Midrash in the New Testament Program
In this program are some articles that seek to explain the fundamentals of Jewish Hermeneutics, examples of Midrash in the New Testament, and how these challenge traditional interpretations.
Below are some articles that seek to explain the fundamentals of Jewish Hermeneutics, examples of Midrash in the New Testament, and how these challenge traditional interpretations.
Foundation
PaRDeS - Jewish Hermeneutics
If you have been around the world of Jewish thought for a while, you might likely already be familiar with the concept represented by the acronym, PaRDeS.
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What is Midrash?
Many times, Jesus (aka Yeshua), is recorded telling a story that has its parallel in the midrashic tradition. In truth, it is a brilliant way to connect to established themes and set the stage for the lesson he wants to teach.
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Examples of Midrash in the New Testament
Abolishing the Torah
Often used as a proof-text for the abrogation of the Torah [commandments], in Matthew 5 we see Jesus citing a well-known Midrash to prove quite the opposite. Despite many modern (popular) interpretations, he forbids his audience from ever thinking of such an idea!
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Proofs of Oral Torah: Jannes and Jambres, A Couple of Troublemakers from the Rabbinic Tradition
We explore the intriguing reference to Jannes and Jambres, and its implications, in Paul’s second letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:8). These figures are notably absent from the Christian canonical Bible but appear throughout the Jewish midrashic and kabbalistic tradition.
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From Water to Wine
Among the most well-known stories in the Gospels, Jesus turning ‘water to wine’ is arguably one of the most commonly known. While some see a story that highlights mastery over the physical elements, the Rabbinic metaphors indicate that there is more to this story than meets the eye.
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The Parable of the Lost Sheep
This parable exemplifies how Jesus often co-opts Rabbinic Midrash to illustrate a point. In this, he uses many metaphoric elements of the Jewish oral tradition, teaching the surprising spiritual dynamics of repentance.
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From Midrash to Manger: The Intriguing Interplay of Jesus’s Birth and Rabbinic Tradition
When we look closely at the birth narratives in the Gospels, we’ll find these stories conform to an archetypal pattern, sharing many parallels with the Rabbinic Midrash. How does this knowledge alter our view of these texts?
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Parable of the Talents
In the Zohar, there is a discussion based upon the Torah commandment to ‘pay a laborer his wages the same day he works for them’¹. In the Peshat/plain meaning, this is great model of mercy, ensuring a person has what they need to survive and feed their family.
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A Lamp Under a Basket
Understanding Biblical metaphors and multi-faceted imagery is vital to unlocking the hidden dimensions of interpretation. In this article, we will unpack a few layers to reveal a deeper message in a familiar passage from what is called, “the Sermon on the Mount”.
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Digging Deeper
Book Available on Amazon
“Into the Orchard” is a book that is designed to fast-track the learnings and correct the misunderstandings one may encounter when trying to understand the Jewish context of the New Testament.
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The Healing of the Woman and the Young Girl
One of the Gospel’s most famous and well-known healing stories is of the healing of the woman and the young girl. What if this story was written as more of a Midrash, would there be a deeper message for us to glean?
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The Crucifixion of Isaac
Years ago, I heard a lecture by an Orthodox Rabbi who shared some deeper insights about the event known as the “Akeidah”, the “Binding” of Isaac. I couldn’t help but see an incredible amount of parallels to the Gospel narrative and what some Christians may refer to as the “Passion” narrative.
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The Garments of the Soul
The Garments of the Soul refer to our; deeds, words, and thoughts. When we understand these Rabbinic metaphors, we unlock a new insight into The Parable of the Wedding Banquet in the Gospel of Matthew.
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New Wine in Old Wineskins
At first glance, the popular interpretation of these passages has become so entrenched, the heading of this section is called, “The Superiority of the New”. The translators are preemptively telling us that what is “new” is better.
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