Yeshua’s Torah - Messianic Teaching

Yeshua's Torah - Messianic Teaching

In this insightful Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, the speaker, likely Matthew Vander Els, delves into the profound relationship between the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), Yeshua (Jesus), and the concept of faith. The central theme revolves around understanding that while the Torah was given as a blessing to guide ancient Israel, its ultimate purpose and fulfillment are found in Yeshua. The teaching emphasizes that God's primary desire is for a relationship with humanity built on belief, trust, and love, rather than mere adherence to a list of commandments.

The speaker begins by establishing the context of the Founded in Truth Fellowship as a community rooted in Yeshua, family, and fellowship. He then transitions to discussing current events, such as legislation in Hawaii, as a way to connect with the audience before diving into the core theological message. This introduction sets the stage for a discussion about foundational truths and how they intersect with everyday life.

A significant portion of the teaching focuses on Yeshua's Sermon on the Mount, specifically Matthew 5:17: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." The speaker clarifies that Yeshua did not come to negate the Torah but to reveal its deeper meaning and how to truly live it out. He references Dr. Craig Keener, a Christian scholar, who suggests that Yeshua opposed not the law itself, but illegitimate interpretations that prioritized regulations over character. This interpretation highlights that Yeshua came to show what the Torah looks like when it's written on the heart, lived out in its purest form.

To illustrate the complexities of interpreting and living by the Torah, the speaker provides examples such as the Sabbath and the commandment regarding tzitzit (fringes). He explains that many commandments in the Torah are somewhat vague, requiring interpretation and leading to various rabbinic discussions throughout history. This historical context underscores the need for a deeper understanding beyond the literal letter of the law.

The teaching addresses challenging commandments in the Torah, such as the law of the rebellious son in Deuteronomy 21. The speaker shares how even ancient Jewish rabbis, as documented in the Talmud, grappled with such commandments, sometimes concluding that they were not meant to be obeyed literally but to provoke deeper understanding and wisdom. This perspective demonstrates that there was always an evolving understanding of the Torah within the Jewish tradition itself.

Furthermore, the speaker examines Yeshua's teachings on divorce in Matthew 19:7, referencing Deuteronomy 24. Yeshua explains that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of people's hearts, but this was not God's original intention. This example illustrates how the Torah sometimes accommodated human weakness while pointing towards a higher, more perfect ethic. The speaker emphasizes that God's ideal, from the beginning in the Garden of Eden, was for a permanent and divine union between a man and a woman.

The core argument of the teaching is that the Torah served as a trajectory pointing towards the ultimate revelation of God's character in Yeshua. Drawing from Hebrews 1:1-2, the speaker highlights that while God spoke through prophets in the past, He has now spoken definitively through His Son, Yeshua, who is the exact representation of His being. Yeshua's life and teachings embody the pure ethic of God, surpassing what the written Torah alone could achieve.

The speaker clarifies that this understanding does not diminish the value of the Torah. He quotes Paul's affirmation that the Torah is good. However, he emphasizes Paul's statement in Romans 10:4 that Christ is the culmination (telos) or goal of the law. The Torah was meant to point to something greater, which is the righteousness found in Yeshua through faith.

To further illustrate the primacy of faith, the teaching explores key moments in the Torah narrative. The speaker highlights how Abraham's righteousness was credited to him because of his faith in God (Genesis 15:6). Similarly, Moses's following God's call (Exodus 4:5) and the Israelites believing after witnessing signs (Exodus 4:31) are attributed to their belief. Conversely, their failure to enter the Promised Land is linked to their lack of faith (Numbers 14:11, 20:12). These examples underscore that a trusting relationship with God, characterized by faith, has always been central to God's dealings with humanity.

The speaker contrasts this emphasis on faith with a mere checklist mentality of obeying commandments. He cites Isaiah 1 to show that even when Israel diligently followed the rituals and laws, their lack of genuine faith and care for the poor made their obedience meaningless to God. The prophets yearned for Israel to grow in their faith and impact the world through their relationship with God.

The teaching concludes by emphasizing that God desires our hearts before our obedience. Yeshua is calling us back to the faith of Abraham and the pure ethic of God that existed in the Garden of Eden. This new covenant, inaugurated by Yeshua, is based on belief, trust, and allegiance to Him. The Sermon on the Mount is presented as a re-giving of the Torah by this greater Moses, reflecting God's pure ethic.

Ultimately, the message is one of transformation driven by faith and love, reflecting God's grace as demonstrated through Yeshua. It encourages listeners to move beyond a superficial adherence to rules and embrace a deep, trusting relationship with God that manifests in love for Him and their neighbors.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Prioritize your relationship with God based on trust and belief, rather than simply trying to follow a set of rules.
• Seek to understand the deeper meaning and intention behind biblical teachings, rather than just the literal interpretation.
• Examine your heart's motivations for obedience. Is it driven by love and faith, or by a sense of obligation?
• Practice self-sacrificial love and forgiveness towards others, even those who may be considered enemies.
• Recognize that Yeshua's teachings in the Sermon on the Mount provide a practical guide for living out God's pure ethic in everyday situations.
• Be mindful of the weightier matters of faith, such as love, justice, and compassion, alongside outward observances.
• Embrace the concept that faith is a journey and that God's grace is available even when we fall short.
• Strive to reflect the character of Yeshua in your interactions and decisions, embodying humility, peace, grace, and forgiveness.
• Act as a beacon of hope and new life to the world, drawing others to worship God through your example of self-giving love.
• Address any hindrances to fully committing to God, such as anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness, and embrace the freedom offered through Yeshua.

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