The Helper: Ibur in the Gospel of John
What is the "Helper" Jesus speaks about in the Gospel of John? See how a concept from the Kabbalah can help us understand this mysterious and misunderstood passage.
Gospels
30 posts
The Resurrection of Lazarus
The story of Lazarus, as recounted in the Gospel of John, is one of the most profound miracles performed by Jesus. But when we look deeper at this story, with hints from the Jewish tradition, more details emerge.
From Hidden to Revealed: On the Road to Emmaus
A peculiar and famous encounter is recorded in the Gospel of Luke, known to many as "the Road to Emmaus" contains many Midrashic hints that point to a deeper idea than is seen on the surface.
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?
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.
The Parable of the Bridesmaids
The Parable of the Bridesmaids is a timeless lesson of vigilance and preparation. When we overlay the themes of the rabbinic tradition, we see more information under the surface to help us prepare.
Unraveling the Controversy of Healing on Shabbat in the Gospels
Some of Jesus's more contentious conflicts stem from his healing on this Holy day. But if healing on Shabbat is generally permitted in Jewish law, what is the real point of the story?
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.
The Healing of the Blind Man
What is the lesson of the healing of the blind man? Is it simply a recorded event, or is there more for readers to take away from this moral?
The Pharisees Who Wash the Outside of Cups
Though it can lead to flawed conclusions, reading the Gospels and Epistles without understanding the complicated and technical discussions of Jewish law behind them is simple. We should know that these knowledge gaps are not inconsequential and can result in oversimplified interpretations.
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.
Who Killed Jesus?
There is a perennial tension in the Jewish community that emerges around the time of Easter. In past centuries, the yearly retelling of the "Passion" would spark fiery pogroms and blood libels throughout Europe, as Christians sought to avenge the death of Jesus,