Our Saviour IS the Greatest Teacher in ALL History!

Please Read this FIRST: On this site we prefer to use the actual Name of our loving Heavenly Father as it was written in the Word, and thus you will note that we will use the Four Letter “Memorial Name” of   - YHVH, which is pronounced as YaHVaH or YaHWaH. In addition we will also use our Heavenly Father’s attribute/title, which is Elohim rather than “God,” which sadly is the name of a pagan god. In addition we also love to use the actual and real Name of our beloved Messiah which is  - Yahushua or Yahshua in short, for this is our Saviour’s original Hebrew Name as given to Him at birth in Lukas - Luke 1:31. This was the only Name ever used when He was on the earth by His family, the Apostles and His followers over the centuries! However, it was changed to a foreign name by the founder of the new “pagan church of Rome.” Occasionally, we may also use other Hebrew or Greek names and some words in our studies, as some words generally used are from a pagan background and thus are not suitable. All names will be translated when they are FIRST used in a study or at various times as needed for clarity. There is a full explanation of YHVH’s blessed “Memorial Name” as well as the wonderful blessed Name of our Messiah and Saviour, thus please read … “The Memorial Name.”

 

Note: The Scriptures clearly shows us that He taught us directly from the blessed

Old Covenant, for the New Covenant would be obviously written much later!

The Greatest Teacher

Study ~ Part Two

In Study One, I covered the reason why our blessed Saviour Yahushua was indeed the greatest “Moreh” Hebrew for “Teacher” who ever lived, but He was so much more than that, for He was “One” (Hebrew: “Echad”) with the Father and all His teachings were truth!

Beloved, His mission was to instruct everyone that they “may know and believe Him and understand” Who YaHVaH Elohim is, blessed be His Sanctified Name, and His main message was that Elohim the Father really loves us and desires to have us return again to Him, if we have lost our way. One of the unique things was, that Yahushua taught whilst He walked throughout Judea and Jerusalem with His Apostles and taught His people, He also taught whilst He was in a boat as well as from a hillside, as well as in the Temple where He gave Studies from the “Tanach” - “Old Covenant,” remember there was no New Covenant until very much later!

Our Messiah and beloved Saviour certainly gave us all countless wonderful and blessed teachings and at times He would use a story or a parable. Frequently there were those who had questions regarding what Yahushua had said on many topics and even to this day there are still many who have the very same questions and I pray that in this study I will be able to cover many of these!

Beloved, I will cover the majority of these questions under a number of different headings and I pray that they will provide answers to all these vital questions.

Just for Interest, if you have not read Study One I suggest you read it first!

Teachings About the Kingdom Of YHVH:

As we read the Gospels I am sure that we will have noted how often the statement, “the Kingdom of Elohim (God)” or “The Kingdom of heaven” occurs. There are a good number of parables that Yahushua gave, that are known and called the “Kingdom Parables.” The idea of a Kingdom was in regard of a future rule of YHVH Elohim, blessed be His Sanctified Name, and over His people rather than it being a physical realm. Elohim’s Kingdom will consist of relationships between its members and the King and it also means that the Kingdom will not be expressed in an institutional term.

However, there is certainly one problem with the Kingdom teachings that we should face and that is; its timing. There are certain statements that tend to imply that the Kingdom is already present, yet others state clearly that it will not come until the future.

“Now when He (Yahushua) was asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of Elohim would come, He answered them and said, ‘The Kingdom of Elohim does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the Kingdom of Elohim is within you." Lukas - Luke 17:21.

Considering that both the present and future aspects of “The Kingdom” are found in the Gospels, there are obvious explanations for both being used, but in very different contexts and below are two explanations.

1 - The Present Kingdom:

As has been shown from the verse shown above, being Lukas - Luke 17:21, the Kingdom was a typical theme of the Pharisees who asked Yahushua when it would come. The truth was that they were looking for a Messiah to establish a political government in order to overthrow the Romans. Therefore Yahushua’s answer was that “the Kingdom of Elohim is within you.” For indeed, their Saviour and Messiah was present and He would later usher in the Kingdom of YHVH Elohim, but right now all who were believers in Him lived in peace and were part of His Kingdom! We read in the Scriptures that as evidence that the Kingdom had arrived evil spirits were exorcised.

“But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of Elohim, then the Kingdom of Elohim has come upon you.” Mattityahu - Matthew 12:28.

“But if I cast out demons with the finger of Elohim, surely the Kingdom of Elohim has come upon you.” Lukas - Luke 11:20.

In addition, Yahushua mentioned that “the Kingdom had been forcefully advancing, but not by revolutionary methods. But, there was also something dynamic that was occurring. This idea of dynamic power is one of the most characteristic features of the Kingdom. Yahushua spoke of binding the strong, armed man in Luke chapter 11, which shows that in His Ministry He expected to give a powerful demonstration against the forces of darkness.

“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace.  But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armour in which he trusted, and divides his spoils. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” Lukas - Luke 11:21-23.

It is evident that the Kingdom Yahushua proclaimed, be it present or future was a Kingdom in which YHVH Elohim, blessed be His Sanctified Name, was supreme. The Kingdom was part of His mission, in which Elohim was bringing spiritual deliverance to His people. Moreover, the Kingdom teachings of Yahushua are part of the total message. No part of that message can be separated from any other part without distorting the whole!

2 - The Future Kingdom:

Within the wonderful and blessed parables we discover the clearest teachings on the future aspect of the Kingdom of Elohim as found Mattityahu – Matthew chapter 13, where we find that blessed parable of the Wheat and the Tares!  This is truly a fascinating parable, but sadly far too many tend to lose its powerful and comprehensive meaning that it contains! Thus lets us look at it a little closer;

24 “Another parable He (Yahushua) put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man (Yahushua) who sowed good seed in his ---------field; 

25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 

26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 

27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 

28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, 'Do you want us then to go and gather them up?' 

29 But he (Yahushua) said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares (the sinners – the evil ones) you also uproot the wheat (faithful) with them. 

30 Let both grow together until the harvest and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them ----in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn (the Kingdom of Elohim).’” Mattityahu - Matthew 13:24-30.

It is obvious that the wheat represents the faithful in Yahushua and the tares are those who are the evil ones. Yet the servants are instructed to let both grow together, for the truth is that whilst young and growing they look alike and they may destroy the wrong item. But the point comes at the time of the Harvest, which is represented by the last of the Seven Feasts of YHVH, being the Succoth or Feasts of Tabernacles, which represents the Millennium Reign of Yahushua, and at the end there is the eighth day, that prophetically is the New heaven and the New Earth that comes with a New Jerusalem, etc and The Kingdom of Elohim and Yahushua will sit on the throne of Dovid - David, and the faithful will live with Him forever! However, before this at the Judgement throne the sinners will be judged and will endure the second death, which is symbolised by the bundles being burned! But this parable points very much to the Kingdom of Elohim at the end of time and when the New Heaven and Earth come!

“And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Mattityahu - Matthew 24:31.

As we have read from the blessed Word, Yahushua clearly describes future events of His Coming, for there He will be heralded by a trumpet call!

And what we have also learned from the wheat and tares parable is that the tares will be destroyed only after the wheat is harvested and taken in the Kingdom of Elohim. The members of the Kingdom are all who heard, believed and understood the Word regarding the Kingdom, but above all repented from their sins and follow the commandments of Elohim just as Yahushua commanded in Mattityahu - Matthew chapter 19;

“But if you want to enter into life keep the commandments.” Mattityahu - Matthew 19:17.

“He who has My commandments and keeps them is he who loves Me.” Yochanan - John 14:21.

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.” Yochanan - John 15:10.

It is vital to understand, as I have stated earlier in Part One, that there was no “Brit Chadashah,” being Hebrew for New Covenant, thus there was only the Tanach which the children of Israel and Judah lived by, and the faithful Hebrews upheld the Commandments as given by YHVH Elohim not just those given at Mt Sinai and later, but also those given much earlier for laws such as kosher foods, the keeping of the Sabbath on the Seventh Day and many other laws were given from creation onwards. Remember that even Noach knew which animals were” clean and unclean”

Beloved always remember that there are just two kinds of people in the world: those that are saved and hose that are unsaved. Thus there are members of the Kingdom of Elohim and those who have made their pact in one way or another with him who is … “the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world.” Revelation 12:9.

Teachings Regarding our Saviours Death:

Now we come to an important part of Yahushua’s teachings relating to His advising the people that the Kingdom must be linked with His death. Therefore, did Yahushua see His death as a key part of His mission? Amazingly, there have been those who have claimed that He ended His life being disillusioned and had a kind of death wish. Of course that ideology is completely erroneous and an idea infused by the devil! Yahushua’s death was never a distraction from His mission, for indeed this was the very reason He came to the earth to save mankind and our beloved Saviour was well aware that the details of His life were a fulfilment of Scripture. Thus below we will look at a range of teachings that will reveal ….

“The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” … “But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.’” Mattityahu - Matthew 26:24 & 56.

Comment: As we can see there is an obvious statement of betrayal, speaking of Yehudah - Judas, and that it would have been better than if he had not been born. However one could well think, but someone would have to be there to do this one of the horrible deeds in history, and it just happened to be one of His very own twelve, which made it so much worse of course!

“Then He (Messiah) answered and told them, ‘Indeed, Eliyahu - Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt?” Markus - Mark 9:12.

Shime’on - Peter said, ‘See, we have left all and followed You. So He (Yahushua) said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of Elohim, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.’ Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.’” Lukas - Luke 18:28-31.

“Then He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe regarding all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.” Lukas - Luke 24:25-27.

Then after our blessed Saviour had been nailed to the Stake or a Tree He gave His Life, shedding His precious Blood in order that all who would believe and repent and follow His Law and ways would be forgiven and live with Him and the Father eternally! However, after three days and three nights in the tomb, Yahushua was risen by the Father and soon He appeared in the room with the Apostles;

“Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moshe - Moses and the Prophets and the Tehillim - Psalms concerning Me.’ And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” Lukas - Luke 24:44-45.

Therefore, the truth is that suffering of the Messiah is a subject that can be found innumerable times in the Tanach - the Old Covenant prophecies. And as Yahushua clearly knew the Tanach predictions and recognized that they could be fulfilled only through His own sufferings. We read much regarding it in Yochanan - John’s Gospel, including his statement that the Son of Man must be lifted up even as Moses lifted up the serpent and it certainly illustrates the point.

“And as Moshe - Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness; even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” Yochanan - John 3:14.

Also see; Bamidbar - Numbers 21:7-9 regarding; “the serpent in the wilderness.”

Yochanan - John contains many passages where we will find the fulfilment of the Tanach, being the Old Covenant prophecies. Obviously, He who “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim and the Word was Elohim.” (Yochanan - John 1:1) clearly understood what was required of Him during His mission on earth. In addition, there is no doubt that in due course the early faithful gained a clear understanding regarding His death and resurrection and His return to His Father’s side, for it had all been written in the Tanach - Old Covenant.

It was only later when the Gospels were written, they clearly emphasised the necessity of Yahushua’s death. In John’s Gospel, we read that Yahushua spoke in the earlier stages of His Ministry as the “hour” of His death being “not yet,” but in the later stages it has arrived;

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.” Yochanan - John 17:1.

Therefore, Yahushua knew that only through the hour of death could the Father be glorified. He was not disillusioned about His death; He knew it was according to an orderly plan. Yahushua evidently regarded His death as a sacrifice. At His final Passover meal (incorrectly called the “last supper”), the wine in the cup becomes a type with the blood of the new covenant, which is said to be for the “remission of sins.”

“And as they were eating, Yahushua took (the matza - unleavened) bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the Apostles and said, ‘Take, eat; this represents My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this represents My Blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’” Mattityahu - Matthew 26:26-28.

Although His Apostles were given no explanation in the manner of His coming death that was signified by the broken bread and poured-out wine that would bring about the forgiveness of sins for all who would believe and repent! But it was absolutely obvious that the faithful in Him knew and realized that HaMashiach Yahushua died for our sins (compare to 1 Corinthians 15:3).

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Messiah died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

The new covenant idea is parallel to the old covenant, which according to Exodus 24, was sealed with sacrificial blood. Our beloved Saviour most likely had this in mind when He spoke about the new covenant. It was kind of parallel to the thoughts expressed in Yirmyahu - Jeremiah chapter 31, referring to a covenant written on the heart rather than in stone;

“Behold, the days are coming, says YHVH, when I will make a new covenant with the House of Yisroel - Israel and with the house of Yehudah - Judah.” … “I will put My Torah - Law in their minds, and write it on their hearts.” Yirmyahu - Jeremiah 31:31 & 33.

In Yahushua’s prayer in John 17, as He faces the stake (cross) and He declares that He has “finished the work” that He came to do.

“I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” Yochanan - John 17:4-5.

This was reinforced by His cry from the stake; “It is finished,” which only John records (19:30). This sense of accomplishment gives an air of triumph to what might otherwise have been considered a disaster. Yahushua was not murdered. He gave His life willingly as a sacrifice for our sins. Although men superficially nailed Him to a stake (cross) His love for all of Elohim’s people is what kept Him there, enduring to the end.

Yahushua’s Teachings Regarding the Ruach HaKodesh or the Holy Spirit:

During various times of Yahushua’s life, the Gospel writers note the activity of the Ruach HaKodesh. For example, the Virgin birth, Yahushua’s baptism and His temptation by Satan mentions the Spirit. However, there is surprisingly little in the synoptic Gospels on this theme. Most of the teachings come from Yochanan - John’s Gospel. When Yahushua began His preaching Ministry in Nazareth, according to Lukas - Luke, Yahushua said what Yeshayahu - Isaiah had said in chapter 61, about the Ruach (Spirit) of YHVH and applied it to Himself.

“The Spirit of YHVH Elohim is upon Me because YHVH has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of YHVH, and the day of vengeance of our Elohim to comfort all who mourn.” Yeshayahu - Isaiah 61:1-2.

Therefore, Yahushua saw the Spirit marking the commencement of His Ministry. He was accused of casting out demons by means of Beelzebub, the prince of the demons. However, He was actually casting out evil spirits by the power and the Spirit of YaHVaH (Mattityahu - Matthew chapter 12).

“But Yahushua knew their thoughts, and said to them: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of Elohim, surely the Kingdom of Elohim has come upon you.” Mattityahu - Matthew 25-28.

He was moreover, sensitive to the seriousness of blaspheming the Spirit, which He implies that His accusers were in danger of doing. Criticizing His Ministry meant criticizing the activity of the Spirit. While warning His Apostles that they would meet with opposition, Yahushua assured them of the Spirit’s support when they were forced to appear before kings or governors (Mattityahu - Matthew 10:19-20; Markus - Mark 13:11). Indeed, He told them that the Ruach HaKodesh – The Holy Spirit would continue to speak through them long after He had returned to the Father.

Lukas - Luke records Yahushua’s promise that YaHVaH Elohim, blessed be His Sanctified Name, would give the Ruach HaKodesh to those who ask (Lukas - Luke 11:13), as a father gives good gifts to his children.

“So I (Yahushua) say to you, ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!Lukas - Luke 11:9-13.

There are those who often ask our heavenly Father for peace or protection. However, our beloved Saviour regards the Ruach HaKodesh as the best gift He can give His faithful. On another occasion, Yahushua recognized that David wrote Tehillim - Psalm 110 (Markus - Mark 12:36) with the Spirit’s influence. As a result of this example and others, we know that the Scriptures is not just an ordinary book authored by men, in fact it was YaHVaH Elohim through the Ruach HaKodesh inspired the blessed Scriptures!

“Then Yahushua answered and said whilst He taught in the temple, ‘How is it that the scribes say that the Messiah is the Son of David?’ For David himself said it by the Holy Spirit.” Markus - Mark 12:35-36.

Salvation:

As we read the Gospel of Yochanan - John we note that he provides a greater detailed development of Yahushua’s teachings regarding the “Ruach HaKodesh,” the “Holy Spirit.” Yahushua’s teaching regarding the Spirit was usually linked to giving eternal life to those who believe in Him and repent from sin and receive Him as their Lord and Saviour!

You may recall when Yahushua spoke to Nicodemus regarding the new birth and eternal life, for He also spoke of the Spirit

“Yahushua answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of Elohim.’ Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Yahushua answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of Elohim. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’” Yochanan - John 3:3-8.

“That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For Elohim so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For Elohim did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of the only begotten Son of Elohim.” Yochanan - John 3: 15-16.

When He mentioned the water of life to the Samaritan woman, He also spoke of the Spirit (Yochanan - John 4:14, 23-24). The same held true for the discourses on the bread of life (Yochanan - John 6:48-63) and river of life (Yochanan - John 7:37-39). Throughout the Gospel, Yahushua declared to various people that He could give them eternal life if they would believe in Him. He promised them the water of life, the bread of life and the light of life, but they would receive eternal life only when the Spirit came after Yahushua’s resurrection. Yahushua said, “It is the Spirit who gives eternal life” (John 6:63). When the Spirit became available, they could have life. Again, Yahushua offered the water of life; even life flowing like rivers of living water; to the Jews assembled at the Feast of Tabernacles. He told them to come and drink of Him. But no one could then and there, come and drink of Him. So John added a note: “This He spoke of the Spirit...for the Spirit was not yet given, because Yahushua was not yet glorified” (Yochanan - John 7:39, NASB). Once Yahushua had been glorified through resurrection, the Spirit of the glorified Yahushua would be available for believers.

In Yochanan - John 6, Yahushua offered Himself as the bread of life to be eaten by believers; and in Yochanan - John 7, He offered Himself as the water of life to refresh. But no one could eat of Him or drink of Him until the Spirit of the glorified Yahushua was made available, as hinted in Yochanan - John 6:63 and then stated plainly in Yochanan - John 7.

“‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Yahushua was not yet glorified.” Yochanan - John 7:37-39.

Comfort:

However, in Yochanan 14:16-18, Yahushua went one-step further in identifying Himself with the Spirit. He told the Apostles that He would give them the Comforter. And He told them that they would come to know the Comforter for soon the presence of the Ruach HaKodesh (Hebrew for the Holy Spirit) would be with them and reside within them!

Although Yahushua was standing in the presence of the Apostles, we know that He represented the very presence of the Ruach HaKodesh and then having told the Apostles that the Comforter would come to them He added, “I am coming to you.”

First He said that the Comforter would come to them and abides or live in them, then in the same breath, He said that He would come to them and abide in them (see 14:20).

If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper that He may abide with you forever, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” Yochanan - John 14:15-20.

The Comforter who was dwelling with the Apostles that night was the Spirit in HaMashiach. The Comforter who would be in the Apostles after the Resurrection would be HaMashiach in the Spirit. This is the mystery of how Yahushua comes to live in our hearts, while He is present in heaven; He is also present in us through the presence of the Ruach HaKodesh. On the evening of the Resurrection, our blessed Saviour Yahushua appeared to the Apostles and then breathed into them the Ruach HaKodesh. This is similar to YaHVaH’s breathing into Adam the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). But now Messiah’s faithful now possessed eternal life because the Spirit of HaMashiach lived in them. From that time forward, HaMashiach as Spirit lived inside His believers. “We know He lives in us because the Ruach HaKodesh lives in us” (1 Yochanan - John 3:24). The indwelling Spirit continually helped the Apostles remember Yahushua’s Words and actions (Yochanan - John 14:26) so that they could teach and write about them. Yahushua also made it clear that the Spirit (Ruach) would convict the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment and sin - (Yochanan - John 16:8-10).

“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, of judgment and of sin, because they do not believe in Me.”

Teachings About Humanity:

Messiah Yahushua taught us about YaHVaH Elohim’s, blessed be His Sanctified Name, providential care for all human beings, for as it is written that even a person’s hairs are all numbered (Mattityahu - Matthew 10:30), which is a vivid picture of Elohim’s concern over the details of human life. But He is far more concerned with the eternal soul. And we know that Yahushua made it clear that it would be unprofitable for anyone to gain the world and to lose his or her soul.

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mattityahu - Matthew 25-27. Also; Markus - Mark 8:36, Lukas - Luke 9:25.

Therefore friends, focus falls on what a person is and not what he or she has. Our beloved Messiah even said that a maimed body was preferable to a forfeited life, for the truth is; “The wages of sin is death!

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands and go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched. Where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the Kingdom of Elohim with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. Where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’” Markus - Mark 9:42-48.

Blessed is He, Our blessed Saviour was never at any time unconcerned about people’s physical state; for we know this to be true, and we have seen this through the many healings He did. Just as is written in Markus - Mark 2:1 to 5; after Yahushua entered Capernaum, a paralytic was carried by four men to where our Saviour was, but they had to break through the crowd to reach Yahushua. When the Lord saw their faith He attended to the paralytic who was healed and He then said …

Son, your sins are forgiven you.” Markus - Mark 2:5.

Thus, with the sins forgiven this man again stood right with the Father and he was to continue in faith. Therefore, above all, Yahushua’s greatest concern was with people’s relationship with YaHVaH Elohim, blessed be His Sanctified Name!

Community:

In a sense, our beloved Saviour did not look upon us human beings as being isolated individuals, for Elohim’s people are called to be community and it is there in that very statement where we have gone wrong!

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves moneybags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where neither a thief approaches nor a moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Lukas - Luke 12:32-34.

The point is that we should continually “seek the Kingdom of Elohim.” (12:31). The Sermon on the Mount illustrated our social emphasis in the teachings by Yahushua. Those who are merciful to others will obtain mercy (Mattityahu - Matthew 5:7). Peacemakers are rewarded (5:9) and the Apostles of Yahushua are expected to bring light unto others (5:16) for it was anticipated from them to give more than was expected in fact according to Yahushua, people have responsibility beyond themselves.

“But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” Mattityahu - Matthew 5:39-42.

Reliance:

Our blessed Saviour taught us how to pray for our daily bread “Give us this day our daily bread” (Mattityahu - Matthew 6:11), as a reminder that we cannot be wholly self-sufficient. He allowed no place in His teaching for people to boast in their own achievements. For reliance or dependence in YaHVaH Elohim, blessed be His Sanctified Name is not a sign of weakness; however it is a symbol of strength. The truth is that wise people know they do not have it all together, for they must live in His strength and rely on Elohim at all times for daily bread and assistance!

What about Family?

As the Word makes it very clear, Yahushua accepted the sanctity of a man and a woman living as husband and wife (Matthew 5:31-32; also compare to 19:3-9) and we should continue to live according to His specific teachings on the agreement between a man and a woman who have become man and wife and consummated that agreement, for it cannot be broken in the eyes of Elohim! It is tragic that the churches have gone far astray on this matter, but it has in many cases even gone further and are even these days marrying divorced people, as well as homosexual couples. The other issue which is not right, although a woman’s rights movement that became more of an army of men haters commenced by left winger Germaine Greer, today there are many women in the priesthood or as pastors and ministers, etc.

Women do have a blessed role to play, but not in teaching or leading roles in the Ekklesia, I am afraid, for the Word makes it so very clear that we all have our roles to play, and if we live according to His way, we will live in complete harmony. Sadly it has been those who deny our Heavenly Father’s blessed existence who have changed the world’s ideology and therefore the world including many christians have just followed a path into darkness, for somehow the truth has little to no meaning and now a new ideology has now become the norm!

Sinful Nature:

Our beloved Messiah Yahushua had a high view of human potential but also acknowledged their present condition. He stressed repentance, realizing people’s sinful nature

“From that time Yahushua began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Mattityahu - Matthew 4:17.

As I showed earlier in this study He always focused on forgiveness as per the examples of the paralytic (9:1-8) and to the desperate woman who anointed Him (Lukas - Luke 7:47-48).

In what is commonly called the “Lord’s Prayer,” but should be the “Prayer He gave His Apostles (us) to Pray,” Yahushua again instructs His Apostles to pray for forgiveness (Mattityahu - Matthew 6:12; Lukas - Luke 11:4). He takes for granted that they will need it and must desire to obtain it. Men and women are not self-righteous. Therefore, He criticizes the religious leaders of that day in various sayings, but particularly in Matthew 23 and below are just four verses from this powerful chapter;

“You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. I tell you the truth all this will come upon this generation.” Mattityahu - Matthew 23:33-36.

The Pharisees and Sadducees in their own minds believed that their good works earned them salvation, whilst, Messiah Yahushua taught us that we must cast ourselves on the mercy of YaHVaH Elohim, blessed be His Sanctified Name. This is so powerfully illustrated in the parable about the Pharisee and the tax collector at prayer in Lukas - Luke chapter 18.

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘Elohim, I thank You that I am not like other men, robbers, evildoers, adulterers or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘Elohim, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before Elohim. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Lukas - Luke 18:10-14.

Thus we can clearly see that Yahushua commended the tax collector for throwing himself on the mercy of Elohim and Yahushua never suggested that there was anyone who was exempt from sin. To our beloved Saviour, sin represented separation from YaHVaH Elohim  and this is clearly revealed in Yochanan - John’s Gospel, with its strong contrasts between light and darkness, life and death.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My Word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.” Yochanan - John 5:24-25.

“The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.” Yochanan - John 7:7-8.

As we have just read this last verse regarding “The “world” you will find that it represents the system that is evil and of course rejects the greatness or the existence of Elohim, the Creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is therein! But sin is like being enslaved to Satan. The life and teachings of Messiah Yahushua should be seen against the background of spiritual conflict at that time. Yahushua very clearly said to His opponents; “You are of your father the devil” (Yochanan - John 8:44).

In the parable of the prodigal son, sin against YHVH is linked with sin before the father. In other words, it is regarded in terms of rebellion and revolt (Lukas - Luke 15:21). This is a different assessment of the son’s offense than the one arrived at by the elder brother, who could see it only in terms of property. Our sinful nature is what separates us from YaHVaH Elohim, blessed be His Sanctified Name. The truth is that our sins are an expression of a much larger issue. According to Messiah Yahushua, we are in a constant state of rebellion against Elohim until welcome to realize our error and we repent in the Name of Yahushua! Those who did not believe and were therefore outside of Messiah’s provision of salvation are already condemned;

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of the only begotten Son of Elohim.” Yochanan - John 3:18.

In the Word, we know that Yahushua mentioned judgment to come, which shows that a person’s destiny is related to his or her present spiritual condition. Yahushua’s mission rests against this background of humanity’s spiritual need. We would be totally unable to achieve salvation apart from the Sacrifice and the Resurrection of our beloved Saviour. Yahushua came to offer eternal life to everyone who will believe in Him, repent of their sin and are immersed in His Name! (3:16).

“For Elohim so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For Elohim did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Yochanan - John 3:16-17.

Teachings Regarding the Fellowship:

It is claimed that Yahushua predicted there would be a “church” for on two occasions the word “Ekklesia” is used in the Greek. This word means an assembly or a gathering, obviously referring to a people called out by YaHVaH Elohim, blessed be His Sanctified Name. With Shime’on ben Yochanan having just made a great confession of faith, Yahushua spoke about the “Ekklesia” being built upon a rock, but what kind of rock was he really referring to?

“‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living Elohim.’ Yahushua answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Shime’on ben Yochanan, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter and on this rock I will build My Ekklesia, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’” Mattityahu - Matthew 16:17-19.

Yahushua told Shime’on ben Yochanan (Peter) that He would build His Ekklesia upon the rock (Matthew 16:16-19). It is obvious that the “rock” is closely linked to Shime’on’s particular confession about Yahushua in verse 16. But what about it being built on a “rock” the truth is that Shime’on – Peter being the leader of the Apostles was already to be a “rock” of faith and thus was given the leadership for he would be the Apostle to the Hebrews and maintain the Ekklesia in Jerusalem where it was to remain and not in pagan Rome, that evil city that is clearly spoken of in Revelation where the “harlot” hails from “dripping with the blood of the saints.”!

The later Ekklesia or fellowship of the Faithful was a community that clearly confirmed and taught that Yahushua was HaMashiach, the Son of the living YaHVaH Elohim, blessed be His Sanctified Name. Our beloved Messiah Himself built the Ekklesia for He assured His Apostles that evil would be unable to overcome it, furthermore one of the functions of the Ekklesia was to proclaim forgiveness of sins and this is implied in what Yahushua said to Shime’on - Peter. However, similar words were addressed to all the Apostles and not just Shime’on - Peter.

“‘Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the ekklesia. But if he refuses even to hear the ekklesia, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them.’” Mattityahu - Matthew 18:15-20.

Thus there is no doubt that Yahushua realised that believers would meet together in His Name as the Scripture above clearly shows. In his final words in Matthew’s account, He commissioned them to teach what He had taught them and to immerse (baptize) new Apostles (Mattityahu - Matthew 28:19-20). He promised His presence would be with them. The command to immerse was reinforced by Yahushua’s own example in submitting to Yochanan - John’s immersion, for Yahushua also expected that His Apostles and the future Ekklesia’s to observe the Seventh Day Sabbath as well as the Passover Feast for we should now know well that “easter is an evil pagan introduced festival related to a goddess, with countless pagan customs, including those cute coloured or chocolate eggs, bunnies and so much more!

Yahushua intended the future fellowship to be frequently reminded regarding the very heart of the faith and the true believers in Messiah Yahushua were a group of people who knew that through Messiah Yahushua they had entered into a new relationship with YaHVaH Elohim, blessed be His Sanctified Name. Although there are no references to the Ekklesia in Yochanan - John’s Gospel, but there are certainly hints that support the community idea. Yahushua introduced Himself as the Shepherd and spoke of His followers as forming a flock.

“And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” Yochanan - John 10:16.

The sheep imagery occurs again in this Gospel when Shime’on - Peter is instructed three times by the risen Saviour to feed the sheep (21:15-17). Yahushua also used the imagery of many branches that draw their life from the vine and therefore belong to each other because of their common life in the vine. Yahushua recognized that the future community would need the aid of HaRuach - the Spirit; as seen in the book of Acts. Finally, there is a close connection between the Ekklesia and the Kingdom, although they are certainly not identical. The Ekklesia is part of the bigger picture in which those who are part of it have the hope of the “Kingdom of Elohim.”

Teachings Regarding The Future:

Yahushua’s teachings regarding the “Kingdom” are in terms of; either a present realization or as a future hope, whilst the future aspect is related to the end of the age. Although He did not spell it out in strong or specific terms, Yahushua did give very firm assurance that He would return at some time in the future.

Teachings Regarding Yahushua’s Second Coming:

Yahushua told the Apostles that the Son of Man would come with His angels in His Father’s glory;

“For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” Mattityahu - Matthew 16:27.

Yahushua details the Son of Man Coming in clouds with power and glory (Markus - Mark 13:26) using a similar style from the familiar language used by Daniel in chapter 7. He also describes the various signs that would precede His Second Coming, for He clearly spoke of wars, conflicts, earthquakes, famines and disturbances in the heavens. However, the Gospel would be first preached to all nations, but as we now know it would be rejected by the majority of the world and even in what is generally called the “greater church.” Whilst at the same time, many false “christ’s and prophets” would arise. Yahushua gave such details about His return to encourage His Apostles in the face of persecution. The future hope had a practical purpose. The Apostles were urged to watch for His coming because it would happen as unexpectedly as “a thief in the night.”

Resurrection:

There was one further vital theme that would affect the future and He emphasized it in His teachings and that was the question regarding resurrection. The tragedy was that the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection, and as the popular joke goes, “that is why they were so Sad-u-see!” They attempted to trap Yahushua with a question about a woman who had been married seven times. They wanted to know whose husband she would be at the Resurrection (Markus - Mark 12:18-27). Yahushua pointed out that there would be no marriage when the dead rise. The Sadducees’ idea about resurrection was clearly wrong. Yahushua’s teaching was that the resurrected would be like the angels. There is no doubt about the resurrection of the dead, although no information is given about the specifics of the resurrected body.

Judgment:

In the Gospel of Lukas we find when Yahushua told a story about a rich man and a poor man who both died (16:19-31). In the afterlife, the rich man cried out in torment, while the poor man enjoyed a state of blessedness. The distinction between the two men gives a hint of judgment, although we are not told how the distinction is made. Whilst in other of His teachings, Yahushua suggested that the most vital requirement is of course faith. I am sure that we all remember well the conversation between Yahushua hanging on that evil stake (tree/cross), bleeding and in pain, suffering for our sin, and yet he tells the repentant thief that he will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. (Lukas - Luke 23:42-43).

“Then he (the thief) said to Yahushua, ‘Master, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Yahushua said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” Lukas - Luke 23:42-43.

In truth verse 43 is incorrect, for although it states “‘I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” This is completely wrong, for we need to remember that when this Gospel was written there were no commas, no divisions, etc. however, what our blessed Saviour did say is the following and yes, I will use a comma, just to show what was really meant for otherwise our blessed Messiah would have gone against one of His major points of teaching!

“‘I say to you today ... you will be with Me in Paradise.’”

Thus the promise was given to him whilst he was still alive, that he would be in Paradise, or the Kingdom, which will be of course at Yahushua’s Second Coming at “the Sound of the trump” when “the dead in Messiah shall rise first” and those (faithful) who “are alive will be caught up and they shall be caught up and meet the Lord in the air,” etc.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of Elohim. And the dead in Messiah will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.

However, the theme of rewards and punishment occurs in many passages. In Mattityahu - Matthew 16:27, Yahushua says that the Son of Man will reward all those according to what they have done. However, those who are worthless are promised punishment in darkness (25:30). In addition, Yahushua also spoke of a day of judgment on which men and women must give an account, even of all their careless words (12:36-37).

In the parable of the sheep and the goats, He spoke of a separation that the Son of Man will make when He comes. Those commended are those who have shown concern for the believers (25:31-46). Among Yahushua’s most solemn statements are those that speak of hell. His teachings about eternal punishment for the unrighteous (as in Mattityahu - Matthew 25:41, 46) are opposite to the eternal life promised to the righteous. He taught that His Apostles would have a place prepared for them in heaven (Yochanan - John 14:2) and He spoke of a Book of Life in which the names of all believers were written (Lukas - Luke 10:20).

Moral Issues:

As we read about our beloved Saviour teachings we know that He deals with moral issues for sadly that is what was being enforced by the priests of Israel upon the Children of Israel and it had become the crux of Jewish tradition. In the Sermon on the Mount, He compared His own teaching with that of Moshe - Moses (compare to Mattityahu - Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 31-32). However, we should note that Yahushua made far more rigorous demands of the Law to be kept than the Law already had laid down, because He was greatly concerned with motives as well as actions.

Obviously, there are those who have dismissed the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount as entirely impractical, but Yahushua never intended that His teaching would be easy. The target is nothing less than the perfection of YaHVaH Elohim Himself (5:48). Even so, Yahushua called His yoke easy and His burden light (Mattityahu - Matthew 11:29-30), which suggests that He was not setting out an impossible ethical pattern. He offered instead to take over our lives to help us be the kind of people we need to be. He was not producing a manifesto for society. His concern was that each individual to have powerful motives for right decisions on matters of conduct. It was vital to uphold the Ten Commandments, including the keeping of the seventh day Sabbath the fourth Commandment. Also for the faithful to have concern for others which was vital. But the keeping of the Law was not to be done just to be saved, for if you uphold the Laws that YaHVaH Elohim gave, blessed be His Sanctified Name, because you love Him and you do it to honour Him, then it is worthy!

YAHUSHUA in Other Epistles:

Yahushua’s example was a powerful motive for promoting right behaviour. Shime’on - Peter appeals to it, in encouraging the faithful who were suffering for their faith as we can read in 1 Shime’on - Peter 2.

“For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before Elohim. For to this you were called, because Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” 1 Shime’on - Peter chapter 2:20-21.

Remember that the Sermon on the Mount shows a very strong contribution towards the moral teaching by Yahushua and the effect it had on the ethical values on the early faithful. We may ask, to what extent is knowledge of the life and teachings of Yahushua relevant to the 21st century? Some may want to separate the historical figure of Yahushua from the Messiah of faith, saying only the latter is important. However, the object of our faith is the same One who lived and taught in Galilee and Judea. The One who broke into history around 2,000 years ago, and He is the same One who comes into our lives today by faith as Saviour and Lord.

And Finally, who is Yahushua - “the Word”?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim. He was in the beginning with Elohim. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” Yochanan - John 1:1-5.

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Tehillim – Psalms 86:11

  

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Yahushua said; No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: They will all be taught by Elohim. Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to Me. No one has seen the Father except the One who is from Elohim; only He has seen the Father. I tell you the truth he who believes has everlasting life.” Yochanan - John 6:43-48.

 

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