The Great Mystery of Divine Providence

History is full of surprising twists and inexplicable events that have forever changed the course of the world. This can also be said of tragedies, though, usually from a downstream vantage point.

Throughout the better part of the last 2,000 years, the history of the Jewish people, their religion, and worldview has generally been introduced to the world through the [often polemical and outsider] interpretations of Christendom. In many cases  portrayed as the enemies of Jesus, or antagonists to G_D, these ideas would fuel assumptions that largely influence Jewish and Christian interactions for many centuries.

Though this is beginning to change, the past still haunts us today when we wade into the waters of inter-faith dialogue.

What if this was all part of the plan?

A Quick Detour

Leading up to 70CE, the Jewish world was embroiled in sectarianism, particularly in Israel. Disagreements arose on how to observe Torah, and bitter rivalries increased. Two primary, and devastating sins became normalized; Sinat Chinam (Baseless hatred), and Lashon Hara (negative speech). The Rabbis consider these as bad as, if not worse than idolatry. They also point to these as the precise reason the [Second] temple was destroyed.

Why? These bring a severe form of disunity.

After 70, and especially after the end of the Bar Kohkba revolt (135CE) in Israel, a significant amount of these sects were lost - either through the war with Rome, exile, or their apparent retraction back into the fold of the larger community.

The Talmud tells the story of how Rabbi Yochanon ben Yakkai was able to redeem and reboot 'Judaism' - this time with an emphasis on unity.

Though a descendant of Rabbi Hillel, Pirke Avot tells us that Rabbi Yochanon understood both the interpretive schools of Hillel and Shammai:

“Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai received [the oral tradition] from Hillel and Shammai.” - Pirke Avot 2:8

Later, the Mishnah would be created, and we'd see discussions continue, but not to the level of discord we are told of prior to 70CE.

Back to the main point

What if Yeshua had lived in these times, post 70CE?

As someone obedient to the leadership structure of the Pharisees, it is plausible he would have remained within the fold with his people. Afterall, he did instruct his students to follow their rulings. Would he not do so himself in an era of renewed unity and rebuilding?

If this had been the case, would the world have ever heard of this particular Rabbi from the Galilee?

If he had remained an obscure Jew, would the Bible have ever made its way into the non-Jewish world at all?

Subsequently, would there have been another mono-theistic movement taken up by Gentiles, one powerful enough to topple the pagan strongholds within the Roman empire?

Today, we find many have a foundation of Torah knowledge, whether they are aware or not. As Rambam tells us, these will be eventually corrected and brought to a proper understanding. Through this one misunderstood Jew, the road is paved for the redemption - all we need is the light.

This, we may find, was the great mystery of G_D's plan all along. From our vantage point at the end of the show, we may look back and see it was G_D all along.

Ein od Milvado.