TALMIDEI YESHUA IN THE 21st CENTURY

Why Talmidei Yeshua?

The task set before all who are called to be Talmidim of Yeshua, is to ensure the restoration of the whole Scriptural narrative, by revealing the unchanging pathway that leads toward the return of our Master Yeshua. Hence, complete restoration the scriptural narrative, through the Ruach HaKodesh enables both Jews and Gentiles to unite as one, in accordance with the 1st century model expressed through the words of Sha’ul in Ephesians 2:13 and 15b:- Now, you who were once far off have been brought near through the shedding of the Messiah’s blood.... v15b He did this in order to create in union with himself from the two groups a single new humanity and thus make shalom.



Messianic Aspirations

Firstly – our aim is to introduce people to the life and teachings of Yeshua HaMashiach (the Messiah), as he was revealed during his earthly ministry, which was set against the Hebraic background of the 1st century C.E.

Secondly - to increase awareness of the overall Sovereign Plan of God by looking at how it has developed throughout history and how it has impacted on our lives as Talmidim of Yeshua in the 21st Century.

Thirdly - to help build the community of like minded talmidim throughout New Zealand and beyond, amongst those who trusting in Yeshua and follow the model portrayed through the words of the Brit Hadashah (New Covenant writings) as referred to by Christians as the New Testament.

THE REASON FOR MESSIANIC BELIEF

The New Oxford dictionary defines “Messianic” as being,

“Inspired by the hope or belief in a messiah”.

Hence, we call ourselves “Talmidim of Yeshua” because we believe that God's only and unique Son is the Messiah who came to earth as a human being and that through his redemptive work he will, at his return restore the earth and humanity it’s original God intended condition. This is affirmed in our Statement of Belief.

Separation from God (Sin)

As Talmidei Yeshua we acknowledge that all humans have been separated from God as a result of one disobedient act by Adam and Havah (Eve) and that their actions in eating the forbidden fruit was the root of all mankind’s separation from God. By acknowledging the separation, we also recognise that mankind needs forgiveness, redemption and restoration so that mankind can again have a true relationship with the Creator of the Universe. 

Redemption Through Sacrifice

God's Word (Scripture) clearly shows that for forgiveness and redemption to occur there must be sacrifice – a life given for life to be regained. So, in place of our own life being taken in a sacrificial manner, we trust that God appointed his unique Son to die on our behalf. 



Levitical Sacrifices

We acknowledge that YHVH (Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh) the God of Avraham, Yitz’chak (Isaac) and Ya’akov (Jacob) brought Isra’el out from slavery in Egypt and that he also gave them the word’s of Torah from Mt. Horev, which included commandments on how they were to sacrifice selected animals as an atonement before their God, YHVH. Whilst the sacrifice of animals did not restore the lost relationship between man and God, it did enable Isra’el to be made Holy (set apart) by their Creator and to become a nation who would reveal his message of redemption to all mankind. Then at the climax of their history, the Messiah was born into that nation as a light to all mankind. 



Mashiach - The Ultimate Sacrifice

Torah clearly states that animal sacrifices were only ever meant to be a foreshadow of the atoning death of Yeshua HaMashiach. Yeshua died as God's sacrificial lamb, as a substitute for our own personal death by sacrifice. Because his blood was shed in that way, God was able to offer unconditional forgiveness and redemption to all who will believe and trust that the death of Yeshua as the only truly acceptable sacrifice to God. 

The Origins of Messianic Belief

Through his sacrificial death, Yeshua became the redeemer of all mankind and according to God's own Word he established a new covenant with his chosen people Isra’el, as found in Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 31:31-37. That new covenant was extended to both Jews and Gentiles, in accordance with Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 49:6-7. From these verses we see that the origins of Messianic belief was rooted in the Land, the People and the Scriptures of Isra’el. 

Why We Identify with Isra'el

As Talmidei Yeshua we voluntarily identify with God's chosen people Isra’el because through them Yeshua came into this world. It was also through Isra’el that he became the atoning sacrifice for our redemption. Furthermore, we acknowledge that it was through Isra’el that Scripture was given to the whole world. 

Isra'el, Guardians of Torah

Nearly 3500 years ago, YHVH made himself known personally to Moshe (Moses) who lead Isra’el out of slavery in Egypt and to whom YHVH entrusted the first five books of Torah. Those five books contain all the history, teaching and statutes necessary as the constitution of that new nation. It was the nation Isra’el, whom YHVH Elohim called to be his chosen people. From that time forth they were vested with the responsibility of being guardians of the Word of God, which over time became the whole Tanakh (OT).

Since being given the written Torah at Mt. Horev (Sinai) Isra’el has carefully guarded it against the ravages time. Further, prophetic writings and Psalms were added to the original Torah as the Sh’khinah (Glory) of God dwelt with His chosen people in Isra’el. Therefore, as Talmidei Yeshua we acknowledge that all Scripture, comprising the Tanakh as given to ancient Isra’el and the Brit Hadashah which was compiled and written by the 1st century Talmidim of Yeshua, together comprise the completed Word of God. 



Yeshua's Heavenly Existence

Yeshua’s spoke of a heavenly life on many occasions as recorded in the Besorah (Gospels).

Yochanan (John) 3:13 – “No one has gone up into heaven; there is only the one who came down from heaven; the Son of Man.”

Yochanan 6:38 – “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will, but the will of the one who sent me.”

Yochanan 8:23-24 – Yeshua said to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. This is why I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not trust that I am who I say I am, you will die in your sins.”

Yochanan 8:42-43 – Yeshua said to them, “If God were your father, you would love me; because I came out from God; and now I have arrived here. I did not come on my own; he sent me. Why don’t you understand what I’m saying? Because you can’t bear to listen to my message.”

Yochanan 8:57-58 – “Why you’re not yet fifty years old;” the Judeans replied, “and you have seen Avraham?” Yeshua said to them, “Yes indeed! Before Avraham I AM. At this, they picked up stones to throw at him; but Yeshua was hidden and left the Temple grounds.

Yeshua's Part in Creation

Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV) – For by him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

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Romans 11:36 (NIV) - For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.



Yeshua as the Word of God

Yochanan 1:1-2 - In the beginning was the Word and Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. At his return when he rides the white horse of Revelation, he is known again as the “WORD OF GOD” (Rev 19:13)



God's Only Unique Son

He was the sole direct creation of his father a firstborn unique Son.

Yochanan 1:14 – The Word became a human being and lived with us, and we saw his Sh’khinah, The Sh’khinah of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

Yochanan 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed.*

Yochanan 3:18 – Those who trust in him are not judged; those who do not trust have been judged already, in that they have not trusted in the one who is God’s only and unique Son.

1 Yochanan 4:9-10 – Here is how God showed his love among us: God sent his only Son into the world, so that through him we might have life. Here is what love is: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atonement for our sins.



About Yeshua's Birth

Mattityahu (Matthew) 1:20b-21 – “Yosef, son of David, do not be afraid to take Miryam home with you as your wife; for what has been conceived in her is from the Ruach HaKodesh. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua because he will save his people from their sins.” 

When did he come into this world?

Yeshua stepped into the midst of human history at a time when the nation of Isra’el was under the yoke of Roman rule. It was foretold many times throughout Tanakh that at a time when nation of Isra’el had turned almost completely away from YHVH, Yeshua, would appear as a Rabbi and admonish Isra’el to return to the teachings of the Torah. 

His Sacrificial Death

The climax of his life was the fulfilment of the sacrificial system, which for over 1500 years had been the focal point of worship in Isra’el during the Levitical Era (the period between the Exodus and destruction of the 1st Temple). His death became the ultimate sacrifice and paved the way for both Jews and Gentiles to return to an everlasting relationship with YHVH, but only through accepting that Yeshua was and still is the promised Messiah.

His Resurrection

Yeshua arose from the grave on the third day, which was Shabbat (Saturday) in accordance with what had been foretold through the prophet Yonah. He then appeared to his talmidim at various times and places over the next forty days, before he finally ascended to sit at the right hand of God, until the time is right for his return to earth.

Yeshua's Promised Return

Acts 1:6-11 – When they were together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore self-rule to Isra’el?” He answered, “You don’t need to know the dates or the times; the Father has kept these under his own authority. But you will receive power when the Ruach HaKodesh comes upon you: you will be my witnesses both in Yerushalayim and in all Y’hudah and Shomron, indeed to the ends of the earth!” After saying this, he was taken up before their eyes and a cloud hid him from their sight. As they were staring into the sky after him, suddenly they saw two men dressed in white standing next to them. The men said, “You Galileans! Why are you standing, staring into space? This Yeshua, who has been taken away from you into heaven, will come back to you in just the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Were Yeshua's Talmidim the First Ever?

Hebrew history shows that Yeshua was by no means the first man to gather around him talmidim. In fact, long before the days of Yeshua, all the great sages of Jewish history had their own talmidim.

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The talmidim learned to eat the same foods as their rabbi. To celebrate the Shabbat the way their rabbi did and perform Tzedakah (charity) as he taught. To pray as he did and to fast along with their rabbi. To keep the mitzvot (instructions) of YHVH just like their rabbi. The talmidim followed their rabbi everywhere he went reflecting every aspect of his life.

A talmid became a living reflection of his master. Then, once a selected talmid was fully trained, he in turn would become a rabbi, gathering his own talmidim around him. He would become the teacher and master of the next generation. In this way the traditions of Judaism were handed down from one generation to the next. The practice dates back to Mt. Horev, where in Scripture, Moshe passed on all he knew to his talmid –Y’hoshua (Joshua).



Rabbi Yeshua - The Last Great Sage!

Like the sages before him Yeshua gathered around him his talmidim. We read in the Gospels that shortly after his immersion he called twelve men to become his talmidim. He spent a one year teaching guiding and mentoring them, just like the sages before him. However, there was one profound difference between his teaching and that of his forefathers. Yeshua was the last great sage. As Talmidei Yeshua we understand that he, was the ultimate master after whom none would follow, because he alone is the Son of God.

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Unlike the sages before him, Yeshua did not encourage his talmidim to become masters themselves. Instead he instructed them that they were not to be called Rabbi or Father as had been the practice for many generations, because as the only resurrected Son of God, he alone remains the master for all time, to those who will trust in his words. We read in Mattityahu 23:8-10 he instructs his talmidim saying:- "You are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one teacher, the Messiah."



Talmidei Yeshua in the 1st Century

Those words of the master appear, at face value to be in conflict with the words written later by the Emissaries (Apostles) in the letters of the Brit Hadashah. They talk continuously about elders, fathers, teachers and leaders being ordained within the Messianic Community through the middle years of the 1st century CE. However, as we consider the context in which those words were written, we begin to see the Emissaries were not making talmidim for themselves but rather for their Master Yeshua. That is the model we have adopted today.

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Even down to this very day we have among us some who are teachers, elders and leaders, but they must never take the place of the Master Yeshua. We must never become the talmidim of any man or embrace the halakha (pathways) of man. Rather, we must become Talmidim of Yeshua, always striving to raise up further talmidim for our master because he is living in each talmid today through the indwelling of the Ruach HaKodesh.

"This essay was written by Graeme Purdie – Founder of Talmidei Yeshua Messianic Ministry of NZ and may only be shared in full and must include this citation at all times. All scriptural references, unless stated otherwise, have been taken from the Complete Jewish Bible by David H Stern. Copyright © 1998. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Messianic Jewish Publishers, 6120 Day Long Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029 www.messianicjewish.net."

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