Month: June 2019

Who was Tsofnat Paneach part 2

In part one we paused the

Tsofnat Paneach

פַּעְנֵחַ צָפְנַת

narrative at the…

The scriptures indicate that the inner shekinah glory is hidden and obscured to those who don’t bother to seek Him.

Nothing on its exterior appearance gave any indication of the unfathomable glory it contained.

Rock hyrax/badger.

It was the unattractive outward appearance of the rough badger skins that covered the Mishkan which did not even hint at the value within.

Badger Skins – These were the outer covering that everyone saw…plain and uninviting

…just as those in the world saw Him then, the same is still true for many today. 

Then as now, the

Sometimes diamonds are presented in rough packages, their intrinsic value is obscured until the process of cutting, shaping and restoration is completed by the touch of the Masters hand.

These rough packages may be delivered into our lives, diamonds in rough disheveled wrappings…

outwardly damaged, torn and in need of attention.

 We come to Him as we are – in need of salvation and loving care.

All too often

We must trust Him for the goodness in that which He sends, even though it may look different, or uninviting and not appeal to our eyes and physical senses.

As we look by faith to that which lies within; we shall learn the meaning of the secrets of His providence and the treasures of wisdom, kindness and love within the rough exterior.

Isaiah 53:4, NASB: “Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted.”

Isaiah 53:1-8 King James Version (KJV)  2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. Also John 1:13,14

One translation puts it this way:

There was nothing attractive about Him, nothing to cause us to take a second look. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at Him and people turned away.

At that point in their history, the Jews were looking for a King and the Kingdom he would set up here; giving them freedom from the Roman rule.

Those that took the time to look, really look, saw beyond the badger skin/ the plain outer covering. In the same way today as those of us that take the time to look, read, study, pray, praise, worship, and fellowship with HIM in covenant relationship…see so much more. As John said, We see His glory, through Him the glory of the Father, full of grace and truth, John 1:14.

He had no dignity or beauty to make us take notice of him. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing that would draw us to him. We looked down on him, thought he was scum.

Just as in 1 Cor.4:13, Paul said the same had happened to him: We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world–right up to this moment.

There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.

He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief…it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.

Amplified version: For [the Servant of God] grew up before Him like a tender plant, and like a root out of dry ground;

He has no form or comeliness [royal, kingly pomp], that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him.

Scripture records while on the cross, Jesus/Yeshua quoted Ps. 22 and in so doing, was referring to Himself as a worm.

In an interesting side note:
For at least 5000 years in China, the worm (Bombyx mori), the larva or caterpillar of the Bombyx mori moth; has been producing the thread for luxury silk robes. Only God could create an uninteresting looking grub whose sole diet is mulberry leaves, that would make thread that clothes the wealthy!

When each cocoon is unwound it produces many 100’s of yards of thread.

However the worm Jesus/Yeshua was referring to is in Ps 22 we read:

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 
2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. 
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. 
4 In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 
5 To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 
6 But I am a WORM and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 

7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 
8 “He trusts in the LORD,” they say, “let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” 
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. 
10 From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 
12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 
13 Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. 
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. 
15 My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. 
16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. 
17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. 
18They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. 
19 But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. 
20 Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 
21Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. 
22 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. 
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 
24 For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 
25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. 
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise him— may your hearts live forever! 
27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, 
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations. 
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. 
31 They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!

In Ps 22, Yeshua/Jesus was certainly the man referred to, but what did the psalmist mean when he wrote, “But I am a worm”?

Usually the Hebrew word for a worm is rimmah, which means a maggot or a worm. However, in Psalm 22:6, the word for worm is towla’ or tola’ath. – It is the same Hebrew word Yeshua/Jesus used for worm when He spoke, TOLA’ATH, which means Crimson worm or Scarlet worm. Both scarlet and crimson are the colors of blood – deep red.

Yeshua/Jesus, like the prophetic towla/tola’ath worm, gave His body for us. After the body of the towla/tola’ath worm had served its purpose, it fell off or was harvested from the tree.

Because the towla/tola’ath worm secreted crimson/scarlet body fluid as it died, a scarlet spot leaves a stain on the tree trunk.

For a period of three days the bodies of the female Scarlet Worm were collected as the worm can be scraped from the tree and the crimson gel can be used to make a fabric dye; but the worms had to be gathered up quickly because after three days, the red stain dries out and turns pure white!!

By invoking the image of a worm at His crucifixion, Yeshua/Jesus is not meaning to convey His human status, but rather the color of blood. He is describing the red-stained tree of His Crucifixion.

Nevertheless He chose to liken Himself here to a worm not a King or Savior.

The Red Dye of the Crimson worm (Tolaath of Psalm 22:6, Isaiah 1:18, and Isaiah 66:24) it was used for dyeing the curtains of the Tabernacle (Ex. 26:1) 

It was also used as the red in the robe of the High Priest of Israel (Yeshua our High Priest) and as the second covering of the Tabernacle in the wilderness was Rams skins dyed red, (Under the badgers skins,) most likely with the Tolaath – towla worms as representative of the substitutionary sacrifice and prophetically of the future Messiah.

Also used in the purification rites of a leper (Lev. 14:4–6) and of a house affected by leprosy ( ibid., 51–52); and it was added to the ashes of the red heifer (Num. 19:6)

More on the red heifer at:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-mystery-of-solomons-chok/

The life cycle of the Scarlet Worm, whom Jesus/Yeshua said He was, symbolizes much of what He accomplished on the cross and our relationship with Him. Messiah willingly chose death on a tree for the benefit of the new life His death would bring.

Jesus/Yeshua had to become the worm in order to defeat Satan and defeat every worm that crawls all over our souls and then give us His righteousness (2 Cor.5:21). He was crushed so that His blood might cover our sins.

More detailed explanation at  https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-secret-of-how-a-worm-preached-the-gospel/

There are many renditions and images. MMM hesitates to include ‘likenesses’ in posts and only then to aid our understanding of the content not to determine His appearance for we do not really know what Messiah looked like.

The images we have in our minds eye are often influenced by pictures created by human imagination and what we consider our savior resembled. Remembering His Middle Eastern mother may help our thinking. 

Included are a few of the traditional and non traditional artists impressions below:

The point is they rejected Him from what they saw and did not take the time to look deeper to see who He was on the inside.

Just like the Mishkan, nothing on His exterior appearance gave any indication of the secret and unfathomable mystery of the Glory contained within.

Tsofnat Paneach

פַּעְנֵחַ צָפְנַת

Yosef – Joseph – A Type of Mashiach.

There are parallels between Joseph and our Messiah.

A full list of parallels for further study at https://www.minimannamoments.com/yeshua-and-yosef-jesus-and-joseph-parallels/

The life of Joseph was an archtypical pattern for the other son – ben acher – who would be the fulfilment of Mashiach ben Yosef. 

Hidden within the TaNaKh are the principles, patterns, and foreshadows that all point to Messiah.

The New is in the Old Concealed, the Old is in the New Revealed.

Concealed in the Old Testament, is Revealed in the New.

The Mystery of Grace Revealed:

The Meaning below with which we are familiar:

This GRACE hid itself under a veil in the Old Testament, but it has been revealed in the New Testament according to the most perfectly ordered dispensation of the ages, forasmuch as God knew how to orchestrate all things.

The meaning of Grace – Chen in Hebrew from the root word Choresh – made up of the letters Chet (Ch) and Noon (N),

in the paleo Hebrew

pictograph alef bet is amazing.

The chet has a meaning of outside.

The pictograph is of a tent wall or fence = a private place of refuge and a protected Sanctuary, (as in the Mishkan at the center of the wilderness camp).

And Nun which has a meaning of life as well as fish, activity.

The pictograph is a picture of a seed sprout representing the idea of a new generation, continue, offspring and heir.

The concept that God produces new life in us at salvation and then places a fence or wall/hedge of protection around that life so that it will not be removed or destroyed. Wow!

(Secret Place of Ps.91

מִּסְתָּֽר – secret – mistar

Ha Makem’- ‘The Place’- המקום)

Chet has a numerical value of 8 = eternity, new creation, new beginning and

Noon has a numerical value of 50 = Jubilee, Shavuot/Pentecost-(Birth of new generation of believers).

Yeshua is our Jubilee

 מָשִׁיחַ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mashiach
Phonetic Spelling: (maw-shee’-akh)
Definition: anointed

He is also Yeshua

הַמָּשִׁ֛יחַ

hamashiach – the anointed

and Messiah Son of David

Mashiach Ben David

Strong’s Hebrew: 4899.

(mashiach)  מָשִׁיחַ

בֵּן – ben – son

בֵּן דָּוִד –  (daw-veed’) – David

as well as

בֵּן – ben – Son of

   יוֹסֵף  – Yosef – Joseph

ישוע – Yeshua – Jesus

David died at the age of 70 years old. The number 70 itself has significance, as it’s numerical value is equivalent to the word sod or secret.

70 = סוד
Sod/Secret = 70

386 = דוד בן ישי = ישוע
David ben Yishai = Yeshua = 386

“King Messiah”

מלך משיח‎,

or romanized: Melekh Mashiach

or malka meshiḥa in Aramaic.

Mashiach ben Yoseph or

Messiah ben Joseph

(משיח בן־יוסף  Mašīaḥ ben Yōsēf),

also known as Mashiach bar/ben Ephraim

(Aram./Heb.: משיח בר/בן אפרים),

Mashiach ben Yosef

is said to be of the tribe of Ephraim (son of Joseph), and is also sometimes called Mashiach ben Ephraim (Bavli Sukah 52b).

According to the Rabbis:

Mashiach ben Yosef will come first, before the advent of Mashiach ben David, to prepare the world for the coming of the kingdom of the LORD.

Of course we know He has already fulfilled the first.

Mashiach ben Yosef: we see that both (Joseph) Yosef and Yeshua (Jesus) were chosen or anointed for a special task.

Here are some of the many ways in which the life of Joseph typified the life of our Redeemer Yeshua.

Extended list at:

https://www.minimannamoments.com/yeshua-and-yosef-jesus-and-joseph-parallels/

When Jacob gifted his son Joseph with a coat of many colors,

(Hebrew : כְּתֹנֶת פַּסִּים ‎ ketonet passim)

lifting him up above his brothers, he reflected Joseph’s calling by the Lord for a life work as a leader.

The Hebrew term KETONET PASSIM means literally

a tunic of palms,

i.e. reaching to the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

The Hebrew word ‘pas’ literally means ‘extremity.’

Hebrew pas can refer to the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot; here the idea is probably that of a long robe reaching to the feet and having sleeves reaching to the wrists.

In light of the real meaning of ketonet passīm as “a long robe with sleeves,”. It may also be translated as “a full-sleeved robe,” “a coat of many colors,” “a coat reaching to his feet,” “an ornamented tunic,” “a silk robe,” or “a fine woolen cloak.”

Ketonet means coat and is related to tunic;

Israelis, on the other hand, would probably say striped coat, since passim means stripes. 

In most versions it calls this coat, a coat of many colors.

 What this tells us is that this garment was actually one that reached to the hands and feet and maybe striped, not a technicolor coat. (The translation “many colors” comes from the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament.)

A ketonet passīm was a garment worn by royalty, Jacob, in giving Joseph this coat, was, in effect saying that Joseph was special and that he saw and treated Joseph as a royal person, a person whom he considered to be above all his other sons and would become royalty. He would not have to toil.

Whatever the robe’s precise appearance, it was a regal garment that honored Joseph.  A robe of distinction, which his brothers understood and so hated him for it.

Jesus/Yeshua came as the greater Joseph/Yosef to teach us that being in Him, we too have on that same spiritual garment that extends to our hands and feet – a robe of righteousness.

Both Joseph and Yeshua (Yahushua – His Name means Salvation through YHWH); were the highly favored sons, beloved by their fathers.

They were both firstborns, Joseph by Jacob’s Rachel and Yeshua by Mary. Their brothers hated them and conspired to kill them.

Joseph was sold as a young slave for 20 pieces of silver while Yahoshua was betrayed for 30, the price of a mature slave!

Both were stripped of their clothing, their robes covered in blood, and falsely accused.

Joseph’s brothers threw him into an empty cistern while Yahoshua was placed in a tomb. Both were raised from those places.

Joseph was 30 when he was placed into the service of Pharaoh, ultimately placed in a position to deliver his brothers, and revealed himself twice to his brothers. Yahoshua began His ministry at approximately age 30.

Joseph’s name was changed by Pharaoh to “Tsofnat Paneach” which as already noted, means “Decipherer of Secrets.” Yeshua or Yahoshua revealed His Father, first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. And while many Jews and Gentiles have missed the Messiah the first time, He will be revealed – unmistakably – the second time.

Joseph left Pharaoh’s court, and he made an inspection tour of the entire land of Egypt.
VeYosef ben-shloshim shanah be’omdo lifney Par’oh melech-Mitsrayim vayetse Yosef milifney Far’oh vaya’avor bechol erets Mitsrayim.

Joseph was given honor and glory by Pharaoh and made ruler over all Egypt. Yeshua/Yahoshua was crowned with honor and glory because of His suffering death (the Suffering Servant whom Joseph prefigures).

“But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9

The preparation for this role was grueling. Joseph endured the fires of testing, sold into slavery, thrown into prison, and seemingly abandoned by God he must have wondered to himself, “Why is this happening?” It seems clear from hindsight that Joseph was learning the deep humility required for God’s kind of leadership.

We also see the humility of the Son of God in His Incarnation and crucifixion. “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” So as Joseph saved the whole world from physical death by starvation, Yeshua saved the whole world from spiritual death, the judgment of sin.

Our Messiah will return, soon, as a Mighty Warrior (whom Joshua also prefigures), and as our King, Mashiach ben David (whom King David prefigures). Ruler over all and to whom every knee shall bow!

The multi-colored coat Joseph wore with which we are most familiar, is only one small part of a bigger story. Within the bigger story of Joseph as a foreshadowing of the Messiah are the many prophecies, both fulfilled and those yet to be.

We need to pray for ears to hear, eyes to see, and the desire to know Him better through His divinely-inspired Word.

If we have seen signs of our own anointing for a specific task, and find ourselves in the midst of painful and unexplainable trials and tribulations, we’re in good company. God gives responsibility to people of character. Both Joseph and Yeshua are beautiful examples of the kind of leader God loves – a humble one.

Yeshua/Jesus at his first advent coming as the suffering servant or otherwise known as

Mashiach ben Yosef

also came

revealing secrets;

not as an interpreter of dreams, but as one who disclosed the secrets of men.

Yeshua’s teaching consistently exposed the innermost thoughts of the heart, forcing them into the light. As the living Word of God His words are like a sword, which cut through deception and went straight to the motives of men. Exposing sin through deep conviction, He presents the opportunity for real and sincere confession and repentance. He can then remove those sins through His atoning death.

Jesus/Yeshua’s insight and the conviction of His word are a gift. If He probes us in the secret places it’s only because He loves us so much, and because He wants to reveal His GRACE and power to cleanse us.

When we read His Word or seek Him in prayer, we shouldn’t be surprised if we discover some of our own secrets, things you may have even hidden from ourselves. He will reveal what He wants us to see, what He wants us to confess, and what He wants to help us change.

Dan. 2:22 records another instance of apocalypse/revealing.

He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.

Daniel answered before the king and said, “As for the mystery about which the king has inquired, neither wise men, conjurers, magicians nor diviners are able to declare it to the king.

Dan 2:28 “However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the [fn] latter days.

We are charged to be good stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Cor. 4:1), and that the wisdom of God is spoken by the Spirit of God among those who are made after the Order of Melchizedek; i.e. among those that are perfect (1 Cor. 2:7).

Among the many Mysteries we have the Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven,

the Mystery of the Kingdom of God,

the Mystery of the gospel, etc.

The seed of the Word of God also reveals the Mystery of Iniquity (2 Thes. 2:7) and last but not least…

Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth’ (Rev. 17:5).

MYSTERY~noun : a religious truth that one can know only by revelation and cannot fully understand.

Finally and briefly are 5 well known yet amazing Mysteries that were also full of Joy.

Mysteries were secrets hidden by the Fathers hand until the Appointed time of revealing/apocalypse. They made no sense to most yet now we hardly give them a second thought!

1st: The Annunciation

 The Angel Gabriel announces: “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with thee.” Mary wonders at this greeting. The Angel assures her: “Fear not . . . you shall conceive in your womb, and give birth to a Son.” Mary is greatly troubled for she has made a vow of virginity. The Angel answers that she will conceive by the power of the Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit, and that her child will be called the Son of God. The Incarnation awaits Mary’s consent; (free will). Mary answers: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your word.” The Word/Yeshua/Jesus was made flesh and dwelt among us.

2nd: The Visitation

 Mary’s cousin Elizabeth conceived a son in her old age, for nothing is impossible with God. Love prompts Mary to go quickly to Elizabeth in the hour of her need. The journey is about 80 miles taking 4/5 days. Even though long and arduous, the journey is filled with joy, for Mary carries with her the Living Word and at Mary’s greeting, John the Baptist leaps in his mother’s womb. Elizabeth exclaims: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. How have I deserved that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Blessed is she who believed that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled.” Mary replies: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit finds joy in God my Savior.” For 3 months Mary serves her cousin in all humility until the birth of John the Baptist.

3rd: The Birth of Jesus 

Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem to comply with the decree of Caesar Augustus.

The hour for Mary to give birth is near, but there is no room in the inn. In the stillness of the night, the Savior is born in a cave.

She wraps Him in swaddling clothes and lays Him in a manger.

The angel announces to the shepherds: “Today there is born to you in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord.” The angelic chorus sing: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth.”

The shepherds come to the stable to pay homage to the Infant Jesus. Later the Magi come to adore the Him and bring gifts.

4th: The Presentation 

Observing the law of Moses they take Yeshua/Jesus to the Temple to present Him to the Lord. According to the Law the firstborn male child of every family should be consecrated to the Lord. Mary offers her Son to the Father, then ransoms Him back at the price paid by the poor.

God had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he had seen the Messiah. Recognizing the Child, he prays: “Now you can dismiss your servant in peace. You have fulfilled your word. This Child is destined to be the downfall and rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed.” And to Mary, Simeon reveals: “And your own soul a sword shall pierce.” After they fulfill all the Law required, they returned to Nazareth.

5th:The Finding of Yeshua/Jesus in the Temple

When Yeshua/Jesus is 12 years old, He goes with His parents to Jerusalem for the feast of the Pesach/Passover.

After the feast of the Pesach/Passover, Joseph and Mary set out to return to Nazareth. At the end of the first day’s journey they discover Yeshua/Jesus is missing. They return immediately looking for Him.

This loss must have caused grief and anxiety to Mary and Josephs hearts. On the 3rd day, they find Yeshua/Jesus in the Temple among the Rabbis/Teachers, who were astonished at His wisdom.

Mary asks, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow.” Yeshua/Jesus says, “Why did you search for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” Yeshua/Jesus returns with them to Nazareth, and is subject to them. Mary keeps and ponders all these things in her heart.

Who are we following?

A full list of secret and mystery scripture references is available at https://www.minimannamoments.com/mystery-and-secrets-scriptures/

Romans 16:25-26. Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according

to the revelation

of the mystery

that was kept secret

for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith..

Shalom Alecheim ‘Mishpachah’ ‘Family’

משפחה

Mish-pa-KHa,

as He continues to reveal His

Mysteries and Secrets

to us all!

Please don’t leave this site without accepting

the revelation

of the mystery

that was kept secret

which is an apocalypse to you today.

You can know for certain that Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

It’s all about Life and Relationship not Religion.

NOT SURE?

Then simply SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Who Was Tsofnat Paneach?

Who was Tsofnat Paneach

פַּעְנֵחַ צָפְנַת

and how is this person linked to Messiah?

It has been said that there are no secrets or mysteries in the Bible and yet Jesus/Yeshua Himself declared as recorded in

Mark 4:11. And he said unto them, unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:

In Matthew 13:11: To you, who have, it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven – The deep things which flesh and blood cannot reveal, pertaining to the inward, present kingdom of heaven.

Luke 8:10; And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Mark 4:11). And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

The contrast between the disciples and others, as it is written here, is that in the case of the disciples, the mysteries of the kingdom are given to be known. In that of the others, the mysteries are given, but only in parables, therefore so as to remain veiled/unknown.

This passage goes on to tell us that if we know the Parable of the Sower, we will know all parables (Mark 4:13).

(Understanding comes through the unfolding/revealing, that is, of your inward powers of perception, not merely by means of the exposition.)

We are told plainly in Yeshua’s interpretation of the Parable of the Sower that the seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11), and this seed is sown in our hearts (Mark 4:15).

Therefore, a major key to unlocking all mysteries is…. the Word of God being deposited in the rich fertile soil of our hearts.

We should think of the Scriptures as being like a self-decoder to the mysteries and secrets of His Kingdom; containing within itself, all the answers to the questions we may have.

In Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.”

Psalm 25:14 The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.

But holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 1Tim. 3:9.

A search will confirm there are some 371 instances of secret and 43 verses about mystery.

Mystery = ta’alumah (תעלומה)

1Cor. 2:6-8 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;

In Col. 1:26-27 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

and we still speak mysteries today!

1Cor. 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.

The word “mystery” appears twenty eight times in the New Testament,  but is not found in the Old Testament. The Greek word “musterion,” translated “mystery” did not mean something that is obscure or incomprehensible; rather it meant a truth given and revealed only to a select few that was unknown until it was revealed.

The word ‘mystery’ appears 22 times in the King James Version (KJV). It appears 26 times in the NIV so the count varies slightly depending on which translation you use.

The apostle Paul used the word mystery 21 times in his Epistles. In each case, the mystery involved a wonderful declaration of spiritual truth, revealed by God through divine inspiration.

that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Zaphnath-Paaneah

Hebrew   פַּעְנֵחַ צָפְנַת

Ṣāfnaṯ Paʿnēaḫ

Tsophnath Pa`neach

Pronounced: tsof·nath’ pah·nā’·akh

was the Egyptian name given by Pharaoh to Joseph -Yahuwseph, in Genesis 41:45

Meaning:

Decipherer or Revealer of Secrets.

gelah or gela: to reveal

strongs 1541

Original Word: גְּלָה
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: gelah or gela
Phonetic Spelling: (ghel-aw’)
Definition: to reveal

Daniel 2:47 
HEB: וּמָרֵ֥א מַלְכִ֖ין וְגָלֵ֣ה רָזִ֑ין דִּ֣י
NAS: of kings and a revealer of mysteries,
KJV: of kings, and a revealer of secrets,

Targum Onkelos (1st century AD) gives the meaning of the name as:

“the man to whom mysteries are revealed”;

Targum Pseudo-Jonathan,

“one who reveals mysteries”;

Josephus (Antiquities ii.6.1, c. AD 94),

“a finder of mysteries”.

The Jewish interpretation is received in early Protestant translations: the Geneva Bible (1599):

“The expounder of secrets”,

while the Authorised Version of 1611 has in the margin: “Which in the Coptic signifies,

‘A revealer of secrets’,

or

‘The man to whom secrets are revealed.’

 

Others say that it is an Egyptian name (Ibn Ezra; Radak, Sherashim).

In Egyptian, Tzaphnath is:

tza-pa-neth meaning, ‘the Neth speaks’ or ‘the god speaks.’

Paaneach is pa-anakh, meaning ‘the life,’ where anach or ankh is the symbol of life. Hence the name can be translated as, ‘Lord of life,’ ‘Neth speaks life,’ or ‘The God speaks and [this man] lives.’

Scripture reveals a secret that he was no regular Joe!

Yôsēp̄    יוסף   יהוסף

The name can be translated from Hebrew יוסף יהוה Yosef YHWH

as signifying

“Yahweh/Jehovah shall increase/add”

יהוסף

Increaser – May He Add.

From the verb יסף (yasap), to add, increase, or repeat.

Joseph was Jacob’s eleventh son and Rachel’s first son, and known in the Jewish Bible as Yoseph ben-Yaakov.

Joseph was thirty years old when he appeared before King Pharaoh. When Pharaoh told him that he had heard of Joseph’s great gift as an interpreter of dreams.

The king answered Daniel and said, “Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery.”

Dan 2:48 Then the king [fn] promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts, and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief [fn] prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.

Joseph modestly replied that his wisdom was not of his own making but of God’s.

Then Pharaoh related his dreams to Joseph, and Joseph knew at once that God had revealed their meaning to him.

41:45: Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Tzaphnath Paaneach. He gave him Asenath, daughter of Poti Phera, the priest of On, as a wife. Joseph thus went out to oversee Egypt.

Vayikra Far’oh shem-Yosef Tsofnat Paneach vayiten-lo et-Osnat bat-Poti Fera kohen On le’ishah vayetse Yosef al-erets Mitsrayim.

Returning to Messiah we read in Matt. 13:11- 12.   And He replied to them, To you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

Because the secrets does not mean the same as what we understand as mysteries in the English language sense; it means something like this, in paraphrase: what we can know of the kingdom of heaven, only by divine revelation, has been given for us to know, but it has not been given to them.

12 For whoever has [spiritual knowledge], to him will more be given and he will be furnished richly so that he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

Luke 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Amplified: He said to them, To you it has been given to [come progressively to] know (to recognize and understand more strongly and clearly) the mysteries and secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that, [though] looking, they may not see; and hearing, they may not comprehend. you might say it was a kind of punishment for their blindness as He made obscure to them things which He made clear to others. 

Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Mark 4:11. And he said unto them His disciples; unto you it is given to know

the mystery of the kingdom of God;

or the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven,

the secrets of the Gospel dispensation,

the mysterious doctrines of grace;

Mark 4:11. ὑμῖν, to you has been given,

so as to be a permanent possession,

the mystery of the Kingdom of God.

They have been initiated into the secret, so that for them it is a secret no longer, not by explanation of the parable (Weiss), but independently.

Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:

or the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, the secrets of the Gospel dispensation, the mysterious doctrines of grace; but unto

them that are without;


“to strangers”,

as the Syriac and Arabic versions render it, who were not the disciples of Messiah, nor admitted to any intimacy with Him; who came only to amuse themselves with the sight of His person and miracles:

all [these] things are done in parables;


are wrapped up in dark sayings, and figurative expressions, the sound of which they heard, and might well have been pleased with the similes made use of in the stories and parables, but they did not understand the spiritual meaning contained within them.

Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. neither any thing hid, that shall not be made known, and come abroad;

for what had been whispered to them, in the most secret and silent manner, was to come abroad not only in Judea, but in all the world, and to be published upon the house tops;

With the emphasis on what has not been known – this means that all mysteries will be revealed.

Apocalypsed!

In Hebrew

אַפּוֹקָלִיפּסָה

apocalypse.

The word apocalypse comes from the Greek word apokalupsis.

Greek: apokalupsis – from 2 root words apo means away or to remove

Kalupsis means a veil or covering.

The removing of the veil speaks of revealing.

These are the things pertaining to the second coming – and there are many variations and explanations referring to the opening of the vision concerning the end of the present age. Believers, as His bride, are to live in that Way every day as in the time of the true bride – face to face – unveiled – there is to be nothing between or separating and nothing covered – nothing hidden before Him.

https://www.minimannamoments.com/the-revealing/

 

It also refers to disobedience and sinful behavior that will be exposed on judgment day and in context with

Luke 8:17 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Ps 78:2. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old–

things hidden 
חִ֝יד֗וֹת (ḥî·ḏō·wṯ)
Noun – feminine plural
Strong’s Hebrew 2420: 

1) riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question 

1a) riddle (dark obscure utterance) 

1b) riddle, enigma (to be guessed) 

1c) perplexing questions (difficult) 

1d) double dealing (with ‘havin’)

Strong’s Hebrew: 4565.

מִסְתָּר (mistar) — a secret place …

מִּסְתָּֽר – secret – mistar

Strong’s Hebrew: 7328.

רָז – raz – a secret

The mystery preserved for us after all this time is that Messiah would in loving obedient devotion to His Heavenly Father, willingly go to His death on the cross. The servant Messiah would by doing so fulfill the Father’s plan of salvation for all those under the curse of sin.

Mystery = ta’alumah – (תעלומה)

The word Hebrew is a Hebrew word, borrowed into English from the Greek language, 

that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

The Mystery of God is Jesus/Yeshua

The Mystery: The word Mystery denotes:

(1st) a religious mystery like those of Eleusis, into which men were initiated;

(2nd) a secret (as in 1 Cor. 15:51); and is applied (a) to the Gospel itself (as here and in 1 Cor. 2:7; Rom. 16:25; Eph. 1:9); and (b) to the various parts and truths of the Gospel (Matt. 13:11; Lk. 8:10; 1 Cor. 4:1);

(3rd) to a symbolic representation or emblem as in (Rev. 17:5; Rev. 17:7).

Mark 4:11. Looking at the Greek: (Ἔλεγεν, He said) With hearty good-will [with real pleasure].

— ἔξω, without) – outside of the circle of genuine discipleship. [Whereas in Mark 4:10 (They that were about Him with the twelve).

γίνεται) Fall to[are done as concerns] them as parables.

Verses 11, 12. – To know the mystery. The Greek verb γνῶναι, to know, is not found in the best manuscripts, in which the words are (ὑμῖν τὸ μυστὴριον δέδοται), unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God.

Here the explanation as to why He spoke to the mixed multitude in parables; namely, because most of them were as yet incapable of receiving the gospel: some would not believe it, others reviled and rejected it.

Therefore here He encourages His own disciples to search out the words He speaks in parables, and to humbly inquire into their full meaning; so they might become able ministers and efficient preachers of the gospel.

By this He shows that this efficiency cannot be obtained by our own strength, but must be sought from God with a humble heart.

For it is His own gift which He bestows on the disciples and denies to others, whom He leaves to the blindness of their own hearts. It is as though He said, (paraphrase):

“To you, my disciples, my apostles, since you believe in me as the Messiah, it is given for you to continually have more clear revelations from Me of the Mysteries of God and of the Heavens, by this you shall increase day by day in the knowledge and love of Him.

But from the scribes and others, because they will not believe in Me as their own Messiah, God will take away even that small knowledge which they have of the Father and of His Kingdom. He will deprive them of all the special privileges which they have had up to now.”

But these words are not limited to those who were living on the earth when Messiah was here.

He says in effect that their application is to all, in every age, who come within the reach of His gospel.

“Those who come to me with a sincere heart and a simple desire to know the truth, as you are doing, to them I will reveal the mysteries of my kingdom, and I will help them onwards in the path of holiness, (set-apartness), by which they may at length attain to the heavenly kingdom. However, those who don’t have a pure desire for truth, but rather indulge their own lusts and errors, from them that little knowledge of God and Divine things will be taken away from them by degrees, and they will become altogether blind.” (Paraphrase.)

Here the Greek expression:

(ἐκείνοις δὲ τοῖς ἔξω),

but unto them that are without.

Just as there are today, in those days there were those who were without/outside the realm of spiritual things; not caring for, not understanding and not desiring spiritual truth.

He revealeth the deep secret things he knoweth what is in the darkness and the light dwelleth with Him.

He’ll share His secrets with us revealing hidden things. This lifts us out of darkness and gives us the WAY – DERECH, of understanding His TRUTH – EMET, which in turn brings LIFE- CHAIM, and freedom.

If we seek Him in His fullness and desire to know His heart, He will open Heavens Treasures and He will impart His wisdom to everyone who asks.

We His children are not ordained to be blind and lacking in comprehending His will and His ways. His will is the eternal light and the revealing. He sends His wisdom to us through His Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit. It’s sin that blinds the soul to His Truths. It was sin that brought the darkness both before Genesis 1:1 and after!

Something caused the great expanse to be in chaos without form and void! The waters were already there!

BUT His Blood of the Atonement, opens spiritual and physical eyes and makes us whole.

There are secrets and mysteries and diamonds in the rough, things that we can learn of His Providence. Not secrets like those of secret societies that are only for a select few initiates. Gods’ secrets are for whosoever will.

When outward physical circumstances seem negative to the natural eye; we need to look deeper; for this is Gods’ secret. By not looking only at the exterior but with the eye of faith, we will see the hidden deeper meaning within.

The view of the wilderness – Mishkan is a perfect example.

The inner shekinah glory is hidden and obscured to those who don’t bother to seek Him. Nothing on its exterior appearance gave any indication of the unfathomable glory contained within.

Conclusion coming in part 2…

Shalom Alecheim.. 

‘Mishpachah’ – ‘Family’.

משפחה

Mish-pa-KHa

as He continues to reveal His Mysteries and Secrets to us all!

Please don’t leave this site without accepting

the revelation

of the mystery

that was kept secret

from Genesis/Bereshyt – the beginning

which is an apocalypse to you today.

Make sure that

You can know for certain that Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

It’s all about Life and Relationship not Religion.

NOT SURE?

Then simply SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Mystery of Kaphar Nachum – Our Home Away From Home?

Bayit – בַּיִת – which is Hebrew for a home;

A place of Love – Ahavah

and

Welcome – Be’ruchim ha’ba’im!

First Century Israelite Home/House

The homes of poor families were small and simple, the walls were built of mud-brick or rough stone.

The roofs were constructed of clay covered woven branches.

The living spaces were used for cooking and weaving/household work. The family’s domestic animals, (e.g. donkey/goat), were kept in the lower level for protection at night. Each floor was about 7ft (2.13meters) high; same width and length of 24ft (7.32meters).

Below a typical 3rd to 8th Century house: built of Basalt.

Other examples of stone built – בַּיִת – bayit – similar to which Jesus/Yeshua may have lived in.

Is it possible that Yeshua/Jesus was born in the lower area of a house where the animals and the mangers were kept? The scriptures tell us in Matthew 2:10-11 that when the wise men came, they visited Him in a house – bayit, so the family had obviously moved there from somewhere else. Matthew described the arrival of the wise men from the East: 

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

So it was probably a bayit, a house similar to those in the pictures.

Shalom bayit (also shelom bayit, shlom bayit, or (Yiddish) sholom bayis or shlom bayis)

Hebrew: שְׁלוֹם בַּיִת, literally:

peace of the home.

Shalom Bayit is the Jewish religious concept of domestic harmony and good relations between husband and wife.

In the Hebrew Alef Bet the second letter B is Bet.

In the ancient pictograph language

the letter B- bet, was represented as a tent/home

Bet – b – Family, house, in tent floor plan.

Other words beginning with BET:

The mystery of Kaphar Nachum –

kə-PUR-nee-əm – נַחוּם כְּפַר

– Kfar Naḥūm,

It literally means ‘Nahum’s village”.

It was a fishing village established during the time of the Hasmoneans, located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Satellite picture of the Sea of Galilee.

Traditions indicate that this was the birthplace of the prophet Nahum, hence the name.

Kaphar Nachum – kə-PUR-nee-əm – נַחוּם כְּפַר – Kfar Naḥūm.;

or as we are familiar with the spelling Capernaum.

It served as Yeshua/Jesus’ home in the Galilee, although He did not own His own property (Mt 4:13-14; 8:20).

Mentioned briefly in

https://www.minimannamoments.com/stones-tel-a-secret-as-they-cry-out-from-the-place-of-fishing-

The name Capernaum 

(Καπερναουμ) Καπερναουμ

is a Greek transliteration of the

Hebrew כפר נחום (kaphar nahum),

which obviously consists of two elements.

The first part of the name is the word כפר (kapar), meaning village, and secondly the word nahum from the verb נחם (naham), to be sorry or to comfort.

Full meaning is –

Village Of Consolation, Protected By Being Sorry.

Some Related names connected to it are:

כפר (kapar): Caphtor, Caphtorim, Chephar-ammoni, Chephirah, Chephirim, Yom Kippur. 

נחם (naham): Manaen, Menahem, Naham, Nahamani, Nahum, Nehemiah, Nehum, Tanhumeth.

It was in existence from the 2nd century B.C. to the 7th century A.D. 

Capernaum was built along on the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee /Lake Tiberias, in what was then called Palestine and had up to 1500 residents.

Capernaum, was a small, prosperous fishing center as well as a crossroads for merchants traveling the Via Maris (Latin for “Way of the Sea”), an ancient road connecting Egypt with what today would be Syria, Iraq and Iran.

This made Capernaum a very strategic location for Yeshua/Jesus, due to fishing, trade and agriculture as well as a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the region. (Matthew 4:12-16).

It is best known as the birthplace of Peter and his home was here Matt 8:14, so also were the homes of John, Andrew and James as well as the tax collector Matthew and the centurion whose servant Yeshua/Jesus healed. Matt. 8:5. 

Yeshua/Jesus made Capernaum His home/

Bayit – בַּיִת

– a place of Love – Ahavah

and

Welcome – Be’ruchim ha’ba’im

during the years of His ministry:

Leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. (Matt 4:13).

Archeology suggests Capernaum, like other fishing communities in the north shore of the Sea of Galilee was founded during the Hasmonean period of independence, before the Roman Empire occupied the land. So when Messiah resided there, Capernaum may only have been in existence for 1 – 200 years.

Yeshua/Jesus came to Capernaum כפר נחום (kaphar nahum), from Nazareth right after His temptations by Ha’satan (Matt 4:13)

Following confrontation and rejection in the synagogue of His childhood home, Nazareth, He relocated His ministry to Capernaum.

Nazareth in Biblical Greek

Ναζαρετ
Ναζαρεθ

Hebrew Strong’s #3478: Nazareth  = “the guarded one (pronounced nad-zar-eth’)

Some scholars derive the name from נצר I (nasar I), meaning to watch, and translate it with something like Watch (tower) or Sentinel. Others like to believe that the name Nazareth came from the verb נצר II (nasar 2), meaning to be green, and translate it with Branch(es).

From the verb נצר (nasar), to protect or preserve, means to watch, guard or keep.

or the noun נצר (neser), branch or shoot alludes to the prophetic, messianic words in Book of Isaiah 11:1, ‘from (Jesse’s) roots a Branch (netzer) will bear fruit’.

From the verb נזר (nazar), to consecrate oneself.

From the verb זרע (zara’), to scatter to sow, or זרה (zara), to scatter to winnow.

The name Nazareth also means Scattered or Sown, and became applied to that form of Judaism (that of the Nazarenes) that harvested adjacent cultures for insights.

This was an ideal spot for Messiah to deliver His messianic message; it was larger than Nazareth and was on the main Damascus Highway. As a result, Yeshua/Jesus was able to reach out to more people. It was also a safe distance from the dangers of Herod in Tiberias.

 

The Gennesaret area was one of the most prosperous and crowded districts of Palestine/Israel. 

Capernaum as mentioned, lay on the great Via Maris highway between Damascus and Caesarea Maritima on the Mediterranean Sea, and between Tyre and Egypt.

It was located not far from other important sites mentioned in scripture such as, Bethsaida, the Mountain of Beatitudes, and Tabgha, as well as the Jordan River and Tiberias on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Since Capernaum became Yeshua/Jesus’ home town and many of His miracles occurred there, the people of Capernaum had a front row seat to much of His ministry.

However the conversion rate was disappointing and in Matt 11:23, He pronounced a strong curse on His village, it was one of the three cities cursed by Yeshua/Jesus for its lack of faith.:

“And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You shall descend to Hades, for if the miracles that happened in you would have happened in Sodom, it would have remained until today..But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.”

The city rejected the Lord Jesus, and its doom was sealed.

So completely has it perished that the very site is a matter of dispute today.

Today the ruins of Capernaum are owned by two churches: the Franciscans control the western portion with the synagogue

and the Greek Orthodox’s property is marked by the white church with red domes.

Yeshua/Jesus has invited four disciples —Peter, Andrew, James, and John— to be fishers of men.

On the Sabbath, they all went to a local synagogue in Capernaum. 

Yeshua/Jesus teaches in the synagogue, and again the people are astounded at his manner of teaching.

He does so as one having authority and not as the scribes.

Soon after Yeshua/ Jesus settled there, He began to preach in the synagogue. The town was soon referred to as “his own city.” (Mt 9:1) 

“They went as far as Capharnaum, and as soon as the sabbath came he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.”

While Yeshua/Jesus was teaching, we read that a man with an unclean spirit entered and addressed Him.

“In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and he shouted, `What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God’. But Jesus said sharply, `Be quiet! Come out of him!’ and the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsion and with a loud cry went out of him.

The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. `Here is a teaching that is new’ they said `and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him’. And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.” (Mk 1:21-28) 

However, to the Jewish people of Capernaum, Yeshua/Jesus’ teaching came more from His heart, rather than the text on a scroll to be read aloud. In addition, Jesus had a new Gospel to share with them and they believed His promises. (Mark 1:21-22, Luke 4:31-32)

The Synagogue

 

Greek and Latin writing on some of the basalt columns of the synagogue in Capernaum.

The ruins of the synagogue

and even the house of Peter’s mother-in-law have been discovered at Capernaum.

 

Perched in the middle of town, adorned with Corinthian columns and friezes, are remains of a synagogue which dates back to the fourth of fifth century.

Later excavations revealed that, in fact, two synagogues were built here, with the first one dating back to the first century.

Scholars propose that Christ taught here, just as mentioned in the Gospels. Here, Jesus taught about the bread of life: (John 6:35-59) 

I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst… I am the living bread that comes down from heaven, so that a man may eat it and not die. I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever, and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world…

The 1st century Synagogue of Capernaum where Messiah preached.

In the Byzantine period, the white synagogue would have stood out dramatically from the surrounding black basalt buildings, whereas in the 1st century, the Capernaum synagogue blended into its setting.

The dating of this synagogue is debated, but it is clearly later than the first century.  Excavations have revealed a synagogue from the time of Jesus with walls made of worked stone and 4 feet thick.

These earlier walls were preserved up to 3 feet high and the entire western wall still exists and was used as the foundation for the later synagogue.

Yeshua/Jesus was confronted by a demoniac while teaching here (Mark 1:21-27).

In Capernaum, Jesus healed the servant of the centurion. This Roman official was credited with building the synagogue (Luke 7:3).

During excavations beneath the foundations of this octagonal Byzantine martyrium church at Capernaum, archaeologists made one of the most exciting Biblical archaeology discoveries: they uncovered one residence that stood out from the others – a simple first-century A.D. home that may have been the house of Peter, the home of Jesus in Capernaum.

This house became the object of early Christian attention with 2nd century graffiti and a 4th century house church built above it. 

In the 5th century the large octagonal Byzantine church was erected above this, complete with a baptistry. 

Pilgrims have since referred to this as the house of Peter.

When visiting Israel in the early 90’s it was a very special experience to stand in/close to, the place where Yeshua/Jesus healed the man with the withered hand, raised Peter’s mother-in-law from her sick bed, and made the first of His seven “I AM” declarations after feeding the 5,000, saying,

“I am the Bread of Life whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35)”

From the ancient ruins of Capernaum on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, it’s possible to see in the distance, the town of Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene.

As already noted in Messiah’s day, Capernaum, (also meaning – hamlet of repentance or comfort), was one of the Chief cities of Galilee on its north-west shore. The “land of Gennesaret,” very close to, if not in which it was situated, was one of the most prosperous and crowded districts of Israel. This city lay on the great highway from Damascus to Acco and Tyre.

There is no mention of it prior to the Babylonian captivity. It has been identified with Tell Hum, about two miles south-west of where the Jordan flows into the lake. Here are extensive ruins of walls and foundations, and also the remains of what must have been a beautiful synagogue, which it is conjectured may have been the one built by the centurion (Luke 7:5), in which our Lord frequently taught (John 6:59; Mark 1:21; Luke 4:33).

Other scholars have suggested that the ruins of the city are to be found at Khan Minyeh, 3 miles further to the south on the lake shore.

Some scriptures that are also connected:

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Matthew 11:25

Mark 1:21

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

Mark 2:1

And again he entered into Capernaum, after [some] days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

Mark 9:33

And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

Luke 4:23

And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

Luke 4:31

And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.

Luke 7:1

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum

Luke 10:15

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

John 2:12

After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

John 4:46

So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

John 6:17

And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.

John 6:24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

John 6:59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

When Jesus finally departed from Nazareth, He dwelt in Capernaum (Mt 4:13) and made it the main center of His activity during a large part of His public ministry.

Simon Peter’s Wife’s Mother Lay Sick (Mat 8:14-17; Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41). 

Then a Leper Came to Him (Mat 8:2-4; Mk 1:40-45; Lk 5:12- 16). 

They Brought to Him a Paralytic (Mat 9:2-8; Mk 2:1-12; Lk 5:17-26).

Near by He called the fishermen to follow Him (Mk 1:16), and the publican Matthew the Tax Collector (Mat 9:9; Mk 2:13, 14; Lk 5:27, 28). from the receipt of custom

It was the scene of many “mighty works” (Mt 11:23; Mk 1:34).

Here Jesus healed the centurion’s son (Mt 8:5),

the nobleman’s son (Jn 4:46),

cast out the unclean spirit (Mk 1:23);

and here also, probably, He raised Jairus’ daughter to life (Mk 5:22, etc.).

In Capernaum the little child was used to teach the disciples humility, while in the synagogue Yeshua/Jesus delivered His ever-memorable speech on the bread of life. (John 6).

From the scripture we read that Capernaum was a city of considerable importance. Some scholars think that the words “shalt thou be exalted,” etc. (Mt 11:23; Lk 10:15), mean that it stood on an elevated site. It may perhaps refer to the excessive pride of the inhabitants in that city. It was a customs station, and the residence of a high officer of the king (Mt 9:9; Jn 4:46, etc.). It was occupied by a detachment of Roman soldiers, whose commander thought the good will of the people worth securing at the expense of building for them a synagogue (Mt 8:5; Lk 7:5).

Capernaum is also the location of the healing of the paralytic lowered by friends through the roof to reach Jesus, as reported in Mark 2:1–12 and Luke 5:17–26.

Artists reconstruction of 1st century courtyard house at Capernaum

Ark of the scrolls at Capernaum.

The Torah shrine, the niche showing a wooden cabinet carved in stone. Representing the covenant given to Moses here in an ancient synagogue.

Close up of Menorah carved in stone.

Under the monumental building are the remains of the early Roman synagogue from the times of Messiah, which was built with the local (black) basalt rock. This earlier synagogue was the center of activities of Yeshua/Jesus, where He taught.

Mark: “And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.”

 

Mosaic found in Caparnaum.

   Peter, also known as Simon Bar-Yonah, was one of Jesus’s 12 apostles. 

Peter’s Primacy

Because he was a fisherman, his house was also located close to the lake.

    The shape of an Octagon, was typical of early churches and structures such as Kathisma south of Jerusalem.

In 1990 a modern church was built over the 5th century church, over St Peter’s house. You can walk up to the main floor, which has a glass bottom in the center, and view the site.

The house of Jesus at Capernaum Luke 5:19 Mt 4:13 Mk 2:1 9:33

Did the roof have ceramic tiles?

the Greek word keramos is used, as in pitched roof not flat!

This photo is of a restored Talmudic era village modeled on the ruins of a fourth – eighth century village at Qatzrin in the Golan Heights. Similar basalt construction was found in the ruins of Capernaum during the time of Messiah.

The unhewn logs were used as rafters with branches and saplings as cross support.

The top was overlain with tightly packed clay.

A view from the white synagogue at Capernaum towards the lake.

These are the ruins from the first few centuries AD. The houses were built of basalt igneous stone, the same as in the Talmudic era villages.

Yet the Greek says:

Luke 5:19 And not finding by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

Flat topped roof of timber and branches overlain by packed clay with clay pigeon house on edge of wall.

Isaiah 61:1-3;

Matthew 4:13; Matthew 16: 24

Many quote that He had nowhere to lay His head:

Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:57– 62

He states that to simply fulfill Isaiah 9:12

The Government of the Promised Son – Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan.

He spent time also in Peter’s house.

There is a story that says that Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head…

however He had to have slept, He had to eat somewhere during that three years of ministry.

The disciples asked Him where He was from… He said Come and See John 1:39

Scripture tells us that He was in the house…

This place? Ha Makom – was on the shores of Galilee, the village named Capernaum.

This was where He had a base of ministry, a home where He lived when not traveling. People came here from all over the Galilee and He received them here showing mercy, forgiveness and compassion. This place, brought restoration for those that were condemned, had sickness, depression, disease. Where the blind, lame, paralyzed and rejected, found healing and wholeness.

This was the center of His ministry. The reason why it is called Capernaum is, it a translation of its’ original name.

Caper is for the Hebrew Kaphar and can be translated as town or village.

So what is The Mystery of Kaphar Nachum Our Home from Home?

and what has the prophet Nahum got to do with Messiah’s ministry?

Naum is the name Nahum or Nachum which is the same name as the prophet Nahum the Elkoshite in the Old Testament who gave the prophecy of Nineveh.

However there is NO REAL CONNECTION to the prophet – so this really is a mystery!

Why this village, why here for there is no word for coincidence in the Hebrew language there is no such thing as chance or luck? Rather it could be providence, synchronicity, serendipity, orchestrated our heavenly fathers purposeful timing and reasoning. God is very specific, everything He does has a reason.

A deeper look into the name reveals that it is more that just a persons name it is full of meaning:

To comfort,

console,

to repent,

to change direction

and as the center of Messiah ministry Capernaum could be translated as the  village of comfort, the village of consolation and repentance;

where all who came were received with compassion; sins were forgiven, lives were changed, broken were restored sick were healed, oppressed were delivered and set free.

No one was turned away all were taken in, all who were rejected were received and comforted and accepted. As we turn to Him we are comforted and became whole.

And wherever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and sought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. Mark 6:56

In this Place – Ha Makem of Kaphar Nachum. The Place of Miracles is where we will find Him and His compassion and tender loving kindness.

We don’t need to travel to Israel to the Galilee.

For the mercy, comfort, healing and restoration are not confined to one location. Call on me and I will hear you…

2 Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; 3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jer. 33:2-3

He is the place /Ha Makem of Kaphar Nachum.

So He was completely identified with the name of that town/ City.

And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Berean Study Bible.

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Col 1:17

In Him are all the riches of His glory.

We all have a home – for heaven is our home – but we are not there yet…

However while we await His return and we are busy about our Father’s business, we can Abide in our home from home – abiding in Jesus/Yeshua – the place of comfort and consolation.. HE IS

Ha Makem of Kaphar Nachum.

He is HOME – Bayit – בַּיִת

the place of comfort and consolation

– the place of Love – Ahavah

and

Welcome – Be’ruchim ha’ba’im!

For in Him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28

We all have a home from home it’s the place of Kaphar Nachum.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. John 15:7

In Revelation 3:20, Messiah tells us, “…if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will comein to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

To sup, means to eat and fellowship with someone. When you sup with someone, you and they are sharing in and partaking of the same things.

Call upon Me and I will answer you, says the LORD. I will not turn you away. You have access to Me. I will hear your prayers and answer them. Jeremiah 29:12

When he calls out to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor.

Psalm 91:15

Shalom, shalom

‘Mishpachah’ ‘Family’!

משפחה 

Mish-pa-KHa

Please don’t leave this page until you make sure that Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is your Kaphar Nachum…

your home away from home…

for until we get to our real home in heaven abiding in Him is our abode, our

Bayit – בַּיִת

our kaphar nachum

the place of comfort and consolation

– a place of Love – Ahavah

and

Welcome – Be’ruchim ha’ba’im!

Make certain Jesus is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him.

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

It’s all about Life and Relationship not Religion.

NOT SURE?

Then simply SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

The LOOK of Shavuot?

The last of the 4 Spring Appointed times is Shavuot in Hebrew and in parts of Europe Pentecost is also known as Whit/Whitsuntide. Whitsun (Old English for “White Sunday”) is the forty-ninth day (seventh Sunday) after Easter Sunday.

It is also the anniversary of the conversion and baptism of 3,000 people. It is believed that the name comes from Pentecost being a day for baptisms, when participants would dress in white. The name Pentecost comes from the Greek word ‘Pentekostos’, meaning ’50.

‘Whitsun’ is also thought to derive from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘wit’, meaning ‘understanding’, to celebrate the disciples being filled with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. As in many languages “to see” and “to know” are interrelated concepts. So that “to wit” is not only about knowledge but witnessing.

On the knowledge side, it is also easy to see the link with wise and witty and wittingly. The “Witan” being the Anglo Saxon assembly of wise men – knowing enough to have their word in the destiny of the community.

Wit could therefore, be said to infer “He makes Himself known!” God, is love, He made known His Wisdom, His Power, and His mind, He made Himself known, they were filled with the Ruach HaKodesh/Holy-Set Apart-Spirit Yeshua/Jesus/The Word made flesh!

Shavuot – שבועות – was both an agricultural festival and a celebration of God giving His newly-free people the Torah at Mt. Sinai. Through the giving of the Law, He taught them how to live as a redeemed community, a kingdom of priests, and a holy (set-apart) nation (Ex. 19:6).

The name of the festival is actually derived from the Hebrew word shavuah, שְׁבוּעַ meaning week. Shavuot (weeks) is the plural form. Shavuot marks the end of the seven-week period called Sefirat HaOmer (Counting of the Omer), which began at Passover/Pesach.

From a Hebrew roots perspective, one of the most significant occurrences has to do with the historical understanding of what Shavuot during the second temple period meant to the Jewish nation. The disciples of Messiah Yeshua were gathered together, and when there were loud noises, tongues of fire, and voices speaking in many languages, this was an obvious clue: it was the second ‘coming/giving’ of the Torah and the fulfillment of the prophesy given by Joel. 

Shavuot has several other connections:

One being Zechariah, John the Baptist father, who was in the Temple at Shavuot when the angel appeared to him.

https://www.minimannamoments.com/why-was-the-priest-in-the-water-conclusion-of-the-mystery

For more on Shavuot connections to Ruth Boaz and Shavuot /Pentecost as the perfect picture of the harvest wedding and covenant.
https://www.minimannamoments.com/50-days-later-an-earthly-and-spiritual-harvest-pentecost-shavuot/

The Scroll of Ruth (מגילת רות) – a beautiful story about God’s redemptive love – is read on the second day of Shavuot. As the Goel (kinsman-redeemer), Boaz was a wealthy man of the tribe of Judah (Bethlehem) who married a Gentile bride. Boaz’s name means “in Him is strength,” a picture of the Mashiach Yeshua, The book of ruth is read, which is the ingrafting of the gentiles and Exodus records where the Lord descended in fire. Also Ex 1:13,14 mentions coals of fire; and out of the fire went forth lightning. Ezekiel Chapter 3 the sounds of great rushing; then in Acts 2:3, the account of the rushing mighty wind and the fire sitting on them is not coincidence!

https://www.minimannamoments.com/2-x-3000-a-marriage-made-in-heaven/
https://www.minimannamoments.com/shavuot-2-x-3000-a-marriage-made-in-heaven-conclusion/

In Jerusalem it all started with 120 in the upper room.

Yeshua had ascended 10 days before, having spent 40 days with His disciples teaching them and preparing them during the Omer count.

The on-going transformation of the Disciples  finally led up to Shavuot-Pentecost. This day was the most powerful day for Yisrael as it was when the Torah was given to Moses/ Mosheh. Now it also became the most powerful day among the Talmidim/Disciples, and those who would become Sh’liychiym /the Apostles, as it represented the new thing that Adonai/the Lord was doing among His people in fulfilling prophecy.

The coming of the RUACH at Shavuot/Pentecost released a new dimension of God’s power from on high and from that moment on the fire/zeal of God, that was imparted not only changed the world in which they lived but ultimately spread the Good News to the four corners of the whole earth. 

Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Set-apart Spirit has come upon you and you shall be My witnesses in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) and in all Yahuḏah (Judea) and Shomeron (Samaria) and to the end of the earth.”

Instead of imagining that all the Disciples were in fear and hiding in some private place, from scripture we read that they were in assembling daily in the Temple Courts/Beyth Ha Mikdash.

This was where they would come daily and as they grew in number; here they would continue in the teaching and the understanding of the renewed covenant/the Brit Chadashah.

This event had been prophesied through all the Tanakh/the Old Testament and which finally found fulfillment in the sacrificial blood of the Messiah, Yeshua.

He was the promised seed of David, the Messiah, the son of Elohim through whom all have redemption and access to the Chesed/ the Mercy and favor of Our Heavenly Father as revealed from the beginning/Genesis/Beresheet.  

Acts 2:46 And they (the Disciples or taught ones) continued daily to meet together with one accord in the Beyth Ha Mikdash (the Set Apart House of Yahweh- The Temple)and of breaking of Lekhem (bread) from House to House and did eat their food with gladness and singleness of Heart.

Acts 3:1-2 Now Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) went up together into the Beyth Ha Mikdash (the Temple) at the hour of petition, the ninth hour. 2 and a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried whom they laid daily at the gate of the Temple which is called beautiful (the Yapho Gate or today the Jaffa Gate) to ask alms of them that entered into the Beyth Ha Mikdash (the Temple);

 

Then after the Ruach HaKdesh – the Set Apart – Holy Spirit was poured out upon them fulfilling Joel, they grew to 3000 on the Shavout following Messiah’s death on Passover. That was just the beginning however, something special was about to happen that would cause them to grow even more, and it would also cause them to enter into conflict with the nations leaders.

In the book of Acts we find

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. 

This has been mistranslated and from the original should read…

Peter and John entering the Temple at the hour of THE prayer.

Why is this significant?

Because It was 3:00 in the afternoon, approaching evening. According to the Torah, sacrifices were to be offered in the morning and in the evening (see Numbers 28) – beginning and ending Israel’s day at sundown, with atonement and drawing closer to God. These times became special times of prayer for the Jewish people – which they still are to this day.

THE prayer is referring to saying the Amidah.

In the literal translations it is called the hour of THE Prayer.

The Amidah (Hebrew: תפילת העמידה, Tefilat HaAmidah, “The Standing Prayer”), also called the Shemoneh Esreh (שמנה עשרה), is the central prayer of the Jewish liturgy. 

 Among observant Jews, it is referred to as HaTefillah, or “the prayer” of Judaism. The prayer is also sometimes called Amidah (“standing”) because it is recited while standing and facing the Aron Kodesh, the ark that houses the Torah.

The Amidah Standing Prayer in English is also know as the standing prayer. It has been suggested that this is what the disciples were doing in the upper room when Yeshua joined them.

Traditionally every individual should wash their hands before saying this prayer and it is said by the Jews, along with the Shema, three times a day. These Prayers are to teach how to present ourselves in Awe, Fear, Respect, and learn to approach the King as the servants of the Living God. 

The individual praying should if at all possible, stand with one’s feet together while reciting the Amidah as a show of respect for God. The rabbis add that this stance reflectss Ezekiel’s the vision of angels in which the feet of the angels appeared as one (Ezekiel 1:7).

The custom is to face the direction of Israel, and if in Israel, to turn to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. This is because all prayers head towards the Temple Mount and then rise up. This also shows respect for the Temples, which were central to Hebrew life, and reminds us that the synagogue was established to try to fill the gap in Hebrew life left by the Temple’s’ destruction. In many synagogues in the west, the ark is on the eastern wall of the synagogue for this reason.

The Amidah is the core of every Jewish worship service, and is therefore also referred to as HaTefillah, or “The prayer.” Amidah, which literally means, “standing,” refers to a series of blessings recited while standing.

The translation of the word AMIDAH means to standup, so the prayers are normally recited while standing and facing the East as the Messiah, YHVH, Jesus, will come back from that direction.

The Amidah is commonly referred to as the silent prayer. This, however, is a misnomer, for the Amidah is to be said softly, not silently, to yourself. The words should be audible to your ears and your ears alone.

This was the situation with the prayers of Channah/Hannah.

The Amidah includes three distinct sections. The first section includes prayers that praise. The middle section includes 13 requests. These requests focus on practical needs like health, and the ability to make wise choices but also more lofty yearnings for redemption and justice. These requests can change depending on the time of year or holiday. The last section includes prayers of gratitude. You can also include your own personal prayers anytime during the middle or end.

On festivals, particularly the pilgrimage holidays of Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot, the middle portion of the Amidah similarly describes how God has given these holidays as a gift to the Jewish people for joy and celebration.

There are also references to the biblical patriarchs, King David and Jerusalem to be remembered in glory.

Despite the official absence of requests, the holiday prayers of the Amidah do in fact ask that God enable us to enjoy and celebrate the holiday with gladness of heart. They end with a blessing, thanking God for sanctifying the people of Israel and the holiday.

At the start of the prayer:

My EloHim/Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise.

Each of us is aware of our abilities and potential, and we all experience fear, doubt and hesitation. Many of our limitations in life are more perceived than real. Often, it is only fears/false imaginations, that are holding us back.

In Hebrew the word for lips is the same as the word for banks, as in river banks.

The Hebrew word for lip is שפה. Interestingly, this word is quite versatile: it also means language and bank (of a river, a sea, etc). In a connected “of” (construct) state, שפה becomes שפת, so that a river bank is שפת נהר – literally, a bank of a river.

The banks of a river define its limits.

When we say “God, open my lips,” we are also saying, “God, help me to see beyond my perceived limitations, banks, boundaries. Help me to see all the way to the horizon of my potential.”

And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.

This was a strategic location to beg. Religious people are to be charitable to the poor and needy. 

Nearing the Temple, we see that it is a very beautiful building. All around the outside are the porches, which are covered walks, separated by rows of large pillars or posts. The floors are of marble of many colors.

The pillars are so large that three men can scarcely stretch their arms so as to meet around them. Some of the pillars are one hundred feet high.

Along the walls we see seats for people to sit on, and all day long the people rest on the benches or move about between the pillars.

The Hekel Gate, which leads to the Temple is made of dazzling brass, more costly than silver and gold, and it is very richly decorated. The double doors to this gate are so heavy that twenty men are needed to open and close them.

https://www.minimannamoments.com/mystery-of-the-hekel/

As Peter and John made their way to the Beautiful Gate. Here they stop.

When the crippled man saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms.

For many, many years this poor crippled man has been carried to the Temple gate. Day after day he has been sitting there begging for money from those who come to the Temple. He is now over 40 years of age, but has never walked. 

But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, “Look at us!”

He looks up at Peter.

He hoped this man would give him money. For an instant, Peter disappoints him by saying, “Silver and gold have I none.”

But Peter has more to say:

“Such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

Acts 3:4- 7 And Kepha (Peter) fastening his eyes upon him with Yochanan (John) said “look on us”. 5 and he gave heed to them expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Kepha (Peter) said “Silver and Gold have I none but such as I have give I you; In the name of Yahshua the Messiah of Netzereth rise up & walk. 7 and he (Kepha) took him by the right hand and lifted him up and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

They gave him the LOOK of Shavuot – we could say it was a Pentecostal look!

And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “In the name of Messiah Yeshua the Nazarene walk”!

(“in the name” means “because of who Yeshua is, and what He is able to do, and because of the authority He has given me”) 

 Peter seemed to know exactly what God wanted to happen in this situation, and he was given authority – Messianic authority, the Son of God’s divine authority, and he used it by commanding the crippled man to walk.

This healing had a specific purpose with regard to advancing the kingdom of God’s Son. 

Many times miracles are given for the testimony of Jesus Christ;

as was the man blind from birth.

https://www.minimannamoments.com/heres-mud-in-your-eye/

The lame man was a well known figure at the gate called Beautiful. (Eastern Gate.) No one would be able to deny what had been done in the name of Jesus.

Then Peter takes hold of the right hand of the lame man and lifts him up, and a great miracle happened to the lame man. 

And immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

The miracle was immediate and it was very public – right at one of the entrances to the Jerusalem temple, and at the time when the religious Jewish people were entering to take part in the closing prayers of the day! 

The feet and ankles of the helpless man received strength. For the first time in his life he stands alone! He walks! He leaps! He goes into the Temple with Peter and John, praising God as he enters!

The happiest day of his life! No more need he be carried about; no more begging for money, for he is healed! All through the power of God.

The people in the Temple know the man who is healed. They all likely turn to see and listen as he praises God. For many years they probably had passed by this man as he sat at the gate and begged, and many times had dropped a coin into his lap. Now he is walking and jumping. They cannot understand what has just happened.

As the three men walk out on Solomon’s porch. All the people follow us out on the porch. They stand and wonder. They cannot believe their eyes, but there before us stands the man whom God has healed.

Is it possible it happened at the very moment that the part of the prayer for healing was being said, that the man started giving God the glory??

“Look at me!

I’m standing during the Standing Prayer!!

God does heal!!!”

For 40 years he had heard or said this prayer, no doubt wondering if it was really true!

(Part of the prayer is to be healed, so he had prayed 3x a day for 40 years and wanted to stand as this was a standing prayer!)

Acts 3:6-9 tells us he was praying, let me stand for the standing prayer and finally he was able to stand for the standing prayer. And this is no doubt why Peter pulled him to his feet!

This was to show everyone there that he stood at the time of the standing prayer.

He was not healed prior to that time because Yeshua/Jesus wanted everyone to witness the miracle on Shavuot – His ways are higher than ours.

Just like the blind man who was blind from birth was for the glory of god to confirm the prophetic word stating that “the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness” (Isaiah 29:14, 18).

Miracles were not everyday events for the Chosen People. There were only a couple of times and with only a few men when an outpouring of miracles took place in their history: Moses and Joshua and the Exodus from Egypt through their entry into the Land of Israel; then in the time of Elijah and Elisha. Other than those special times and those few men, miracles were a rarity.

However there had been an exception to that history in that, many great miracles had just happened the previous three or four years involving the young Rabbi from Nazareth. But He had died, and the miracles had stopped!

Except, there were those unusual events that had taken place on the Shavuot following the Nazarene’s death, when a very loud noise had been heard when Yeshua’s followers had been meeting, and then a group of Yeshua’s Galilean Jewish followers spoke to the people of Jerusalem in the languages of the lands where many had come from, and those Galileans claimed that they had never learned those languages.

And now, a great miracle of healing and restoration had just taken place through two of Yeshua’s closest followers. What did it mean?

How was Peter able to say to the sick man, “Rise up and walk”? Was it because he had seen Yeshua/Jesus heal the sick? At one time Yeshua/Jesus took hold of the hand of Peter’s wife’s mother, when she was sick with fever. Yeshua/Jesus lifted her up and the fever left her [Mark:1:30];[Mark:1:31]).

It was not only because Peter had seen Yeshua/Jesus do these miracles; Peter was able to do this because he had the power of God with him. He had been saved and sanctified and he was one of those who were in the upper room when the baptism was given. He had received the Ruach haKodesh/Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost/Shavuot. Yeshua/Jesus had told the disciples that when the Ruach haKodesh/Holy Spirit came, they should receive power to work for Him. Now Peter had that power and he was using it, too!

Peter knew exactly what it meant, and wanting to fulfill his mission, and tell these people the Good News about the final atonement and salvation made possible by the Crucified-Yet-Risen Messiah, Simon Peter used this God-given opportunity to give his  great sermon.

Like Peter, we constantly need to use our God-given opportunities to tell people the Good News about the Messiah!

This was a most wonderful transformation in the lives of His called ones, in that only a short while ago they were in unbelief; but through the work of the RUACH (Spirit) their faith had grown and also their understanding. 

Then, at Shavuot, a new dimension of that faith had emerged with the coming of the RUACH Ha Kodesh /the Holy Spirit, giving them boldness to speak. With that step of faith, came authority & power from on high that saw the mighty works of God revealed both through the Word and power, and those who repented and believed numbered about 5,000 men.

What is amazing in the actions of Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) is that they were so full of faith that it says that Kepha took the man by the right hand and lifted him up.

Acts 3:11- 12 And as the lame man which was healed held Kepha (Peter) & Yochanan (John) all the people ran together to them in the covered walkway that is called Shelomoh’s (Solomon’s) portico, greatly amazed. 12 And when Kepha saw it he answered the people. “You men of Yisrael why marvel you at this? Or why do you stare at us as though by our own power or our Torah or Shabbat piety we had made this man walk.

The Elohim of Abraham and of Yitzchak (Isaac) and of Yaacov (Jacob), the Elohim of our fathers has esteemed his son Yahshua; 16 through belief in his name has made this man strong whom you see and know; yes the belief which through Yahshua’s name has given him this complete health in the presence of all. 

The Mighty miracle that was done in this man was the means by which Our Heavenly Father was drawing His people to Himself.

It was also the perfect opportunity for the disciples to speak the wonderful words of the Salvation found only in Yeshua/Jesus.

Then they further expounded the truth of the Mashiach (Messiah) as revealed through the Scriptures of the Torah, the Nevim (Prophets) & the Ketuvim (the Wisdom Writings). Through the work of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) we see the assembly of believers supernaturally multiplying. 

Kefa and Yochanan were arrested … were questioned as to what power or name they had done this … they boldly stated.. The Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Yeshua Mashiach of Natzeret).

An important point we may have missed is that this man, who according to Acts.4:22 was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed.

That meant Yeshua/Jesus probably walked past him a minimum of 100 times in the temple and never healed him! This happened after Yeshua/Jesus died at around 33 yrs of age and this man who was only 7 yrs older than Yeshua/Jesus had been lame from his birth.

Seen from the Jewish perspective this was undeniable:

At the hour of prayer he asked for money, he was over 40, sat daily for 40 yrs, every single time Yeshua/Jesus went through that eastern gate, He passed by that man and never helped or healed him, even the day He rode into Jerusalem and he had not been healed but surely his healing at this time was the perfect timing of our Heavenly Father, Who had him right there at the Temple gate awaiting this exact time to heal this man.

God waited 40 years for all to be gathered in the Temple, so at the very moment of the Amidah, while all Israel was praising God.

(Until now we as gentiles, have missed the full significance of this event).

Divinely designed, to not only esteem the Messiah and be a miracle for this man but that it would be so significant as to trigger a greater revival than that of Shavuot, bringing a large crowd of Yisraelites to faith in name of Yeshua the righteous one.

One thing we must be sure to remember is to Keep our eyes on Yeshua/Jesus.

To FIX our eyes on Him and continually LOOK on HIM…   

This is where miracles begin!

He is the author and finisher of our faith and the LOOK of Shavuot

is

Love

Compassion

Healing

and in His perfect timing,

His plans and purposes will be fulfilled.

Shalom Shalom!

Chag Sameach Shavuot Mish-pa-KHa!

Please don’t leave this page until you have fixed your eyes on Him and without knowing you are saved and assured that you belong to Him; with a deep conviction that you know where you will go, when your body can no longer sustain you in this realm. 

Make certain Jesus is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him. 

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

Its all about Life and Relationship not Religion.

NOT SURE?

Then simply SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’ name. Amen.