Was Yeshua a Karaite Jew?
Karaite Jews Broke away from Rabbinic Judaism in the 8 th C. A.D.: Observe only commandments in the Torah. Do not observe regulations prescribed by Pharisees Rabbis Oral Law Talmud
THE BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT It was six men of Indostan To learning much inclined, Who went to see the Elephant (Though all of them were blind), That each by observation Might satisfy his mind.
THE BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT
Nehemiah Gordon Sees That 1. Yeshua observed Torah 2. the Pharisees were hypocritical 3. the Pharisees placed an excessive burden on the Am Yisrael.
Nehemiah Gordon Doesn t See That 1. Yeshua is the Messiah 2. Yeshua changed the Torah 3. Yeshua sometimes observed Talmud (Oral Law)
2 Corinthians 3:15-16 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
Did Yeshua Change Torah? Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5
Change: Deut. 16:18 You have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court;
Change: Exo. 20:14 You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Change: Deut. 24:1 It was said, 'WHOEVER SENDS HIS WIFE AWAY, LET HIM GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE'; but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery;
Change: Exo. Lev. 19:12 Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.' But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,
Change: Exo 21:24 You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
Change: Deut. 23:3-6 You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
John 8:7 (KJV) So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. Who was observing Torah in this passage?
Changed: Lev. 20:10 And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
False Dilemma You either uphold Torah or change Torah (add or take away) you cannot do both. Does this Karaite perspective represent the viewpoint of all Jews?
Messianic Jewish Manifesto There is a tradition within Judaism which says that when the Messiah comes he will explain the difficult questions of Torah. Another tradition says he will change the Torah. When he comes the second time he may give more explanations and make more changes! -- David Stern
Is Any Oral Law from Yaweh? If the place which the LORD your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, then you may slaughter of your herd and flock which the LORD has given you, as I have commanded you; and you may eat within your gates whatever you desire. -- Deut. 12:21
Is Any Oral Law from Yaweh? Rabbi Munk, The Wisdom in the Hebrew Alphabet Nowhere in the Written Torah do we find this command ; clearly as I have commanded you can refer only to the Oral Law (p. 59). David Stern, Messianic Jewish Manifesto no commands concerning how to slaughter are found anywhere in the written Torah. Something external is implied legislation, tradition, an oral Torah (p. 148).
Did Yeshua Observe Traditions of Men? Agreed with halachah (Oral Law) that fasting in presence of a bridegroom wasn t appropriate (Sukkah 25b, Berchot 2.10) priests don t break the Sabbath when they conduct arduous work (Shabbat 132b) offering a blessing before eating was appropriate (Berachot 6.1) restricting one's travel on the Sabbath was appropriate (Eiruvin 4.5)
Did Yeshua Observe Traditions of Men? reclining at the Passover Seder was appropriate (Pesachim 10.1) healing on the Sabbath was permitted (Shabbat 22.5) overshadowing a tomb made one that ritually unclean (Ohalot 16.1) accused must be given an opportunity to speak in his own defense (Mid. Rab. Exod. 23.1)