A Hidden Message in Genesis 2: The Formation of Humankind
Hidden in the Book of Genesis is a hint about the creation of humankind and our purpose on Earth. But you need to look at the Hebrew, as you won't find it in the English, Greek, or Latin.
Midrash
43 posts
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The Criminals On the Cross Through the Lens of Midrash
Few images in Christian tradition are as recognizable as the three crosses of Golgotha. But the picture Luke paints weaves in references to the third heaven, garments divided by lots, the words of Isaiah 53, and Joseph's cellmates in the prison of Pharaoh.
The Raising of Lazarus as Midrash: John's Retelling of Ezekiel 37
In the Gospel, Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, dies and is resurrected. On the surface, it is a story of a personal miracle. However, the Gospel writers are intentional, especially John. As we've seen many times, there may be something deeper in this story.
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The Cursing of the Fig Tree as Midrash: Has Israel Been Replaced?
Learn how the Cursing of the Fig Tree, though taught as a pillar of Replacement Theology, might actually be a Midrash on two well-known prophetic passages.
The Mystery of Wine & Wisdom: Emptying Our Vessel
A strange encounter between a Rabbi and the daughter of the Roman emperor opens the door to a deeper mystery about humility, the soul, hidden wisdom, and the meaning behind Jesus’s teaching about “new wine.”
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Was Thomas a Doubter? The Pharisees' Tradition and the Resurrection.
Thomas's refusal to believe in the resurrection without seeing Jesus's wounds is typically read as a failure of faith. But against the backdrop of rabbinic tradition, the Gospel of John affirms details of the Pharisaic tradition of the Resurrection of the Dead.
Video: Reading Acts 10 as a Midrash on Zechariah 8:23
In a previous article, we explored how Peter’s vision was not intended to collapse the Biblical dietary laws. In this, we go deeper and look at how this story may actually be a creative Midrash on Zechariah's prophecy of the Messianic kingdom.
Angels Behind the Scenes: Hidden Miracles in Esther
The story of Esther is about the hidden hand of Hashem. But hidden doesn't mean absent. Drawing on Esther Rabbah and other Midrashim, we explore how Divine providence operates through angels, accidents, and unseen nudges.
The Traveling Rock and Miriam’s Well
From the Apostolic writings and the Tosefta, to Chasidic tales and modern accounts, the tradition of the life-giving rock that accompanied Israel in the wilderness highlights the continuous presence of G_D, while connecting with Messianic themes of redemption.
Peter's Vision: Is Acts 10 About Dietary Law?
Peter’s vision in Acts 10 is often interpreted as evidence of the nullification of the Torah’s dietary laws. Yet a closer reading reveals a different story. Further, this episode reads like a Midrash on Gentile inclusion, shaped by Biblical imagery and a distinctly Rabbinic style of storytelling.
Traditions and Commandments: Understanding Jesus's Teaching in Mark 7
Did Jesus reject Jewish dietary laws, declaring all foods clean? In this article, we unpack the discussion in Mark 7 to challenge the popular tradition that Jesus abolished Torah-given commandments, and reflect a misreading of first-century Judaism.
eBook Available | Rabbinic Metaphors and Symbolism
I've recently made an eBook that contains the most common metaphors, symbolism, and numbers that are found in the Rabbinic literature and Midrash.
Video: Reading the Wedding at Cana as Midrash
The New Testament is often misread due to a lack of understanding of its rabbinic nature. What can we take away from this story when we view it through the lens of Jewish midrash?
The Crucifixion of Isaac
Years ago, I heard a lecture by an Orthodox Rabbi who shared some deeper insights about the event known in the Torah as the "Akeidah", the "Binding" of Isaac. I found incredible parallels in this story that match the Gospel narrative of Jesus's crucifixion and teachings.
Render Unto Caesar: The Rabbinic Discourse on Idolatrous Coins
When Jesus said, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s,” he wasn’t only sidestepping a political trap, he tapped into a rabbinic debate on coins bearing idolatrous images. But beneath the surface lies a deeper theme: coins as symbols of the soul, each human being stamped with the divine image.
The Woman At the Well. John's Midrash on Ezekiel and 2 Kings
In this article, we explore John 4 through the lens of Rabbinic Midrash and its links to Ezekiel 16 and 2 Kings 17. Is the Samaritan woman a creative representation of Ezekiel's prophetic narrative, and if so, how does this change the way we read the Gospels.
Angels & Intermediaries: The Role of Malachim in Creation
What are Angels? Many cultures have a category for heavenly beings. And though they are indeed mentioned, Bible readers will not find comprehensive details about Angels within the texts. For that, we need to dig through the Jewish tradition.
Who Is the "New Man" in Ephesians?
For centuries, Paul's vision of the “One New Man” has been used to erase Jewish identity in the name of Christian unity. But what if we've misunderstood him entirely?
The Wisdom of the Long Short Road: Finding Purpose Through Struggle
Not all shortcuts are short. A lesson from the Talmud provides a layered teaching about life, growth, and the soul’s journey.
The Lion & The Dog. Humility and Ego in the Temple Offerings
The Jewish tradition tells us something profound and fascinating: when a sacrifice was brought with the proper intent, fire from above would descend and consume it in the shape of a lion. Majestic. Elevated. Spiritually-aligned.
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.
An Introduction to Demons in Jewish Tradition
In this article, we explore the Jewish tradition of the demonic. Through the Bible, Rabbinic, and mystical lenses, we'll reveal how Jewish thought interprets these supernatural beings, various classes, and their impact on the human experience.
Sowing the Seeds of Redemption: A Hidden Message in Genesis 47?
Why does the tradition seem to be silent on the ending of Parasha Vayigash? Why does the Torah tell us about Joseph's interactions with the people of Egypt? Is there a Messianic hint in these passages for us to explore?
Genesis Misunderstood: The True Meaning of 'Adam' and Humanity
Many people have read Genesis believing that Adam and Eve were simply two individuals created in the Garden. This has created problems between religion and science, but what if this understanding was based on a misinterpretation? A closer look at the Hebrew reveals a profound nuance.