From The Back Porch

What must a nation do to regain God’s favor. That’s no a bad question for Americans to answer today, but it was also a good question for the Nation of Israel to be asking in the time of Jesus. In fact, the sages spent a great deal of time pondering this question as we note from the Jerusalem Talmud. There, in Ta’anit 2:1, we read, “Rabbi Eleazar said: Three things annul [or mitigate] a harsh decree, and they are: Prayer (Tefillah), Charity/Almsgiving (Tzedakah), and Repentance (Teshuvah).” Jesus

What must a nation do to regain God’s favor. That’s no a bad question for Americans to answer today, but it was also a good question for the Nation of Israel to be asking in the time of Jesus. In fact, the sages spent a great deal of time pondering this question as we note from the Jerusalem Talmud. There, in Ta’anit 2:1, we read, “Rabbi Eleazar said: Three things annul [or mitigate] a harsh decree, and they are: Prayer (Tefillah), Charity/Almsgiving (Tzedakah), and Repentance (Teshuvah).” Jesus

In Matthew 5:33-37 Jesus continues His expansion of Jewish law by addressing the issue of vows and oaths as seen in Numbers 30 and Deuteronomy 23. He reminds His listeners that it was said to the ancients that they were not to swear falsely and to always fulfill their oaths to the Lord. Then, in keeping with His previous discourses, He proceeded to expand what was said in the Law, by saying to not make any oath at all. In the legal discussions that became the Midrash, Mishnah, and eventually th

In Matthew 5:33-37 Jesus continues His expansion of Jewish law by addressing the issue of vows and oaths as seen in Numbers 30 and Deuteronomy 23. He reminds His listeners that it was said to the ancients that they were not to swear falsely and to always fulfill their oaths to the Lord. Then, in keeping with His previous discourses, He proceeded to expand what was said in the Law, by saying to not make any oath at all. In the legal discussions that became the Midrash, Mishnah, and eventually th

Continuing His “Sermon on the Mount” exploration of the Jewish law and its implication in Kingdom living. Jesus looks at two external aspects of marital infidelity. He tells the crowd that they have heard it said “you shall not commit adultery” and that “anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.” He goes on to not only explain the implications of these legalities but also provide advice on how to properly handle these difficult issues. From Genesis to Revelation marria

Continuing His “Sermon on the Mount” exploration of the Jewish law and its implication in Kingdom living. Jesus looks at two external aspects of marital infidelity. He tells the crowd that they have heard it said “you shall not commit adultery” and that “anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.” He goes on to not only explain the implications of these legalities but also provide advice on how to properly handle these difficult issues. From Genesis to Revelation marria