Yeshua and Judaism, Part VI: Ways of The Rabbi

Yeshua & Judaism: Part VI – Ways of The Rabbi

Recap: The Question What did you learn?

Opening Passage: Matthew 23:6-10.

I – Yeshua the Rabbi

Was Yeshua called Rabbi? Gospels affirm that He was called Rabbi by his Disciples.

• , calls him Rabbi, twice according to the gospel of Matthew.
  • Mark affirms this.
• also calls Yeshua Rabbi in Mark 9:5 & 11:21.
• , , and all of his disciples called him Rabbi in John’s Gospel.
  • John 1:49, 3:2. See also, John 9:2, 6:25, 11:8, et al.
  • the is also called a Rabbi. See John 3:26.

There is robust academic debate on whether the word Rabbi is , or .

רַב Rav in Hebrew, means “”. We find it used in Ezra 5:11, 10:8, Daniel 2:48.

It is used to denote greatness of an individual and is usually translated as “Great, Chief, or Captain” depending on the context. It is a mark of Status, Responsibility, Authority, Importance. This often reflects the social hierarchy of the ANE.

Does Yeshua ever rebuke his Talmidim for calling him Rabbi?

If he is teaching against the titles of Rabbi, but is allowing others to call him Rabbi isn’t that hypocritical?

רַבי – Means “My Great (One)” – It becomes a possessive.

Matthew 23:6-10. Let’s discuss this.

• How are we to understand this? Is this about forbidden words?
• Notice: Yeshua tells them DON’T BE CALLED this.
• (Vs. 12) – “Whoever himself..” This is Torah language…Where do we find this in the Torah?
• This seems to teach us that we are not to seek out a Title.
• This seems to be addressing – & false .
• Psalm 34:3, 99:5. There is ONE who is worthy of exaltation!
• . Lower yourself, and let God lift you up.

II – The Pardes Method of Rabbinic Teaching

What are some ways that Rabbis taught in the ancient days? Modern Judaism uses the Pardes method? פרד״ס. PaRDeS – An Anacronym:

• Peshat (פְּשָׁט) — the / meaning of the text. Yeshua uses this regularly in His teachings. Example: Matt. 5:17-20, John 13:34-35. Mark 1:15 – Repent.
• Remez (רֶמֶז) — the  meaning, allusions suggested by wording or themes. These are usually focused on intertextual echoes, and symbolic
  • John 1:51. The Ladder used here is to hint at Jacob’s Ladder in Gen. 28:12.
  • Matthew 26:26-28 – The Bread & Cup, Passover Covenantal hints.
  • Mk 2:19-22 – Bridegroom/fabric/wineskin imagery – Symbolic hints of Yeshua’s ministry.
  • Matthew 12:38-41 – Jonah; Queen of The South. Hints to earlier scriptural patterns and teachings known well by His talmidim.
• Derash (דְּרָשׁ) — Inquiry/Teaching by , , and application. Often taught by how verses are interpreted or applied in midrash.
  • Matt. 22:36-40 – The Greatest Mitzvah. Love of God is equated to listening & Obeying.
  • Matt.1 12:1-8. – Sabbath arguments and disputes are understood and taught by Scripture and examples.
  • Matt, 5:21-48 – “You have heard it said, but I say unto you…” This is a Rabbinic method of reframing the teachings of Torah into ethical teaching.
  • Lk. 24:25-27, 44-47 – Yeshua Drash’s on Moses and the Prophets/Psalms to instruct on the prophetic nature of The Messiah’s suffering and resurrection.
• Sod (סוֹד) — the /esoterical/mystical meaning, the deeper, esoteric layer. Often this is referenced as “” and something not disclosed to all.
  • Sod is tricky, and I urge caution here. I find it rare to see in clear terms if Yeshua used this method in his teachings. One obvious one is Luke 8:9-10.
  • At times, The text does mention “Secret” and “Mysteries” that COULD allude to a deeper esoteric understanding. Ex.: (Mark 4:10-12 & Mathew 13:10-17)
  • In each of these, Yeshua references an idea that is hidden – many people do not perceive. “To you it has been given…” Matt 13:11.