The Yeshua Creed

The Yeshua Creed

This teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, delivered by Pastor Matthew Vander Els, focuses on what is referred to as the Yeshua Creed. This creed, as defined by Christian scholar Scott McKnight in his book The Jesus Creed, encapsulates the core message and desires of Yeshua (Jesus) for his followers. It is presented as the fundamental principle that should guide their lives and decisions.

The starting point for this creed is found in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 12, verses 28 through 31. In this passage, a teacher of the law, an expert in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), approaches Yeshua with a significant question. He asks which commandment is the most important out of all the commandments in the Torah. This was a weighty inquiry, considering the immense detail and focus given to the study of the Torah in Jewish life.

Yeshua's response begins by quoting a central tenet of Judaism known as the Shema: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one." This declaration, found in Deuteronomy 6:4, affirms the absolute oneness of God and his unique relationship with Israel. Following this, Yeshua states the first and most important commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, your mind, and your strength." This calls for a complete and total devotion to God, encompassing every aspect of a person's being.

Crucially, Yeshua does not stop there. Before the teacher of the law can even respond, he adds a second commandment, which he declares to be equally important: "Love your neighbor as yourself." He concludes by stating that there are no commandments greater than these two. This two-part creed, encompassing love for God and love for neighbor, is presented as the essence of what Yeshua wanted to impart to the world and the guiding principle for his followers. It is a creed they were expected to meditate on and live out daily.

The teaching emphasizes that this concept was not entirely new. The Shema was already considered the creed of Judaism in the first century, recited daily and taught to children. It stressed the importance of spiritual formation through loving God and living according to the Torah. Yeshua himself, as a devout Jew, would have recited the Shema daily. However, by adding the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (from Leviticus 19:18), Yeshua transforms this traditional understanding. He broadens the scope of devotion, asserting that love for God is inextricably linked to love for the people around us.

To illustrate the profound implications of loving one's neighbor, the teaching delves into the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke chapter 10. This parable arises from a follow-up question by the teacher of the law, who, wanting to "justify himself," asks, "Who is my neighbor?" Yeshua's response is the story of a man who is beaten, robbed, and left for dead. Both a priest and a Levite, figures highly regarded in Jewish society and expected to be knowledgeable and observant of the Torah, pass by without offering help. However, it is a Samaritan, a member of a group despised and considered enemies by the Judeans, who stops, shows compassion, and goes to great lengths to care for the injured man.

The historical context of the animosity between Judeans and Samaritans is highlighted to underscore the radical nature of Yeshua's message. The speaker references the writings of the first-century historian Josephus to illustrate the intense conflict and hatred that existed between these groups. In this context, Yeshua's choice of a Samaritan as the example of a true neighbor is particularly significant. By concluding the parable with the question, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" and the subsequent instruction, "Go and do likewise," Yeshua redefines the concept of "neighbor." It is not limited to those within one's own community or religious group but extends to anyone in need, even those considered enemies or outsiders.

The teaching contrasts Yeshua's inclusive view with a more exclusive perspective found in the Apocryphal book of Wisdom, attributed to Yeshua ben Sirach. This text suggests doing good only to the devout and withholding help from sinners. Yeshua, however, presents a different philosophy, emphasizing a "Torah of love" over simply "keeping a love for the Torah." His actions, such as eating with tax collectors and sinners, further exemplify this radical inclusivity. This practice was highly controversial in first-century Judaism, where table fellowship signified covenant and shared identity. By sharing meals with those considered impure or outside the social norms, Yeshua was creating a new kind of community based on grace and forgiveness, rather than social status or perceived righteousness. He wasn't waiting for people to become clean before joining him; his presence and invitation were what brought about transformation.

Application for Everyday Life

• Prioritize Love: Make loving God with your whole being and loving your neighbor as yourself the top priorities in your thoughts and actions.
• Extend Compassion: Like the Good Samaritan, show mercy and practical help to anyone in need, regardless of their background or perceived status.
• Break Down Barriers: Challenge your own biases and prejudices, recognizing that everyone is your neighbor.
• Practice Inclusive Fellowship: Be open to building relationships and sharing fellowship with people from all walks of life, mirroring Yeshua's table fellowship.
• Embrace Forgiveness: Recognize your own need for forgiveness and extend that same grace to others.
• Actively Participate in God's Kingdom: See yourself as an ambassador of God's love, actively working to make his kingdom a reality in your community and beyond.
• Examine Your Motives: Regularly assess whether your actions towards others reflect genuine love or are influenced by self-righteousness or a desire to justify yourself.
• Look Beyond Religious Boundaries: Understand that loving your neighbor transcends religious and cultural lines.
• Live the Creed Daily: Consciously strive to embody the Yeshua Creed in every decision, interaction, and opportunity.

References

Bible Verses:

• Mark 12:28
• Mark 12:29
• Mark 12:30
• Mark 12:31
• Deuteronomy 6:4
• Leviticus 19:18
• Luke 10:25

Books and Resources:

• The Jesus Creed by Scott McKnight

This Bible Teachings was delivered by Matthew Vander Els, pastor of Founded in Truth Fellowship.

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