.
If you have been in Christian circles for any length of time, you find out there are bullies who like to intimidate. They hold titles, they strut their stuff and they make a point of belittling…sort of the same thing as the Narcissistic Abusers in the World outside Christian culture. Yup…same thing, actually. It’s the name calling to manipulate that really brings their true colours to life.
I learned a new word this past year. Sycophant.syc·o·phant [sik-uh-fuh nt,
a self-seeking, servile flatterer;
We must all check our hearts against falling into this despicable activity. The reason we do this is not that we love these ear ticklers for the sake of the gospel, but because they feed something inside of us. They make us feel good. As long as we are going along with them, as long as we are stroking their ego, buying their books and making their car payments, there is a mutual attraction. Everything is good. But let someone with some honesty (like Smuggler), disagree with something and the masks come off, the claws come out, neck veins bulge and spit starts flying. Oh ya.
When Jacob Prasch calls Debs an ignoramus because she doesn’t know as much as he knows about Midrash…uh…he is elevating himself and his learning above most of us.
FACT:The Scripture is the only thing we need for salvation. If we start believing that Midrash is at all necessary to our lives (apart from personal interest) then we are being deceived, as Martin has illustrated so well in this article. Here’s my proof text:
2 Timothy 3:13-15
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Let’s wise up. Let’s not let secondary issues take precedence over the main issue…the gospel. The Scripture is the Life that will support us in tough times. It is Living and Powerful! Midrash is a secondary issue. Believe it!
@ Smuggler:
Another thing I will add too, is Jackie Alnor, is NOT a very person, and I was not trying to defend her, she lashed out at me when I was still on Facebook becasue I asked her what was up with Missler’s false teachings and she accused me of defending him when I was NOT I was only asking what happened. So yeah, them lashing out is wrong, I am not defending Prasch’s poor and tacky display, but the folks on here are wrong too, as am I, I admit, I could be more graceful, but I just vehemently hate lying especially when I have heard other wise with my won ears. So yeah, I KNOW some of those people can be out right jerks and I have never liked Jackie Alnor too much after that, but it’s neither here nor there. Two wrongs don’t make a right, but it seems the folks on this blog don’t understand that concept either. Good luck.
Leigh
Arn’t you just the POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK. (Let me use the same language you used to me). You go to Jackie Alnors website who is Jacob Prasch’s right hand woman (so to speak) and get upset when you SLANDER her for calling out Chuck Misslers false teaching and then get UPSET because she lashed out at you? My but you are a twisted individual to come here and attack me and insult me and call me names and resent me for questioning Jacob Prasch’s teaching.
I pray you wake up to the fact that just because you learnt stuff from Jacob Prasch that it WAS NOT Jacob Prasch who helped you, but the HOLY SPIRIT Leigh! It was the Holy Spirit who guides you and TEACHES YOU – not Jacob Prasch.
John 14:26 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
If you knew your bible and read your bible instead of Prasch’s teachings you would know this, but you are now saying it’s Prasch’s ministry that is teaching you, when it’s JESUS MINISTRY and ONLY JESUS’ MINISTRY THAT IS 100% ACCURATE and the Holy Spirit that TEACHES YOU.”
You came out of the charismatic movement to be hoodwinked by another man – Jacob Prasch. When will you learn to RELY and listen to the HOLY SPIRIT ONLY?
Leigh, this is your last comment. GOOG BYE.
Hey Martin, don’t bother us with your “Jews for Jesus” B.S. Jesus was a heretic and a false messiah. Christianity is a fraud and son everyone will realize it and worship the true G-d of Abraham.
Why Jews Don’t Believe In Jesus
For 2,000 years Jews have rejected the Christian idea of Jesus as messiah. Why?
One of the most common questions we receive at Aish.com is: “Why don’t Jews believe in Jesus?” Let’s understand why ― not in order to disparage other religions, but rather to clarify the Jewish position.
Jews do not accept Jesus as the messiah because:
1.Jesus did not fulfill the messianic prophecies.
2.Jesus did not embody the personal qualifications of the Messiah.
3.Biblical verses “referring” to Jesus are mistranslations.
4.Jewish belief is based on national revelation.
But first, some background: What exactly is the Messiah?
The word “Messiah” is an English rendering of the Hebrew word Mashiach, which means “anointed.” It usually refers to a person initiated into God’s service by being anointed with oil. (Exodus 29:7, 1-Kings 1:39, 2-Kings 9:3)
1. Jesus Did Not Fulfill the Messianic Prophecies
What is the Messiah supposed to accomplish? One of the central themes of biblical prophecy is the promise of a future age of perfection characterized by universal peace and recognition of God. (Isaiah 2:1-4, 32:15-18, 60:15-18; Zephaniah 3:9; Hosea 2:20-22; Amos 9:13-15; Micah 4:1-4; Zechariah 8:23, 14:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34)
Specifically, the Bible says he will:
A.Build the Third Temple (Ezekiel 37:26-28).
B.Gather all Jews back to the Land of Israel (Isaiah 43:5-6).
C.Usher in an era of world peace, and end all hatred, oppression, suffering and disease. As it says: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall man learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)
D.Spread universal knowledge of the God of Israel, which will unite humanity as one. As it says: “God will be King over all the world ― on that day, God will be One and His Name will be One” (Zechariah 14:9).
If an individual fails to fulfill even one of these conditions, then he cannot be the Messiah.
Because no one has ever fulfilled the Bible’s description of this future King, Jews still await the coming of the Messiah. All past Messianic claimants, including Jesus of Nazareth, Bar Cochba and Shabbtai Tzvi have been rejected.
Christians counter that Jesus will fulfill these in the Second Coming. Jewish sources show that the Messiah will fulfill the prophecies outright; in the Bible no concept of a second coming exists.
____________________
2) Jesus Did Not Embody the Personal Qualifications of Messiah
A. Messiah as Prophet
The Messiah will become the greatest prophet in history, second only to Moses. (Targum – Isaiah 11:2; Maimonides – Yad Teshuva 9:2)
Prophecy can only exist in Israel when the land is inhabited by a majority of world Jewry, a situation which has not existed since 300 BCE. During the time of Ezra, when the majority of Jews remained in Babylon, prophecy ended upon the death of the last prophets ― Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.
Jesus appeared on the scene approximately 350 years after prophecy had ended, and thus could not be a prophet.
B. Descendent of David
Many prophetic passages speak of a descendant of King David who will rule Israel during the age of perfection. (Isaiah 11:1-9; Jeremiah 23:5-6, 30:7-10, 33:14-16; Ezekiel 34:11-31, 37:21-28; Hosea 3:4-5)
The Messiah must be descended on his father’s side from King David (see Genesis 49:10, Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5, 33:17; Ezekiel 34:23-24). According to the Christian claim that Jesus was the product of a virgin birth, he had no father ― and thus could not have possibly fulfilled the messianic requirement of being descended on his father’s side from King David. (1)
According to Jewish sources, the Messiah will be born of human parents and possess normal physical attributes like other people. He will not be a demi-god, (2) nor will he possess supernatural qualities.
C. Torah Observance
The Messiah will lead the Jewish people to full Torah observance. The Torah states that all mitzvot remain binding forever, and anyone coming to change the Torah is immediately identified as a false prophet. (Deut. 13:1-4)
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus contradicts the Torah and states that its commandments are no longer applicable. For example, John 9:14 records that Jesus made a paste in violation of Shabbat, which caused the Pharisees to say (verse 16), “He does not observe Shabbat!”
____________________
3) Mistranslated Verses “Referring” to Jesus
Biblical verses can only be understood by studying the original Hebrew text ― which reveals many discrepancies in the Christian translation.
A. Virgin Birth
The Christian idea of a virgin birth is derived from the verse in Isaiah 7:14 describing an “alma” as giving birth. The word “alma” has always meant a young woman, but Christian theologians came centuries later and translated it as “virgin.” This accords Jesus’ birth with the first century pagan idea of mortals being impregnated by gods.
B. Suffering Servant
Christianity claims that Isaiah chapter 53 refers to Jesus, as the “suffering servant.”
In actuality, Isaiah 53 directly follows the theme of chapter 52, describing the exile and redemption of the Jewish people. The prophecies are written in the singular form because the Jews (“Israel”) are regarded as one unit. Throughout Jewish scripture, Israel is repeatedly called, in the singular, the “Servant of God” (see Isaiah 43:8). In fact, Isaiah states no less than 11 times in the chapters prior to 53 that the Servant of God is Israel.
When read correctly, Isaiah 53 clearly [and ironically] refers to the Jewish people being “bruised, crushed and as sheep brought to slaughter” at the hands of the nations of the world. These descriptions are used throughout Jewish scripture to graphically describe the suffering of the Jewish people (see Psalm 44).
Isaiah 53 concludes that when the Jewish people are redeemed, the nations will recognize and accept responsibility for the inordinate suffering and death of the Jews.
______________________
4) Jewish Belief is Based Solely on National Revelation
Throughout history, thousands of religions have been started by individuals, attempting to convince people that he or she is God’s true prophet. But personal revelation is an extremely weak basis for a religion because one can never know if it is indeed true. Since others did not hear God speak to this person, they have to take his word for it. Even if the individual claiming personal revelation performs miracles, they do not prove he is a genuine prophet. All the miracles show ― assuming they are genuine ― is that he has certain powers. It has nothing to do with his claim of prophecy.
Judaism, unique among all of the world’s major religions, does not rely on “claims of miracles” as the basis for its religion. In fact, the Bible says that God sometimes grants the power of “miracles” to charlatans, in order to test Jewish loyalty to the Torah (Deut. 13:4).
Of the thousands of religions in human history, only Judaism bases its belief on national revelation ― i.e. God speaking to the entire nation. If God is going to start a religion, it makes sense He’ll tell everyone, not just one person.
Maimonides states (Foundations of Torah, ch. 8):
The Jews did not believe in Moses, our teacher, because of the miracles he performed. Whenever anyone’s belief is based on seeing miracles, he has lingering doubts, because it is possible the miracles were performed through magic or sorcery. All of the miracles performed by Moses in the desert were because they were necessary, and not as proof of his prophecy.
What then was the basis of [Jewish] belief? The Revelation at Mount Sinai, which we saw with our own eyes and heard with our own ears, not dependent on the testimony of others… as it says, “Face to face, God spoke with you…” The Torah also states: “God did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us ― who are all here alive today.” (Deut. 5:3)
Judaism is not miracles. It is the personal eyewitness experience of every man, woman and child, standing at Mount Sinai 3,300 years ago.
For further reading: “Did God Speak at Mount Sinai?”
Waiting for the Messiah
The world is in desperate need of Messianic redemption. To the extent that we are aware of the problems of society, is the extent we will yearn for redemption. As the Talmud says, one of the first questions asked of a Jew on Judgment Day is: “Did you yearn for the arrival of the Messiah?”
How can we hasten the coming of the Messiah? The best way is to love all humanity generously, to keep the mitzvot of the Torah (as best we can), and to encourage others to do so as well.
Despite the gloom, the world does seem headed toward redemption. One apparent sign is that the Jewish people have returned to the Land of Israel and made it bloom again. Additionally, a major movement is afoot of young Jews returning to Torah tradition.
The Messiah can come any day, and it all depends on our actions. God is ready when we are. For as King David says: “Redemption will come today ― if you hearken to His voice.”
For further study: • Jews for Judaism
• “The Real Messiah,” by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan
• “Let’s Get Biblical! Why Doesn’t Judaism Accept the Christian Messiah?,” by Rabbi Tovia Singer
• “The Path of the Righteous Gentile,” by Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky
FOOTNOTES
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(1) In response, it is claimed that Joseph adopted Jesus, and passed on his genealogy via adoption. There are two problems with this claim:
a) There is no biblical basis for the idea of a father passing on his tribal line by adoption. A priest who adopts a son from another tribe cannot make him a priest by adoption.
b) Joseph could never pass on by adoption that which he doesn’t have. Because Joseph descended from Jeconiah (Matthew 1:11) he fell under the curse of that king that none of his descendants could ever sit as king upon the throne of David. (Jeremiah 22:30; 36:30)
To answer this difficult problem, apologists claim that Jesus traces himself back to King David through his mother Mary, who allegedly descends from David, as shown in the third chapter of Luke. There are four basic problems with this claim:
a) There is no evidence that Mary descends from David. The third chapter of Luke traces Joseph’s genealogy, not Mary’s.
b) Even if Mary can trace herself back to David, that doesn’t help Jesus, since tribal affiliation goes only through the father, not mother. Cf. Numbers 1:18; Ezra 2:59.
c) Even if family line could go through the mother, Mary was not from a legitimate Messianic family. According to the Bible, the Messiah must be a descendent of David through his son Solomon (II Samuel 7:14; I Chronicles 17:11-14, 22:9-10, 28:4-6). The third chapter of Luke is irrelevant to this discussion because it describes lineage of David’s son Nathan, not Solomon. (Luke 3:31)
d) Luke 3:27 lists Shealtiel and Zerubbabel in his genealogy. These two also appear in Matthew 1:12 as descendants of the cursed Jeconiah. If Mary descends from them, it would also disqualify her from being a Messianic progenitor.
(2) Maimonides devotes much of the “Guide for the Perplexed” to the fundamental idea that God is incorporeal, meaning that He assumes no physical form. God is Eternal, above time. He is Infinite, beyond space. He cannot be born, and cannot die. Saying that God assumes human form makes God small, diminishing both His unity and His divinity. As the Torah says: “God is not a mortal” (Numbers 23:19)
Real Jew, it’s fine if you wish not to believe in Yeshua Ha’Maschiac – Jesus, the Messiah. I do not have a degree, I am just a mom of two adult kids and 4 grandkids. I don’t know how old you are so I will guess that you are much younger than me at 59. The only requirement to really know who Jesus is you must be a sinner or can you throw stones unlike the Pharisee’s back when Jesus was on Earth. You can argue the New Testament all you wish. You can get out the Torah…wait, you don’t want to read that since you might discover that HE is in every book in the Old Testament. As for your Talmud I’ll leave that to you. All of the Prophets like Isaiah, Ezekiel, even King David in the Psalms makes prophesies concerning Jesus.
Why has your messiah not come after all of these thousands of years? Could it be that when the Priests at the Temple didn’t recognize Him because they were jealous of Him.
I have walked with the Lord for almost 58 years and I have no regrets. As a real Jew do you not pray for your Messiah to come? There will come a man in the not too distant future that the whole world will believe Him. The Jews will sign a covenant with him. Peace will break out over all the earth… for 3 and a half years. But this “messiah” will go into the soon to be rebuilt temple, and sit and proclaim himself to be god. Then and only then will the scales fall off the eyes of every Jew living then and they will realize that this man is not their messiah.
Time is short real Jew. You don’t have to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. God will let you do that. I wish peace for you, His peace. Just because I believe Jesus was/is the Messiah it doesn’t mean I hate you or any Jew. True Christians are Israel’s best friends.
Shalom
Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus Christ
All of these Prophesies were made hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years before Jesus Christ was born. Looking in the face of how He literally fulfilled them all (plus hundreds more), it is an impossibility that He is not the Messiah, i.e., the Savior of the world.
The ONLY person… past, present or future… who could fulfill all these prophecies is Jesus Christ.
Old Testament New Testament
His pre-existence Micah 5:2 John 1:1, 14
Born of the seed of a woman Genesis 3:15 Matthew 1:18
Of the seed of Abraham Genesis 12:3 Matthew 1:1-16
All nations blessed by Abraham’s seed Genesis 12:3 Matthew 8:5, 10
God would provide Himself a Lamb as an offering Genesis 22:8 John 1:29
From the tribe of Judah Genesis 49:10 Matthew 1:1-3
Heir to the throne of David Isaiah 9:6-7 Matthew 1:1
Called “The mighty God, The everlasting Father” Isaiah 9:6 Matthew 1:23
Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 Matthew 2:1
Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18
His name called Immanuel, “God with us” Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:23
Declared to be the Son of God Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:17
His messenger before Him in spirit of Elijah Malachi 4:5-6 Luke 1:17
Preceded by a messenger to prepare His way Malachi 3:1 Matthew 11:7-11
Messenger crying “Prepare ye the way of the Lord” Isaiah 40:3 Matthew 3:3
Would be a Prophet of the children of Israel Deuteronomy 18:15 Matthew 2:15
Called out of Egypt Hosea 11:1 Matthew 2:15
Slaughter of the children Jeremiah 31:15 Matthew2:18
Would be a Nazarene Judges 13:5; Amos 2:11; Lamentations 4:7 Matthew 2:23
Brought light to Zabulon & Nephthalm, Galilee of the Gentiles Isaiah 9:1-2 Matthew 4:15
Presented with gifts Psalm 72:10 Matthew 2:1, 11
Rejected by His own Isaiah 53:3 Matthew 21:42; Mark 8:31, 12:10; Luke 9:22, 17:25
He is the stone which the builders rejected which became the headstone Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 28:16 Matthew 21:42; I Peter 2:7
A stone of stumbling to Israel Isaiah 8:14-15 I Peter 2:8
He entered Jerusalem as a king riding on an donkey Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 21:5
Betrayed by a friend Psalms 41:9 John 13:21
Sold for 30 pieces of silver Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 26:15; Luke 22:5
The 30 pieces of silver given for the potter’s field Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 27:9-10
The 30 pieces of silver thrown in the temple Zechariah 11:13 Matthew 27:5
Forsaken by His disciples Zechariah 13:7 Matthew 26:56
Accused by false witnesses Psalm 35:11 Matthew 26:60
Silent to accusations Isaiah 53:7 Matthew 27:14
Heal blind/deaf/lame/dumb Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 29:18 Matthew 11:5
Preached to the poor/brokenhearted/captives Isaiah 61:1 Matthew 11:5
Came to bring a sword, not peace Micah 7:6 Matthew 10:34-35
He bore our sickness Isaiah 53:4 Matthew 8:16-17
Spat upon, smitten and scourged Isaiah 50:6, 53:5 Matthew 27:26, 30
Smitten on the cheek Micah 5:1 Matthew 27:30
Hated without a cause Psalm 35:19 Matthew 27:23
The sacrificial lamb Isaiah 53:5 John 1:29
Given for a covenant Isaiah 42:6; Jeremiah 31:31-34 Romans 11:27/Galatians 3:17, 4:24/Hebrews 8:6, 8, 10; 10:16, 29; 12:24; 13:20
Would not strive or cry Isaiah 42:2-3 Mark 7:36
People would hear not and see not Isaiah 6:9-10 Matthew 13:14-15
People trust in traditions of men Isaiah 29:13 Matthew 15:9
People give God lip service Isaiah 29:13 Matthew 15:8
God delights in Him Isaiah 42:1 Matthew 3:17, 17:5
Wounded for our sins Isaiah 53:5 John 6:51
He bore the sins of many Isaiah 53:10-12 Mark 10:45
Messiah not killed for Himself Daniel 9:26 Matthew 20:28
Gentiles flock to Him Isaiah 55:5, 60:3, 65:1; Malachi 1:11;II Samuel 22:44-45; Psalm 2:7-8 Matthew 8:10
Crucified with criminals Isaiah 53:12 Matthew 27:35
His body was pierced Zechariah 12:10; Ps. 22:16 John 20:25, 27
Thirsty during execution Psalm 22:16 John 19:28
Given vinegar and gall for thirst Psalm 69:21 Matthew 27:34
Soldiers gambled for his garment Psalm 22:18 Matthew 27:35
People mocked, “He trusted in God, let Him deliver him!” Psalm 22:7-8 Matthew 27:43
People sat there looking at Him Psalm 22:17 Matthew 27:36
Cried, “My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me?” Psalm 22:1 Matthew 27:46
Darkness over the land Amos 8:9 Matthew 27:45
No bones broken Psalm 34:20, Numbers 9:12 John 19:33-36
Side pierced Zechariah 12:10 John 19:34
Buried with the rich Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57, 60
Resurrected from the dead Psalm 16:10-11; 49:15 Mark 16:6
Priest after the order of Melchizedek Psalm 110:4 Hebrews 5:5-6; 6:20; 7:15-17
Ascended to right hand of God Psalm 68:18 Luke 24:51
LORD said unto Him, “Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool Psalm 110:1 Matt 22:44; Mark 12:36;, 16:19; Luke 20:42-43; Acts 2:34-35; Hebrews 1:13
His coming glory Malachi 3:2-3 Luke 3:17
Over 300 Messianic Prophecies
Gen. 3:15…..He will bruise Satan’s head…………….Heb. 2:14, 1 Jn. 3:18
Gen. 9:26,27…The God of Shem will be the Son of Shem…………….Lu. 3:36
Gen. 12:3…As Abraham’s seed, will bless all nations……………….Acts. 3:25,26
Gen. 12:7…The Promise made to Abraham’s Seed……………..Gal. 3:16
Gen. 14:18…A priest after Melchizedek………….Heb. 6:20
Gen. 14:18……..A King also…………..Heb. 7:2
Gen. 14:18…The Last Supper foreshadowed……………Mt. 26:26-29
Gen. 17:19…….The Seed of Isaac……………..Rom. 9:7
Gen. 22:8…The Lamb of God promised………………Jn. 1:29
Gen. 22:18…As Isaac’s seed, will bless all nations…………..Gal. 3:16
Gen.26:2-5..The Seed of Isaac promised as the Redeemer………….Heb.11:18
Gen. 49:10…The time of His coming…………..Lu. 2:1-7; Gal. 4:4
Gen. 49:10…….The Seed of Judah………………Lu. 3:33
Gen. 49:10……Called Shiloh or One Sent…………….Jn. 17:3
Gen. 49:10…To come before Judah lost identity………………Jn. 11:47-52
Gen. 49:10…To Him shall the obedience of the people be……………Jn. 10:16
Ex. 3:13,14……..The Great “I Am”……………Jn. 4:26
Ex. 12:5…A Lamb without blemish……………..1 Pet. 1:19
Ex. 12:13…The blood of the Lamb saves from wrath………………..Rom. 5:8
Ex. 12:21-27…Christ is our Passover…………………1 Cor. 5;7
Ex. 12:46…Not a bone of the Lamb to be broken……………….Jn. 19:31-36
Ex. 15:2…His exaltation predicted as Yeshua………………..Acts 7:55,56
Ex. 15:11…His Character-Holiness……………Luke 1:35; Acts 4:27
Ex. 17:6…The Spiritual Rock of Israel……………….1 Cor. 10;4
Ex. 33:19…His Character-Merciful……………Lu. 1:72
Lev.14:11..The leper cleansed-Sign to priesthood………………Lu.5:12-14; Acts 6:7
Lev.16:15-17…Prefigures Christ’s once-for-all death…………….Heb. 9:7-14
Lev.16:27…Suffering outside the Camp…………….Mt. 27:33; Heb. 13:11, 12
Lev.17:11…The Blood-the life of the flesh……………Mt. 26;28; Mk. 10:45
Lev.17:11…It is the blood that makes atonement……………1 Jn. 3:14-18
Lev.23:36-37…The Drink-offering: “If any man thirst.” …………….Jn. 19:31-36
Num. 9:12…Not a bone of Him broken……………….John 19:31-36
Num. 21:9…The serpent on a pole-Christ lifted up………………Jn. 3:14-18
Num. 24:17…Time: “I shall see him, but not now.”………………Gal. 4:4
Deut. 18:15…”This is of a truth that prophet.”………………Jn. 6:14
Deut. 18:15-16…”Had ye believed Moses, ye would believe me.”…………….Jn. 5:45-47
Deut. 18:18…Sent by the Father to speak His word……………….Jn. 8:28, 29
Deut. 18:19…Whoever will not hear must bear his sin………………Jn. 12:15,
Deut. 21:23…Cursed is he that hangs on a tree……………..Gal. 3:10-13
Ruth 4:4-9…Christ, our kinsman, has redeemed us…………Eph. 1:3-7
1 Sam. 2:10…Shall be an anointed King to the Lord…………Mt. 28:18; Jn. 12:15
2 Sam. 7:12…David’s Seed…………..Mt. 1:1
2 Sam. 7:14a…The Son of God……………. Lu. 1:32
2 Sam. 7:16…David’s house established forever…………………Lu. 3:31; Rev. 22:16
2 Ki. 2:11…The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated………………..Lu. 24:51
1 Chr. 17:11…David’s Seed………….Mt. 1:1; 9:27
1 Chr. 17:12, 13a…To reign on David’s throne forever…………..Lu. 1:32, 33
1 Chr. 17:13a…”I will be His Father, He…my Son.”……………Heb. 1:5
Job 19:23-27…The Resurrection predicted…………..Jn. 5:24-29
Psa. 2:1-3…The enmity of kings foreordained…………….Acts 4:25-28
Psa. 2:2…To own the title, Anointed (Christ)…………….Acts 2:36
Ps. 2:6…His Character-Holiness………….Jn. 8:46; Rev. 3:7
Ps. 2:6…To own the title King……………….Mt. 2:2
Ps. 2:7…Declared the Beloved Son……………..Mt. 3;17
Psa. 2:7, 8…The Crucifixion and Resurrection intimated……………..Acts 13:29-33
Psa. 2:12…Life comes through faith in Him………………Jn. 20:31
Psa. 8:2…The mouths of babes perfect His praise…………..Mt. 21:16
Psa. 8:5, 6…His humiliation and exaltation…………..Lu. 24:50-53; 1 Cor. 15:27
Psa. 16:10…Was not to see corruption………….Acts 2:31
Psa. 16:9-11…Was to arise from the dead………………Jn. 20:9
Psa. 17;15…The resurrection predicted…………………Lu. 24:6
Psa. 22:1…Forsaken because of sins of others………………2 Cor. 5:21
Psa. 22:1…Words spoken from Calvary, “My God.”……………. Mk. 15:34
Psa. 22:2…Darkness upon Calvary………………….Mt. 27:45
Psa. 22:7…They shoot out the lip and shake the head…………………Mt. 27:39
Psa. 22:8..”He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him”…………….Mt. 27:43
Psa. 22:9……Born the Saviour……………………..Lu. 2:7
Psa. 22:14…Died of a broken (ruptured)heart………………….Jn. 19:34
Psa. 22:14,15…Suffered agony on Calvary…Mk. 15:34-37
Psa. 22:15……..He thirsted……..Jn. 19:28
Psa. 22:16…They pierced His hands and His feet………………….Jn. 19:34,37;20:27
Psa. 22:17,18…Stripped Him before the stares of men………………Lu. 23:34,35
Psa. 22:18…..They parted His garments………………..Jn. 19:23,24
Psa. 22:20,21…He committed Himself to God………………..Lu.23:46
Psa. 22:20,21..Satanic power bruising the Redeemer’s heel……………..Heb. 2:14
Psa. 22:22…..His Resurrection declared………………..Jn. 20:17
Psa. 22:27…He shall be the governor of the nations……………….Col 1:16
Psa. 22:31……”It is finished”…………………Jn. 19:30
Psa. 23:1….”I am the Good Shephard”……………….Jn. 10:11
Psa. 24:3……His exaltation predicted………………..Acts 1:11; Phil. 2:9
Psa. 30:3……His resurrection predicted………………….Acts 2:32
Psa. 31:5…”Into thy hands I commit my spirit”………………..Lu. 23:46
Psa. 31:11…His acquaintances fled from Him…………………Mk. 14:50
Psa. 31:13…They took counsel to put Him to death…………………..Jn. 11:53
Psa. 31:14,15…” He trusted in God, let Him deliver him”…………………..Mt. 27:43
Psa. 34:20…..Not a bone of Him broken………………….Jn 19:31-36
Psa. 35:11….False witnesses rose up against Him…………………Mt. 26:59
Psa. 35:19…He was hated without a cause……………….Jn. 15:25
Psa. 38:11…..His friends stood afar off……………….Lu. 23:49
Psa. 40:2-5…The joy of His resurrection predicted…………………..Jn. 20:20
Psa. 40:6-8….His delight-the will of the Father………………..Jn. 4:34
Psa. 40:9….He was to preach the Righteousness in Israel…………….Mt. 4:17
Psa. 40:14…Confronted by adversaries in the Garden…………………Jn. 18:4-6
Psa. 41:9…..Betrayed by a familiar friend………………Jn. 13:18
Psa. 45:2…Words of Grace come from His lips……………….Lu. 4:22
Psa. 45:6…To own the title, God or Elohim……………….Heb. 1:8
Psa. 45:7…A special anointing by the Holy Spirit…………….Mt.3:16; Heb.1:9
Psa. 45:7,8…Called the Christ (Messiah or Anointed)………………..Lu. 2:11
Psa. 55:12-14…Betrayed by a friend, not an enemy………………Jn. 13:18
Psa. 55:15…Unrepentant death of the Betrayer………………..Mt. 27:3-5; Acts 1:16-19
Psa. 68:18…To give gifts to men…………………Eph. 4:7-16
Psa. 68:18…Ascended into Heaven…………………..Lu. 24:51
Psa. 69:4…Hated without a cause……………….Jn. 15:25
Psa. 69:8…A stranger to own brethren……………….Lu. 8;20,21
Psa. 69:9…Zealous for the Lord’s House……………….Jn. 2:17
Psa. 69:14-20…Messiah’s anguish of soul before crucifixion………………..Mt. 26:36-45
Psa. 69:20…”My soul is exceeding sorrowful.”…………………..Mt. 26:38
Psa. 69:21…Given vinegar in thirst…………….Mt. 27:34
Psa. 69:26…The Saviour given and smitten by God…………..Jn. 17:4; 18:11
Psa. 72:10,11…Great persons were to visit Him………………….Mt. 2:1-11
Psa. 72:16…The corn of wheat to fall into the Ground…………………Jn. 12:24
Psa. 72:17…His name, Yinon, will produce offspring…………………..Jn. 1:12,13
Psa. 72:17…All nations shall be blessed by Him………………………….Acts 2:11,12,41
Psa. 78:1.2…He would teach in parables……………………..Mt. 13:34-35
Psa. 78:2b…To speak the Wisdom of God with authority………………..Mt. 7:29
Psa. 88:8…They stood afar off and watched………………..Lu. 23:49
Psa. 89:27…Emmanuel to be higher than earthly kings……………..Lu. 1:32,33
Psa. 89:35-37…David’s Seed, throne, kingdom endure forever………………Lu. 1:32,33
Psa. 89:36-37…His character-Faithfulness………………….Rev. 1:5
Psa. 90:2…He is from everlasting (Micah 5:2)……………….Jn. 1:1
Psa. 91:11,12…Identified as Messianic; used to tempt Christ………………….Lu. 4;10,11
Psa. 97:9…His exaltation predicted………………….Acts 1:11;Eph. 1:20
Psa. 100:5…His character-Goodness…………………Mt. 19:16,17
Psa. 102:1-11…The Suffering and Reproach of Calvary…………………Jn. 21:16-30
Psa. 102:25-27…Messiah is the Preexistent Son………………….Heb. 1:10-12
Psa. 109:25…Ridiculed………………….Mt. 27:39
Psa. 110:1…Son of David………………….Mt. 22:43
Psa. 110:1…To ascend to the right-hand of the Father……………………Mk.16:19
Psa. 110:1…David’s son called Lord…………………..Mt. 22:44,45
Psa. 110:4…A priest after Melchizedek’s order………………..Heb. 6:20
Psa. 112:4…His character-Compassionate, Gracious, et al……………….. Mt. 9;36
Psa. 118:17,18…Messiah’s Resurrection assured……………………….Lu. 24:5-7;1 Cor. 15:20
Psa. 118:22,23…The rejected stone is Head of the corner……………….Mt. 21:42,43
Psa. 118:26a…The Blessed One presented to Israel……………………..Mt. 21:9
Psa. 118:26b…To come while Temple standing……………………Mt. 21;12-15
Psa. 132:11…The Seed of David(the fruit of His Body)…………………….Lu. 1:32
Psa. 138:1-6…The supremacy of David’s Seed amazes kings……………… Mt. 2:2-6
Psa. 147:3,6…The earthly ministry of Christ described………………………Lu. 4:18
Psa. 1:23…He will send the Spirit of God………………….. Jn. 16;7
Song. 5;16…The altogether lovely One……………………..Jn. 1:17
Isa. 6:1…When Isaiah saw His glory……………………… Jn. 12:40-41
Isa. 6:9-10…Parables fall on deaf ears……………………Mt. 13:13-15
Isa. 6:9-12…Blinded to Christ and deaf to His words…………………Acts. 28:23-29
Isa. 7:14…To be born of a virgin……………………….Lu. 1:35
Isa. 7:14…To be Emmanuel-God with us…………………. Mt. 1:18-23
Isa. 8:8…Called Emmanuel……………………….Mt. 28:20
Isa. 8:14…A stone of stumbling, a Rock of offense…………………… 1 Pet. 2:8
Isa. 9:1,2…His ministry to begin in Galilee…………………..Mt. 4:12-17
Isa. 9:6…A child born-Humanity………………….Lu. 1:31
Isa. 9:6…A Son given-Deity………………………….Lu. 1:32; Jn. 1;14; 1 Tim. 3:16
Isa. 9:6…Declared to be the Son of God with power………………….. Rom. 1:3,4
Isa. 9:6…The Wonderful One, Peleh…………………….Lu. 4:22
Isa. 9:6…The Counsellor, Yaatz…………………..Mt. 13:54
Isa. 9:6…The Mighty God, El Gibor………………..Mt. 11:20
Isa. 9:6…The Everlasting Father, Avi Adth………………..Jn. 8:58
Isa. 9:6…The Prince of Peace, Sar Shalom………………..Jn . 16:33
Isa. 9:7…To establish an everlasting kingdom………………..Lu. 1:32-33
Isa. 9:7…His Character-Just…………………Jn. 5:30
Isa. 9:7…No end to his Government, Throne, and Peace……………….Lu. 1:32-33
Isa. 11:1…Called a Nazarene-the Branch, Netzer……………..Mt. 2:23
Isa. 11:1…A rod out of Jesse-Son of Jesse……………..Lu. 3:23,32
Isa. 11:2…The anointed One by the Spirit…………….Mt. 3;16,17
Isa. 11:2…His Character-Wisdom, Understanding, et al……………….Jn. 4:4-26
Isa. 11:4…His Character-Truth……………Jn. 14:6
Isa. 11:10…The Gentiles seek Him………………..Jn. 12:18-21
Isa. 12:2…Called Jesus-Yeshua………………Mt. 1:21
Isa. 25:8…The Resurrection predicted…………….I Cor. 15:54
Isa. 26:19…His power of Resurrection predicted…………………..Jn. 11:43,44
Isa. 28:16…The Messiah is the precious corner stone…………………Acts 4:11,12
Isa. 29:13…He indicated hypocritical obedience to His Word……………Mt. 15:7-9
Isa. 29:14…The wise are confounded by the Word…………………………I Cor. 1:18-31
Isa. 32:2…A Refuge-A man shall be a hiding place……………….Mt. 23:37
Isa. 35:4…He will come and save you………………….Mt. 1:21
Isa. 35:5…To have a ministry of miracles…………………..Mt. 11:4-6
Isa. 40:3,4…Preceded by forerunner………………….Jn. 1:23
Isa. 40:9…”Behold your God.”…………………..Jn. 1:36;19:14
Isa. 40:11…A shepherd-compassionatelife-giver…………….Jn. 10:10-18
Isa. 42:1-4…The Servant-as a faithful, patient redeemer………………. Mt.12:18-21
Isa. 42:2…Meek and lowly……………… Mt. 11:28-30
Isa. 42:3…He brings hope for the hopeless………….. Jn. 4
Isa. 42:4…The nations shall wait on His teachings………………. Jn. 12:20-26
Isa. 42:6…The Light (salvation) of the Gentiles…………………..Lu. 2:32
Isa. 42:1,6…His is a Worldwide compassion……………. Mt. 28:19,20
Isa. 42:7…Blind eyes opened…………………….. Jn. 9:25-38
Isa. 43:11…He is the only Saviour……………… Acts. 4:12
Isa. 44:3…He will send the Spirit of God…………………. Jn. 16:7,13
Isa. 45:23…He will be the Judge………………. Jn. 5:22;Rom. 14:11
Isa. 48:12…The First and the Last………………..Jn. 1:30;Rev. 1:8,17
Isa. 48:17…He came as a Teacher……………….Jn. 3:2
Isa. 49:1…Called from the womb-His humanity……………….Mt. 1:18
Isa. 49:5…A Servant from the womb………………Lu. 1:31;Phil. 2:7
Isa. 49:6…He is Salvation for Israel…………………Lu. 2:29-32
Isa. 49:6…He is the Light of the Gentiles………………Acts 13:47
Isa. 49:6…He is Salvation unto the ends of the earth………………….. Acts 15:7-18
Isa. 49:7…He is despised of the Nation……………….. Jn. 8:48-49
Isa. 50:3…Heaven is clothed in black at His humiliation………………….. Lu. 23:44,45
Isa. 50:4…He is a learned counsellor for the weary………………… Mt. 11:28,29
Isa. 50:5…The Servant bound willingly to obedience………………….. Mt. 26:39
Isa. 50:6a…”I gave my back to the smiters.”……………………. Mt. 27:26
Isa. 50:6b…He was smitten on the cheeks………………………… Mt. 26:67
Isa. 50:6c…He was spat upon…………………….. Mt. 27:30
Isa. 52:7…To publish good tidings of peace………………… Lu. 4:14,15
Isa. 52:13…The Servant exalted……………………..Acts 1:8-11; Eph. 1:19-22
Isa. 52:13…Behold, My Servant………………………… Mt. 17:5; Phil. 2:5-8
Isa. 52:14…The Servant shockingly abused………………….. Lu. 18:31-34; Mt. 26:67,68
Isa. 52:15…Nations startled by message of the Servant…………………… Rom. 15:18-21
Isa. 52:15…His blood shed to make atonement for all……………. Rev. 1:5
Isa. 53:1…His people would not believe Him……………………….. Jn. 12:37-38
Isa. 53:2a…He would grow up in a poor family…………………… Lu. 2:7
Isa. 53:2b…Appearance of an ordinary man… Phil. 2:7-8
Isa. 53:3a…Despised…………………….. Lu. 4:28-29
Isa. 53:3b…Rejected……………………… Mt. 27:21-23
Isa. 53:3c…Great sorrow and grief……………… Lu. 19:41-42
Isa. 53:3d…Men hide from being associated with Him……………………. Mk. 14:50-52
Isa. 53:4a…He would have a healing ministry…………………. Lu. 6:17-19
Isa. 53:4b…He would bear the sins of the world…………………….. 1 Pet. 2:24
Isa. 53:4c…Thought to be cursed by God…………………… Mt. 27:41-43
Isa. 53:5a…Bears penalty for mankind’s transgressions……………. Lu. 23:33
Isa. 53:5b…His sacrifice would provide peace between man and God………….. Col. 1:20
Isa. 53:5c…His back would be whipped………………………. Mt. 27:26
Isa. 53:6a…He would be the sin-bearer for all mankind…………………..Gal. 1:4
Isa. 53:6b…God’s will that He bear sin for all mankind…………………. 1 Jn. 4:10
Isa. 53:7a…Oppressed and afflicted…………………………… Mt. 27:27-31
Isa. 53:7b…Silent before his accusers…………………… Mt. 27:12-14
Isa. 53:7c…Sacrificial lamb………………………… Jn. 1:29
Isa. 53:8a…Confined and persecuted…………………… Mt. 26:47-27:31
Isa. 53:8b…He would be judged…………………………………. Jn. 18:13-22
Isa. 53:8c…Killed……………………… Mt. 27:35
Isa. 53:8d…Dies for the sins of the world……………………. 1 Jn. 2:2
Isa. 53:9a…Buried in a rich man’s grave……………………. Mt. 27:57
Isa. 53:9b…Innocent and had done no violence…………………… Mk. 15:3
Isa. 53:9c…No deceit in his mouth……………………. Jn. 18:38
Isa. 53:10a…God’s will that He die for mankind………………….. Jn. 18:11
Isa. 53:10b…An offering for sin…………………….. Mt. 20:28
Isa. 53:10c…Resurrected and live forever………………. Mk. 16:16
Isa. 53:10d…He would prosper…………………… Jn. 17:1-5
Isa. 53:11a…God fully satisfied with His suffering… Jn. 12:27
Isa. 53:11b…God’s servant……………… Rom. 5:18-19
Isa. 53:11c…He would justify man before God…………………. Rom. 5:8-9
Isa. 53:11d…The sin-bearer for all mankind………………….. Heb. 9:28
Isa. 53:12a…Exalted by God because of his sacrifice…………………. Mt. 28:18
Isa. 53:12b…He would give up his life to save mankind………………… Lu. 23:46
Isa. 53:12c…Grouped with criminals……………….. Lu. 23:32
Isa. 53:12d…Sin-bearer for all mankind……………. 2 Cor. 5:21
Isa. 53:12e…Intercede to God in behalf of mankind………………… Lu. 23:34
Isa. 55:3…Resurrected by God………………… Acts 13:34
Isa. 55:4…A witness………………… Jn. 18:37
Isa. 59:15-16a…He would come to provide salvation………….. Jn. 6:40
Isa. 59:15-16b…Intercessor between man and God……………. Mt. 10:32
Isa. 59:20…He would come to Zion as their Redeemer…………………. Lu. 2:38
Isa. 61:1-2a…The Spirit of God upon him……………. Mt. 3:16-17
Isa. 61:1-2b…The Messiah would preach the good news………………. Lu. 4:17-21
Isa. 61:1-2c…Provide freedom from the bondage of sin and death………… Jn. 8:31-32
Isa. 61:1-2…Proclaim a period of grace……………….. Jn. 5:24
Jer.23:5-6a…Descendant of David………………..Lu. 3:23-31
Jer. 23:5-6b…The Messiah would be God……………… Jn. 13:13
Jer. 23:5-6c…The Messiah would be both God and Man…………………….. 1 Tim. 3:16
Jer. 31:22…Born of a virgin…………………… Mt. 1:18-20
Jer. 31:31…The Messiah would be the new covenant……………………….. Mt. 26:28
Jer. 33:14-15…Descendant of David………………….. Lu. 3:23-31
Eze.17:22-24…Descendant of David…………………… Lk. 3:23-31
Eze.34:23-24…Descendant of David……………………. Mt. 1:1
Dan. 7:13-14a…He would ascend into heaven……………………………. Acts 1:9-11
Dan. 7:13-14b…Highly exalted…………………… Eph. 1:20-22
Dan. 7:13-14c…His dominion would be everlasting………………. Lu. 1:31-33
Dan. 9:24a…To make an end to sins……………………… Gal. 1:3-5
Dan. 9:24b…He would be holy…………………… Lu. 1:35
Dan. 9:25…Announced to his people 483 years, to the exact day, after the decree to rebuild the city of Jerusalem………………….. Jn. 12:12-13
Dan. 9:26a…Killed…………….. Mt. 27:35
Dan. 9:26b…Die for the sins of the world……………………. Heb. 2:9
Dan. 9:26c…Killed before the destruction of the temple………………. Mt. 27:50-51
Dan. 10:5-6…Messiah in a glorified state…………………….. Rev. 1:13-16
Hos. 13:14…He would defeat death…………………….. 1 Cor. 15:55-57
Joel 2:32…Offer salvation to all mankind…………….. Rom. 10:12-13
Mic. 5:2a…Born in Bethlehem…………………… Mt. 2:1-2
Mic. 5:2b…God’s servant……………………… Jn. 15:10
Mic. 5:2c…From everlasting……………………. Jn. 8:58
Hag. 2:6-9…He would visit the second Temple…………….. Lu. 2:27-32
Hag. 2:23…Descendant of Zerubbabel……………. Lu. 3:23-27
Zech. 3:8…God’s servant………………… Jn. 17:4
Zech. 6:12-13…Priest and King……………………. Heb. 8:1
Zech. 9:9a…Greeted with rejoicing in Jerusalem……………………. Mt. 21:8-10
Zech. 9:9b…Beheld as King………………. Jn. 12:12-13
Zech. 9:9c…The Messiah would be just………….. Jn. 5:30
Zech. 9:9d…The Messiah would bring salvation……………….. Luke 19:10
Zech. 9:9e…The Messiah would be humble……………….. Mt. 11:29
Zech. 9:9f…Presented to Jerusalem riding on a donkey…………….. Mt. 21:6-9
Zech. 10:4…The cornerstone……………… Eph. 2:20
Zech. 11:4-6a…At His coming, Israel to have unfit leaders……………… Mt. 23:1-4
Zech. 11:4-6b…Rejection causes God to remove His protection……………… Lu. 19:41-44
Zech. 11:4-6c…Rejected in favor of another king………………. Jn. 19:13-15
Zech. 11:7…Ministry to “poor,” the believing remnant……………… Mt. 9:35-36
Zech. 11:8a…Unbelief forces Messiah to reject them………………… Mt. 23:33
Zech. 11:8b…Despised…………………. Mt. 27:20
Zech. 11:9…Stops ministering to the those who rejected Him…………….. Mt. 13:10-11
Zech. 11:10-11a…Rejection causes God to remove protection…………………… Lu. 19:41-44
Zech. 11:10-11b…The Messiah would be God……………….. Jn. 14:7
Zech. 11:12-13a…Betrayed for thirty pieces of silver………………… Mt. 26:14-15
Zech. 11:12-13b…Rejected………………….. Mt. 26:14-15
Zech. 11:12-13c…Thirty pieces of silver thrown into the house of the Lord……………… Mt. 27:3-5
Zech. 11:12-13d…The Messiah would be God………………………. Jn. 12:45
Zech. 12:10a…The Messiah’s body would be pierced……………… Jn. 19:34-37
Zech. 12:10b…The Messiah would be both God and man………………….. Jn. 10:30
Zech. 12:10c…The Messiah would be rejected…………………… Jn. 1:11
Zech. 13:7a…God’s will He die for mankind……………….. Jn. 18:11
Zech. 13:7b…A violent death………………… Mt. 27:35
Zech. 13:7c…Both God and man……………… Jn. 14:9
Zech. 13:7d…Israel scattered as a result of rejecting Him…………………. Mt. 26:31-56
Mal. 3:1a…Messenger to prepare the way for Messiah………………….. Mt. 11:10
Mal. 3:1b…Sudden appearance at the temple……………….. Mk. 11:15-16
Mal. 3:1c…Messenger of the new covenant…………………. Lu. 4:43
Mal. 4:5…Forerunner in the spirit of Elijah………………… Mt. 3:1-2
Mal. 4:6…Forerunner would turn many to righteousness………………. Lu. 1:16-17
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The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Matthew 1
1. The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
3. And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
4. And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
5. And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
6. And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
7. And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
8. And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
9. And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
10. And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
11. And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
12. And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
13. And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
14. And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
15. And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
16. And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
17. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations
Real Jew wrote:
None of those thing point to Jesus, that’s just missionary propaganda. The Messiah would not be born of a “virgin” or be three g-ds in one, that is pagan mythology. The vast majority of Jews didn’t accept Jesus while he was around over 2000 years ago and we have no reason to accept him today.
Dear Real Jew
You will find out one day very soon that the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob is the same God we follow. You will find out one day and very soon that Jesus Christ the Lamb who was crucified who’s shed blood washes away away your sins (who replaced the Levitical sacrifices of the Old Testament) He will return soon and you will see Him face to face. Soon dear Real Jew Israel is going to be in the grips of a 7 year Peace Treaty (just follow the news, it’s happening right now) – the bible calls this the ‘time of Jacob’s trouble’ in other words the start of the Tribulation, where Israel will see a man come to them who brings them peace and they will believe he is their Messiah, but he is not, he is Satan, the antichirst – he is there to destroy Israel.
You are going to see miracles start to happen Dear Real Jew, God’s hand is over Israel and He sends Moses and Elijah to earth to preach to people like you Dear Real Jew, to tell you that the Jesus Christ that you reject is in FACT God’s son and the real Messiah who will return soon (within a few years). Jewish people will be prophesying, and having dreams and visions (Joel 2) all pointing to Jesus Christ.
You can deny Jesus now dear Real Jew, but you WILL see Him soon, no matter what you believe, think, or say.
Please explain these verses to us
Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
Genesis 11:7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.
If you need to go and investigate your Torah please do.
Evidence through reliable witnesses both Jews and Gentiles and men of absolute integrity witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ…to even think that these writers would conspire to create something that would lead millions astray borders on insanity. Jesus spoke words that ring true into the very depths of man’s biggest problem and curse…his wickedness and sinful nature.
Peter,Matthew and John were Jews and so was Saul (Paul of Tarsus).
Paul wrote ;
“If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
It is insane and unthinkable to even think that a man of Paul’s education and priviledge in Jewish standing and order of his day to embark on a course that led to severe hardship, persecution and eventful execution because of his conversion.
If it was not radicle and life changing would any sane man do this…evidence supports it was genuine.
Deborah (Discerning the World) wrote:
B.S. all of it. Read this website and learn the truth:
http://www.outreachjudaism.org
Real Jew
Why do you swear so much? What does God say about it? Don’t you have conscience?
Matthew 12:34 “…for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
Deborah (Discerning the World) wrote:
Deborah- All I have to say is:”You go girl”! and most of all:AMEN!! Jackie Alnor and those at “Rapture Ready” are all WOLVES in Wolve’s fur!! You have a fervor and LOVE for our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and His Word that would make Paul and the other Apostles PROUD!
ANYONE who comes against you unrighteously will be dealt with by God!”Be not deceived, God is not mocked.Whatsoever a man sows, this also shall he reap.” A wise man or woman would NEVER DARE “Mock” any person whose first love is Jesus Christ and His Word!
It is the LAST of the Last Days, and the evil in this world is growing stronger,as is to be expected. However, just because we can expect it, doesn’t make it any easier to contend for the faith!
On the other hand, we are sharpened and strengthened in our faith in Jesus Christ the MOST, when we are being persecuted.It’s kind of a paradox, but nonetheless TRUE! I have debilitating illness which makes life a pure misery at times, but then I remember Paul’s “Thorn in the flesh”, and how it made HIM depend upon the Grace and strength of our Lord, because GOD’S grace is perfected in OUR weakness!
The Philadelphia Church in Revelation has “a little strength”, but “little is MUCH when God is in it”, as that beautiful hymn tells us.
Jacob Prasch and all your other critics can “take it up with God”. They’ll LOSE, of course-lol. God bless you and make His face to shine upon you is my prayer for you, my dear Sister!(((Deborah)))Love in Christ Jesus,Sherry