Podcast Episode - Jewish Mysticism for MJ - Part 2
In our time, I spoke with Drake Dunaway and David Cook about the importance of understanding the basics of Jewish mysticism when exploring the 'New Testament', and a host of other topics.
New Testament Insights
180 posts
Insights and new perspectives on 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!
Difficult Sayings of Jesus: "Eat of My Flesh"
A particular passage in the Gospel of John has been difficult for many readers to understand for centuries. The text indicates that many in Jesus's day had a hard time with it too.
Podcast Episode - Jewish Mysticism for MJ - Part 1
In a recent podcast discussion, we spoke about the importance of understanding the basics of Jewish mysticism when exploring the 'New Testament'.
Messiah: Part 1, The Beginning
If we could summarize the question from which we focus this work, it is, "Why do we need Messiah?" As usual, we'll begin this journey back to the beginning, the birth of the world.
Hair Coverings and Angels: Paul's Strange Advice in 1 Corinthians
Paul’s instructions about women’s hair in 1 Corinthians 11 have often been read as rules about modesty or limits on women’s leadership. This article reexamines the passage through its first-century Jewish teachings on modesty, and ancient traditions about angels.
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.
Judge Not and the Art of Rebuke
It is not uncommon for the prohibition against judging others to be misconstrued as a blanket ban on all forms of evaluation and critique. In some cases, these words are used as a mantra to ward off all manner of criticism.
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?
Understanding and Protecting from Evil Eye
Evil Eye, known in Hebrew as "Ayin Hara" (עַיִן הָרָע), is the belief that a malevolent gaze can bring some degree of harm or misfortune to those it befalls. Mentioned a few times in the Gospels, it is a topic worth exploring in modern times.
Revisiting the Sermon on the Mount
As Jewish Scholar Pinchas Lapide stated, Jesus's teachings in the Sermon on the Mount are timeless, and still relevant today. In essence, they make up the core of a Jewish lifestyle as taught in the Rabbinic tradition.
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?