The Good News and the Great One
The Great One Preaching in synagogues and proclaiming the Good News
When the Gospels refer to “preaching in the synagogues” and “proclaiming the good news“ (often called the “Gospel“), they are describing two complementary aspects of Jesus’ ministry, as well as the early apostles’ activities. These phrases are frequently used to describe how Jesus spread His message throughout the regions of Galilee and beyond.
Preaching in the Synagogues
In Jesus’ time, synagogues were the central places of worship and teaching for Jewish communities, similar to churches today. They were places where the Jewish people gathered to hear the Scriptures (the Torah and other writings) read and explained. When Jesus preached in the synagogues, He was engaging with the Jewish tradition, often reading from the Scriptures and then interpreting them in a way that pointed to His mission and identity as the Messiah. His preaching often caused amazement, but also controversy, as He challenged established interpretations.
For example, in Luke 4:16-30, we see Jesus reading from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue of Nazareth and proclaiming the fulfillment of prophecy. This was a common format for teaching in synagogues.
Proclaiming the Good News (Gospel)
The “Good News” or “Gospel” refers to the message of salvation that Jesus brought, centered on the arrival of the Kingdom of God. The “proclaiming” of this good news was often done in public spaces, outside the synagogues, where both Jews and Gentiles could hear it. Jesus’ proclamation included teachings about repentance, forgiveness of sins, healing, and the coming of God’s reign.
In the Gospel of Matthew (4:23), for example, it says,
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”
This highlights that proclaiming the good news was not just about words but was often accompanied by actions—miracles and acts of compassion.
The synagogues were central to the Jewish community, and by preaching there, Jesus was engaging with people familiar with the Scriptures. By proclaiming the good news, He was spreading the message of salvation and the nearness of God’s Kingdom to everyone, especially those who were outside the synagogue system.
In summary, “preaching in the synagogues” involved engaging with the Jewish faith community, while “proclaiming the good news” was about spreading the broader message of salvation and the coming of the Kingdom of God to everyone, including those who might not have been part of regular synagogue worship. Both aspects were central to Jesus’ ministry.
The gospel (message) is the teaching !
Yes, that’s right! The Gospel refers to the message or teaching that Jesus brought, and it centers on the “good news” of salvation. Specifically, it is the message that:
- God’s Kingdom is near: Jesus proclaimed that God’s reign, or Kingdom, was breaking into the world through His ministry (Mark 1:15). This meant that God was actively at work, bringing about renewal, justice, and salvation for humanity.
- Repentance and forgiveness of sins: Jesus taught that people are called to repentance (a change of heart and mind) to turn back to God, and through Him, their sins would be forgiven (Mark 2:17, Luke 5:32). This reconciliation with God brings spiritual healing and peace.
- Jesus as the Messiah and Savior: Central to the Gospel is the belief that Jesus Himself is the Messiah (the “anointed one“) who was sent to fulfill God’s promises to His people and to bring salvation not just to the Jewish people, but to all of humanity (John 3:16, Luke 24:46-47). His life, death, and resurrection opened the way to eternal life.
- New way of living in love and service: Jesus also taught that this good news invites people into a new way of living—a life of love for God and neighbor, service to others, and alignment with God’s will (Matthew 22:37-40, John 13:34).
So, the Gospel is not just a set of teachings or moral lessons, but it is the announcement of God’s saving action through Jesus Christ. It’s called the “good news” because it proclaims the possibility of a new relationship with God, grounded in His love, mercy, and the promise of eternal life.
In summary, the Gospel message is the teaching of Jesus, which centers on salvation, the coming of God’s Kingdom, and the call to repentance and faith. This message forms the heart of Christian faith and is what Jesus and His disciples preached.
Hebrew meaning and symbolism of the word teacher
The Hebrew word for “teacher” is “רַבִּי” (Rabbi). This term carries deep significance, both linguistically and symbolically, especially in Jewish and Biblical contexts.
1. Meaning of “Rabbi“
- The word “Rabbi“ comes from the root word “רַב” (rav), which means “great” or “many.” So, “Rabbi” literally means “my great one” or “my master,” which reflects the high respect and authority given to a teacher in Jewish tradition.
- In a more practical sense, a Rabbi is someone who teaches the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), guides others in matters of faith, and provides spiritual leadership. This role was not limited to simply teaching knowledge; a Rabbi was also a guide in moral, legal, and spiritual issues.
2. Symbolism of “Teacher“
- Authority in Knowledge: The term “Rabbi” symbolizes authority in the Scriptures. In ancient Jewish culture, teachers were considered the interpreters of God’s law and the keepers of divine wisdom. Jesus Himself was called “Rabbi” by His disciples (John 1:38, Mark 9:5), as He was seen as one with deep knowledge and authority in teaching the word of God.
- Wisdom and Relationship: In Jewish culture, a teacher, especially a Rabbi, isn’t just a conveyor of facts; they are someone who forms a close relationship with their students (disciples). This teacher-disciple relationship is intimate and personal, with the Rabbi guiding the student in all areas of life, especially in spiritual matters. In the Gospels, we see this in how Jesus intimately teaches His disciples.
- Service and Humility: While “Rabbi” can imply greatness, true Biblical teaching emphasizes service. In Matthew 23:8, Jesus says, “You are not to be called Rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.” Here, Jesus flips the usual meaning, reminding us that greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in humility and service, not just in status or title.
3. Biblical Significance
In Jewish and Christian contexts, the role of a teacher, especially one steeped in the knowledge of God’s law, was considered a great responsibility. To teach others was to act as a representative of God’s wisdom, guiding people toward the truth. In the Old Testament, figures like Moses and the prophets were seen as teachers, passing on God’s commandments to His people.
In summary, the Hebrew word for teacher, “Rabbi,” reflects not just knowledge, but authority, wisdom, and the deep responsibility of guiding others spiritually. When Jesus was called Rabbi, it acknowledged His role not only as a teacher of the law but also as one who led others to spiritual truth through His words and actions.
The five books of the Torah in Jewish teaching
The Torah, also known as the Pentateuch, consists of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, and these books are central to Jewish teaching, faith, and practice. Each book plays a crucial role in shaping Jewish law (Halakha), theology, and narrative identity. Let’s explore each book and its significance in Jewish tradition:
1. Genesis (בְּרֵאשִׁית, Bereshit) – “In the Beginning“
- Content: Genesis tells the story of the creation of the world, the origins of humanity, and the early history of the Jewish people. It covers events from the creation of Adam and Eve, the fall, the flood, the tower of Babel, and the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) up until the descent of Jacob’s family into Egypt.
- Key Themes:
- Creation: God’s sovereignty over the world and His role as Creator.
- Covenant: The beginnings of God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants, promising them land (Canaan) and a special relationship with God.
- Faith and Trust: Genesis highlights the faith of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and their trust in God’s promises, despite trials and tribulations.
- Significance in Jewish Teaching: Genesis lays the foundation for the identity of the Jewish people as God’s chosen people and introduces key concepts such as monotheism, covenant, and the idea of living in faithful relationship with God.
2. Exodus (שְׁמוֹת, Shemot) – “Names“
- Content: Exodus recounts the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt, their miraculous deliverance under Moses’ leadership, the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, and the establishment of the covenant between God and Israel.
- Key Themes:
- Redemption: The deliverance of Israel from slavery is a powerful symbol of God’s saving grace.
- Law and Covenant: The giving of the Torah (Law) at Mount Sinai establishes the legal and moral framework for the Jewish people. The Ten Commandments and other laws guide them in their relationship with God and with each other.
- God’s Presence: The Tabernacle is built as a dwelling place for God’s presence among the people.
- Significance in Jewish Teaching: Exodus is central to Jewish identity, with the Passover (Pesach) being a major holiday commemorating the exodus from Egypt. It also sets the stage for the covenant relationship and the Jewish understanding of God as a liberator and lawgiver.
3. Leviticus (וַיִּקְרָא, Vayikra) – “And He Called“
- Content: Leviticus is primarily concerned with laws relating to the priesthood, sacrifices, ritual purity, and holiness. It outlines the sacrificial system, dietary laws (kashrut), and instructions on moral and ethical behavior.
- Key Themes:
- Holiness: The central theme of Leviticus is holiness. The Israelites are called to be holy as God is holy (Leviticus 19:2), both through ritual purity and ethical behavior.
- Sacrifice and Atonement: The book details the various types of sacrifices (burnt offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings) used to atone for sins and maintain a right relationship with God.
- Purity: Both ritual and moral purity are emphasized, with detailed laws about what makes one clean or unclean.
- Significance in Jewish Teaching: Leviticus plays a central role in shaping Jewish ritual and ethical practices. The idea of holiness and the laws of purity, including the dietary laws and laws related to Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), have a lasting impact on Jewish life and practice.
4. Numbers (בְּמִדְבַּר, Bamidbar) – “In the Wilderness“
- Content: Numbers recounts the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. It includes censuses, laws, and narratives of rebellion, as well as the challenges the Israelites face in their journey.
- Key Themes:
- Faith and Rebellion: The book records the repeated failure of the Israelites to trust God, leading to their wandering in the desert for 40 years.
- God’s Guidance: Despite their rebellion, God remains faithful and continues to guide and provide for the people through miracles like the manna and water from the rock.
- Leadership: Moses’ leadership is tested, and new leaders like Joshua are introduced as the people prepare to enter the Promised Land.
- Significance in Jewish Teaching: Numbers serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith, but also of God’s continued guidance and faithfulness. It teaches about the importance of trust and obedience in the journey of faith.
5. Deuteronomy (דְּבָרִים, Devarim) – “Words“
- Content: Deuteronomy is presented as Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. It is a restatement and expansion of the laws given in earlier books, focusing on faithfulness to God and the covenant.
- Key Themes:
- Covenant Renewal: Deuteronomy emphasizes the renewal of the covenant between God and the Israelites. Moses urges the people to remain faithful to the covenant and warns them of the consequences of disobedience.
- Love and Obedience: The central command is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5), known as the Shema, which is a foundational prayer in Jewish worship.
- Blessings and Curses: Deuteronomy outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, stressing the importance of keeping God’s commandments.
- Significance in Jewish Teaching: Deuteronomy serves as a final summary of the Torah’s teachings, emphasizing the importance of loyalty to God, love of God, and observance of the law. It holds a special place in Jewish prayer and practice, particularly through the Shema and the call to live in faithful relationship with God.
Overall Significance of the Torah in Jewish Teaching:
The Torah is not just a collection of laws or stories but is viewed as the foundation of Jewish identity, faith, and practice. It shapes every aspect of Jewish life, from moral conduct to religious rituals, and represents the direct communication between God and the Jewish people.
- Covenant: The Torah outlines the special covenant between God and Israel, where God promises to be their God, and they promise to follow His laws.
- Law and Ethics: The laws of the Torah are seen as a guide for how to live a life that is in harmony with God’s will, encompassing both ritual practices and ethical conduct.
- Relationship with God: The Torah constantly reminds the Jewish people of their relationship with God, calling them to live in holiness and obedience.
In Jewish tradition, studying the Torah is a lifelong endeavor, and it is considered an act of worship in itself. It is seen as the eternal word of God, meant to guide not just individuals but the entire community of Israel in their relationship with God.
The revelation of the Name
The revealing of God’s Name is a profound moment in the Torah, occurring primarily in the Book of Exodus. It is a key event that marks a turning point in the relationship between God and His people, as it discloses God’s identity in a more personal and relational way. This revelation has immense theological and spiritual significance in Jewish teaching.
The Revealing of the Name in Exodus 3 (The Burning Bush)
The most explicit revelation of God’s Name occurs in Exodus 3:13-15, during Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. When Moses asks God what name he should use to identify God to the Israelites, God responds with the famous words:
- Exodus 3:14:
“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.’“
The Hebrew behind this phrase is “Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh“ (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה), which is often translated as “I AM WHO I AM“, or sometimes as “I will be who I will be.” This name reveals God as the eternal, self-existing One, whose being is not dependent on anything else. It speaks to God’s unchanging and ever-present nature.
- Exodus 3:15:
God continues, saying to Moses:
“The LORD (YHWH), the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”
In this passage, God gives Moses the name YHWH (יהוה), often called the Tetragrammaton. This is the divine name that would come to be considered the most sacred name for God in Jewish tradition.
Significance of the Name YHWH (יהוה)
- Eternal and Self-Existent:
The name YHWH is closely related to the verb “to be” in Hebrew, signifying that God is the one who is, the source of all existence, and not limited by time. This emphasizes God’s eternal nature and His presence throughout all of history. - Covenant Relationship:
In the Torah, the use of YHWH is strongly associated with the covenant between God and Israel. It is the personal, relational name of God, distinguishing the God of Israel from other deities. God is not just a distant, abstract force, but the God of the fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), who is actively involved in the life of His people. - Holiness and Reverence:
Over time, the Jewish people came to regard the name YHWH as so sacred that it was not pronounced aloud in daily life. Instead, when reading the Torah, the word Adonai (meaning “Lord“) was substituted. This practice underscores the deep reverence the Jewish people have for the divine name. - God’s Faithfulness:
The revelation of God’s name to Moses also serves to affirm God’s faithfulness to His promises. By invoking the name YHWH, God is reminding the Israelites that He is the same God who made promises to their ancestors and that He will be faithful to deliver them from slavery and bring them into the Promised Land.
Placement in the Story of the Torah
The revealing of God’s name in Exodus is significant because it occurs just before the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt. It is at this point that God fully discloses His identity to Moses as the one who will act decisively in history to redeem His people. Up until this point, God had been known primarily as El Shaddai (“God Almighty“) or Elohim (a more general term for God), but now, in revealing YHWH, God is establishing a more personal, direct connection with the people of Israel.
- Exodus 6:2-3:
“God spoke to Moses and said to him, ‘I am the LORD (YHWH). I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty (El Shaddai), but by My name the LORD (YHWH) I did not make Myself known to them.’”
This suggests that the revelation of the name YHWH represents a deepening of the relationship between God and His people. It is through this name that God will now act to fulfill His promises of deliverance and bring about the covenantal relationship established with the patriarchs.
Symbolism and Theology of the Name
- Immanence and Transcendence:
The name YHWH reflects both God’s immanence (His presence with His people) and His transcendence (His existence beyond human comprehension). The phrase “I AM WHO I AM” (Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh) points to God’s mystery and independence, while YHWH as the covenantal name signifies His nearness and involvement with His people. - A Personal God:
Unlike other deities of the ancient world, who were often distant and impersonal, YHWH reveals Himself as a personal, relational God who hears the cries of His people and acts on their behalf. This personal dimension is essential to the understanding of God in Judaism. - An Unchanging Nature:
The name also suggests that God is unchanging in His nature. Just as He was with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, so He will be with Moses and the people of Israel, fulfilling His promises. - A Call to Trust:
God’s revelation of His name as “I AM” invites trust. It is a name that encompasses all times: past, present, and future. God is assuring Moses and the Israelites that His presence is constant and that He will be with them through their trials.
Conclusion
The revealing of the divine name in the Torah is one of the most theologically significant moments in the entire Bible. The name YHWHcarries deep meaning in Jewish tradition, symbolizing God’s eternal existence, faithfulness, and covenantal love. It marks the transition from God being primarily known as the God of the ancestors (the patriarchs) to being the God who directly intervenes in history to save His people from bondage.
In Jewish thought, the name of God is held in profound reverence, representing not just a title but the very essence of God’s presence and relationship with His people. Through this name, God reveals Himself not only as the Creator but as the Redeemer and Sustainer of Israel, a truth that is foundational to the Jewish faith.
The torah and the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel
The relationship between the five books of the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) and the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel is rich and multifaceted. Jesus’ teaching builds upon and fulfills the Torah, deepening its moral, spiritual, and covenantal dimensions. Let’s explore how the Torah and the Gospel interconnect, focusing on some key areas:
1. Jesus’ Affirmation of the Torah
Jesus frequently affirmed the Torah as the foundation of His teaching. He did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. This means that Jesus both upheld the Torah’s commands and expanded their meaning, drawing out their full spiritual significance.
- Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.“
- Jesus respected the Torah’s teachings on morality, worship, and the covenant, but He also emphasized that true righteousness comes from the heart and a deeper understanding of God’s will.
2. The Torah as a Foundation for Jesus’ Ethical Teaching
Many of Jesus’ teachings echo the moral and ethical commands found in the Torah, but He often extended or intensified them, calling for an internal transformation rather than just outward obedience.
- The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) form a moral foundation that Jesus builds upon. For instance, in His Sermon on the Mount(Matthew 5-7), Jesus takes the commandments and applies them in more profound ways. For example, He deepens the commandment “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) by teaching that even harboring anger or hatred is a violation of God’s will (Matthew 5:21-22).
- Leviticus 19:18 teaches “Love your neighbor as yourself,” which Jesus upholds as one of the greatest commandments, alongside loving God (Matthew 22:37-40). Jesus places love at the heart of all Torah teaching, emphasizing that the law’s purpose is to guide people into loving relationships with God and others.
3. Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Covenantal Promises
The Torah, particularly in Genesis and Exodus, establishes God’s covenant with His people. This covenant is centered on God’s promises to Abraham and Moses: promises of land, descendants, and blessing. The Torah also looks forward to a future time of redemption and restoration.
- Jesus is often seen as the fulfillment of these covenantal promises. For instance, the promise to Abraham that “all the nations of the earth shall be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3) is fulfilled in Christ, who brings salvation to both Jews and Gentiles (Galatians 3:8,16).
- Jesus’ death and resurrection inaugurate a new covenant(prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34), in which God’s law is written on people’s hearts, fulfilling the Torah’s deeper spiritual intention. In Luke 22:20, Jesus says, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood,” signifying that His sacrifice establishes a new relationship between God and humanity.
4. Sacrifices and Atonement in the Torah and the Gospel
The Torah places a strong emphasis on sacrifice and atonement as ways to repair the relationship between God and humanity. The sacrificial system in Leviticus (especially the sin offerings, peace offerings, and the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16) highlights how sin separates humanity from God and the need for blood sacrifices to cleanse and restore that relationship.
- In the Gospel, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system. His death is described as the perfect sacrifice that atones for the sins of the world. The sacrificial system in the Torah pointed forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose death brings about ultimate reconciliation with God.
- Hebrews 9:11-12 explains this connection: “But when Christ came as high priest… He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) rituals in Leviticus foreshadow the complete atonement that Jesus offers through His death.
5. Holiness and Moral Purity
The book of Leviticus emphasizes the theme of holiness: “Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). The Torah gives specific laws about how Israel is to live as a holy people, set apart for God through rituals, sacrifices, and moral behavior.
- Jesus emphasizes that holiness is not just about external ritualsbut about the purity of the heart. He teaches that holiness comes from inner transformation and love for God and others, rather than merely following external rules (Matthew 15:18-20).
- Jesus fulfills the Torah’s call for holiness by offering a way of life that focuses on internal purity and moral integrity, challenging people to go beyond the letter of the law and live by its spirit.
6. Jesus and the Kingdom of God in Light of the Torah
The Torah introduces the idea of God’s people living under God’s reign in the Promised Land. In the Gospel, Jesus announces the coming of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15), which transcends geographical and national boundaries. The Kingdom is where God’s will is done, and it calls for a radical transformation of the heart and society.
- Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom of God fulfill the Torah’s vision of a society under God’s rule, but with a deeper spiritual focus. For example, the laws about justice and mercy in the Torah (such as in Deuteronomy) are amplified by Jesus, who teaches about loving enemies and forgiving others (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-36).
- The Sabbath (a central command in the Torah) is reinterpreted by Jesus not as a burdensome rule, but as a gift that reveals God’s care for humanity (Mark 2:27). He embodies the rest and peace promised by the Sabbath, offering true spiritual rest to all who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
7. The Prophetic Expectation of a Messiah
The Torah contains early hints of a future Messiah, though these are developed more fully in the later Prophets. In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses tells the people, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you.” This expectation of a future deliverer is fulfilled in Jesus, who is seen as the new Moses, leading God’s people into a new covenant and relationship with God.
- Jesus is seen as the one who perfectly fulfills the role of the lawgiver, prophet, and mediator, just as Moses did in the Torah. But Jesus’ mission expands beyond the physical Promised Land to offer eternal life and entry into the Kingdom of God.
Conclusion: The Torah and the Gospel in Harmony
The Torah and the Gospel are deeply interconnected. The Torah serves as the foundation of God’s revelation to His people, establishing themes of covenant, holiness, sacrifice, and moral living. Jesus comes not to negate these teachings but to fulfill them, bringing them to their ultimate completion in Himself.
- The Torah points forward to Christ, as the one who would fulfill the law’s moral and sacrificial demands.
- Jesus deepens and expands the meaning of the Torah, showing that its true intent is not just outward obedience but inner transformation and love for God and neighbor.
- The Gospel is the ultimate fulfillment of the Torah’s promises, offering redemption, reconciliation, and eternal life through Jesus, the Messiah, and Savior.
Thus, the teachings of the Torah and the Gospel are not opposed but are part of a continuous narrative of God’s unfolding plan of salvation, with Jesus as the central figure who brings it all to completion.
A prayer-poem that reflects the themes we’ve discussed
A Prayer of Fulfillment and Light
O God of the covenant, faithful and true,
You spoke to our fathers, their path You drew.
From the depths of the Torah, Your voice calls still,
Guiding our hearts to follow Your will.
From the dawn of creation, to Sinai’s height,
You’ve walked with Your people, leading with light.
Through Abraham’s faith and Moses’ hand,
You whispered of love, of a promised land.
Yet deeper still, Your wisdom shone,
In the life of Jesus, Your Son alone.
He came to fulfill what was once concealed,
The law in His love now fully revealed.
O Christ, our Rabbi, our Lamb divine,
In You, all the words of the Torah align.
You call us to love with all our might,
To walk in Your mercy, to shine in Your light.
Teach us, O Lord, to live as You taught,
With hearts full of grace, unbound, unsought.
May Your Kingdom come, may Your truth arise,
As we live in Your presence, where love never dies.
In Your name, O Lord, we seek and we pray,
Guide us to follow, show us the way.
Amen.
May this prayer inspire you on your journey as you seek to live out the teachings of Christ and the fulfillment of the Torah in your life!
