Many people view Yeshua’s teaching on the Mount as the opening monologue to the Christian manifesto or the Foundation of Christian ethics. They consider the teaching to be so profound that they are revolutionary. But what if you were in Israel, hearing the words coming from the Rabbi’s mouth? What if you had grown up in the synagogue and had been celebrating the Feast of the LORD your entire life, or you converted to Judaism later in life? Would his teachings be radical? Or alien? Would he sound like he was off his medications? Or would he sound as if he is proclaiming the same message of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalmist? Each statement he provocatively calls us to trust in God and not in our understanding. Each phrase carefully crafted to fortify our resolve to remain firm in God, yet gently he tugs at the hearts of those who have gone astray to make teshuvah (turn to God).
Well from a Jewish vantage point his words were not new or some wacky man-made dissertation. He was a Jewish Rabbi! His words reflected a profound understanding of what is to
‘Sh’ma Yisra’el, ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI echad [Hear, O Isra’el, the LORD our God, the LORD is one], and you are to love ADONAI your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your understanding and with all your strength.’ And that ‘You are to love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other mitzvah greater than these. Matthew 12:29-31 and what Matthew writes in 22:40 All of the Torah and the Prophets are dependent on these two mitzvot.” Yeshua was speaking to the people not at the people. As it is recorded, “No one ever spoke the way this man speaks!” John 7:46
In the quiet chambers of my spirit, I hear Heaven’s echo—its response to the hearts and minds gathered on the Mount, listening with complete attentiveness to the voice of GOD. As Yeshua spoke, it was as if the divine longing resounded once more: “Oh, that their hearts would remain like this always—reverent, obedient to all My mitzvot—so that it might go well with them and their children forever.”
—Deuteronomy 5:26 (Jewish Bibles), 5:29 (others)
In this post—and over the coming weeks—we’ll wade into the deep waters of divine wisdom, exploring the simple yet soul-stirring words spoken by our Savior.
Together, we’ll feast at the Master’s table—not as unwanted intruders begging for crumbs, but as welcomed guests who come in humility.
And we will savor every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, for it fills our hearts, renews our minds, and nourishes our souls (cf. Matthew 15:27; Deuteronomy 8:3).
Whether we are seated, kneeling or reclining, we will not leave hungry.
Prepare to be stirred, challenged, and transformed as we savor each sacred phrase—one bite at a time.
This is not a prayer for or statement of poverty, nor a justification for being used or abused. Rather, this is the map ledger on how to walk humbly with God and people.
These are words of deep internal holiness—shaping not only how we see ourselves, but how we are called to perceive and engage with the world. So that others will see the Spirit of God living in us as Pharaoh clearly witnessed it in Joseph. (Cf Genesis 41:38)
We’re just getting started.
Ready, set, grow—into the image of the Master, not the molds of man-made theologies.
Torah Road 