Yeshua the Messiah = "Ultra-Torah"
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Topic: Yeshua the Messiah = "Ultra-Torah"
Posted By: Bismarck
Subject: Yeshua the Messiah = "Ultra-Torah"
Date Posted: 10 September 2007 at 10:28pm
In Matt 5:17-18, the Messiah affirms that he does not do away with
the Law.
After saying that "not a yod and not a kots of a yod" (the Hebrew
"jot" and "tiddle") shall pass away from the Torah until everything has
been done, the Messiah goes on to demonstrate his "ultra-Torah"
teachings:
Anger (vv. 21-26)
Lust (vv. 27-30)
Divorce (vv. 31-32)
Oaths (vv. 33-37)
Retaliation (vv. 38-42)
Love Your Enemies (vv. 43-48)
In each of these cases, the Messiah highlights and amplifies the true,
original intent of these OT Laws. For example, regarding retaliation,
the Messiah says (vv. 38-39), "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye
for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you..." That OT Law (Ex
21:24; Lev 24:20; Deut 19:21) was designed to limit violence. It
prevented escalation, which leads to blood feuds. (Cf. the 30
Years War (1618-48) in Germany, where Protestants and Catholics did
not keep this commandment, and escalations in violence
culminated in the Catholic massacre of Magdeburg in 1631 and the
slaughter of at least 20,000 Protestants.)
Thus, the Messiah carried this Spirit of the Law to its ultimate extreme �
not only should you not escalate (OT), but (for the sake of saving
lives) you should actively de-escalate (NT).
The Messiah's teachings represent "ultra-Torah", the ultimate
extreme of the original Spirit underlying the Law given to Moses by
YHWH at Horeb.
It can hardly be coincidence that the Messiah ends this discourse (v. 48)
with the words, "You therefore must be perfect
, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
ADDENDUM:
This is echoed by Paul as well:
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in
the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably
with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of
God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
[Deut 32:35]
Romans 12:17-19
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