messiah in the new testament

8/6/2019 Messiah in the New Testament

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All New - Updated Godhead Spirit Realm Prophecy Holy Days Commentary

THE NEW TESTAMENT IDENTIFICATIONOF THE MESSIAH

he first part of this study ( Who Is Jesus Christ? ) examined the historical context for understanding the true identity of God'sMessiah, Yeshua the Nazarene. We will begin the second part by looking at the information regarding the identity of the

Messiah which begins the scriptural letter to the Messianic Jews:

HEBREWS 1:1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to thefathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He hasappointed [ etheken ] heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; ( NKJV )

This letter was primarily written to Messianic Jews to explain WHO Jesus Christ was, including his role in God's plan. The author f Hebrews (generally thought to be the apostle Paul) starts with the declaration that Yeshua was the Son of God . This Messianicdentification for Yeshua is used throughout the New Testament, appearing 45 times (e.g., Matt. 8:29; 14:33; 26:63-64; 27:43; Mark :1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; John 1:34, 49; 3:18; 5:25; 9:35-37; 10:36; 11:4, 27; 19:7; 20:31; Acts 8:37; 9:20; Rom. 1:4; II Cor.:19; Heb. 4;14; I John 4:15; 5:5; Rev. 2:18). As the spokesman for God his Father, Yeshua was the successor to the Old

Testament prophets.

The author also tells us in verse 2 that the Son was the one through whom God had created the world, and that the Fatherappointed" him the heir of all things. The word translated "appointed" is a form of the Greek tithemi , which literally means "tolace," "to lay," or "to set." The language used here indicates that the Son's place was determined by the will of God, not by hisature.

HEBREWS 1:3 He is the radiance [ apaugasma ] of the glory of God and the exactimprint [ charakter ] of His nature [hupostaseos ], and he upholds the universe by the wordof His power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of theMajesty on high, ( ESV )

The author goes on in verse 3 to describe Yeshua as the "radiance" of God's glory. The Greek word translated "radiance" hereapaugasma ) is probably better rendered as "reflection." This Greek word is not found anywhere else in the New Testament or he Greek translation of the Old Testament ( Septuagint ).

However, it is found once in the Apocrypha , in the Wisdom of Solomon . In this book (thought to have been written between 100BCE and 40 CE), "wisdom" is similar to the logos concept found in the writings of Philo and the Gospel of John. Hebrews 1:3 isery reminiscent of the section from this apocryphal book where this word is found. This passage describes "wisdom" in terms

much like those found in Hebrews 1:

WISDOM 7:24 For wisdom is more mobile than any motion; because of her pureness shepervades and penetrates all things. 25 For she is a breath of the power of God, and apure emanation of the glory of the Almighty ; therefore nothing defiled gainsentrance into her. 26 For she is a reflection [ apaugasma ] of eternal light, a spotlessmirror of the working of God, and an image of His goodness. ( RSV )

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t's possible that the author of Hebrews was paraphrasing his statement in Hebrews 1:3 regarding the nature of Yeshua from thispassage of intertestamental Jewish literature. The Messiah was the reflection of God's glory ("eternal light") in the form of auman being.

This verse also states that Yeshua was the "exact imprint" ( charakter ) of God's "nature" ( hupostaseos ). According to Strong'sConcordance , the Greek word charakter has the following meanings: " 1) the instrument used for engraving or carving; 2)he mark stamped upon that instrument or wrought out on it, 2a) a mark or figure burned in (Lev. 13:28) or stampedn, an impression, 2b) the exact expression (the image) of any person or thing, marked likeness, preciseeproduction in every respect, i.e., facsimile ." Here the author's use of this word tells us that Yeshua was a "preciseeproduction" or "likeness" of God's "nature."

According to Friberg's Analytical Lexicon to the Greek New Testament ( ALGNT ), the Greek word hupostaseos ("nature")means: " . . . the objective aspect and underlying reality behind anything, w[ith] specif[ic] m[eani]ng derived fr[om]ontext; (1) as an undertaking plan, project (2C 9.4); (2) as God's substantial nature real being, essence (HE 1.3);3) as the objective reality which gives a firm guarantee and basis for confidence or assurance substance, ground of ope, foundation (HE 3.14; 11.1) ."

n simple terms, Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Yeshua reflected the glory of God because he was an exact reproduction of God'sature or essence. Clearly a differentiation between Yeshua and God the Father is depicted here, with Yeshua shown to be maden the image of the Father.

HEBREWS 1:4 Having become [ genomenos ] so much better than the angels, as he has byinheritance obtained [ kekleronomeken ] a more excellent name than they. ( NKJV )

The Greek verb genomenos ("having become") indicates a change in status. Verse 4 makes it clear that Yeshua's obedient deathn the cross caused an elevation of his position. This verse also tells us that Yeshua received a name greater than the angelshrough inheritance. Yeshua speaks of the name he received in the Gospel of John:

JOHN 17:12 "While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which Youhave given Me ; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled. ( NASU )

This name Yeshua inherited was the very name of his Father, YHVH . It was by his Father's name that Yeshua was known to thencient Israelites, as the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah shows:

GENESIS 19:24 Then the LORD [ YHVH ] rained brimstone and fire on Sodom andGomorrah, from the LORD [ YHVH ] out of the heavens. ( NKJV )

The Targums, ancient Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Tanakh (also known as the "Old Testament"), contain a wealth of nformation concerning the way the Jewish interpreters of late antiquity understood the Scriptures. The rendering of this verse inhe Jerusalem Targum incorporates additional commentary on the events that took place and more fully explains what happened:

GENESIS 19:24 And the Word of the Lord himself had made to descend upon the peopleof Sedom and Amorah showers of favour, that they might work repentance from theirwicked works. But when they saw the showers of favour, they said, So, our wicked worksare not manifest before him. He turned (then), and caused to descend upon thembitumen and fire from before the Lord from the heavens . ( Jerusalem Targum , translatedby J.W. Etheridge)

The Jerusalem Targum clearly shows that the common Jewish understanding around the time of Christ was that the first YHVH mentioned in Genesis 19:24 was the "Word of the Lord" (the preincarnate Messiah-John 1:14), who was acting on behalf of hiseavenly Father YHVH . For additional information on the activities of the Messiah before his human incarnation, see my article


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[ metochous ; Heb. chavereykha ]." 5 ( NKJV )

There is a lot of meaning in these two verses, which are a citation from 5Psalm 45:6-7 . The first thing we should notice is that theuthor applies the title "God" specifically to Yeshua (cf. John 20:28). A thorough understanding of the meaning of the Hebrew

word 'elohim is necessary to grasp why he did this.

As Psalm 82 clearly shows, the term 'elohim can refer to the angelic sons of God (Psa. 82:6) who make up the heavenly divineouncil . Therefore, the author's use of this title is meant to describe the power and position of the firstborn Son. As he haslready shown, the Son was no regular angel, no simple messenger. Instead, the Anointed was one of the exalted 'elohim , one of

he divine council God had appointed to rule the nations of the earth. Specifically, God assigned the Messiah to rule over Hisortion, the nation of Israel (Deu. 32:9).

The next verse of the quotation confirms this identification. Whereas the Scriptures show that the other 'elohim have actednjustly in the administration of their duties over the nations (Psa. 82:2-7), Psalm 45:7 tells us that the firstborn Son "lovedighteousness and hated lawlessness." Because he walked in his heavenly Father's ways instead of his own, he was elevated far bove his "companions," the other members of the divine council. He will be given a throne above them all by God the Father,

who is his God (cf. John 20:17; Rev. 1:6).

HEBREWS 1:10 And, "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the

heavens are the work of Your hands; 11 they will perish, but You remain; they will allwear out like a garment, 12 like a robe You will roll them up, like a garment they will bechanged. But You are the same, and Your years will have no end." 6 ( ESV )

The next quotation is from 6Psalm 102:25-27 , again from the Septuagint translation. After repeating the words of the heavenlyather to His Son in verses 8 and 9, the author here shows that God the Father is the source of all creation and eternal. This quotexalting Almighty God sets the stage for the next statement from God to His glorified Son:

HEBREWS 1:13 But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, till Imake your enemies your footstool"? 7 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth tominister for those who will inherit salvation? ( NKJV )

The author of Hebrews finishes out his exaltation of the Messiah by quoting from 7Psalm 110:1 . Unlike the angels that servender him, Yeshua is shown to be seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, waiting for the time when God will give himictory over his enemies (all those who resist God's will). As a final counterpoint to his argument, the author's rhetorical questionn verse 14 again points out the superiority of Yeshua to the angelic host.

The first chapter of Hebrews is used by the author to demonstrate that the Messiah, who appeared as the Angel of the LORDefore taking the form of a human, was much more than an Old Testament spiritual messenger from the Father. He was the

workman through which God created all things. He was the promised seed of David, the Anointed one who will rule the earthrom Jerusalem for a thousand years as God's representative. He was a member of the divine council who ruled over Israel, andecause of his faithfulness, will rule over all nations.

Now let's skip down to Hebrews 2:9, where the author continues his explanation of the Messiah's identity:

HEBREWS 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for thesuffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that he, by the grace of God, mighttaste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and bywhom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of theirsalvation perfect [ teleiosai ] through sufferings. ( NKJV )

Here the author begins to explain why the divine firstborn Son of God had to become a mortal man. In verse 9, he shows thatYeshua allowed himself to be made "a little lower than the (same) angels" the author had proclaimed him to be above in chapter 1.The purpose for this is not totally understood by most believers, even though it is clearly stated: Yeshua suffered death that he
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might "taste death for everyone."

Verse 10 contains an amazing piece of information about the nature of the Messiah. We are told that the Father, in order to bringmany sons to glory, had "to make the captain of their salvation (Yeshua) PERFECT through sufferings." In the context of thisassage, the Greek verb teleiosai would be better translated "complete." In Luke 13:32, a form of this same word is used:

LUKE 13:31 On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to him, "Get out and departfrom here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32 And he said to them, "Go, tell that fox,'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I

shall be perfected [ teleioumai ].' " ( NKJV )

The primary suffering of the Messiah was his final agony on the cross. However, his total experience as a human being alsoualified as suffering. It was the physical and mental distress, as well as the corresponding temptations that he endured, thatperfected" Yeshua.

As the divine spirit being called the "Angel of the LORD," Yeshua led the Israelites out of Egypt during the Exodus and guidedhem through their 40 years of wilderness wanderings (Jdg. 2:1). During that time, he saw God's chosen people at their worst. Inrder to truly comprehend how people could behave the way that the Israelites did, he had to be subjected to the same temptationsnd sufferings that humans had to endure. Only this experience would allow him to be "completed" and become an empathetic

High Priest to God's people (Heb. 2:17; 4:15).

HEBREWS 2:11 For both he who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are al l of one [ ex henos pantes ], for which reason he is not ashamed to call them brethren , 12Saying: "I will declare Your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I willsing praise to You." 8 13 And again: "I will put my trust in Him." 9 And again: "Here amI and the children whom God has given me." 10 14 Inasmuch then as the children havepartaken of flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared in the same, that through deathhe might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release thosewho through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. ( NKJV )

n verse 11, the author tells us that Yeshua and those he is in the process of sanctifying ("setting apart for a holy purpose") areall of one." By the concluding statement that Yeshua "is not ashamed to call them BRETHREN," we know that the first part of he verse is referring to Yeshua and those he is sanctifying being "all of one" FAMILY, with YHVH being the Father of both (cf.ph. 3:14-15).

Verse 12 begins another series of quotations from the Tanakh with a citation of 8Psalm 22:22 . Psalm 22 is a messianic psalmhat prophetically records some of the actual words later spoken by Yeshua (cf. Psa. 22:1).

The next two quotes come from the last part of 9Isaiah 8:17 and first part of

10Isaiah 8:18 . This too is a messianic prophecy;

mmediately preceding this passage is the declaration that the Messiah would be "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense tooth the houses of Israel" (Isa. 8:14; cf. Rom. 9:32-33; I Pet. 2:7-8).

HEBREWS 2:16 For indeed he does not give aid to angels, but he does give aid to theseed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things he h ad to be made like his brethren ,that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to makepropitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself has suffer ed, beingtempted , he is able to aid those who are tempted. ( NKJV )

Continuing on, the author states in verse 16 that the Messiah became human in order to provide help to the descendants of Abraham. Verse 17 states that Yeshua's death was a means of providing forgiveness for the sins of the people, that they might beeconciled to God. This verse reiterates that Yeshua had to be made like his human brethren in order to be a merciful and faithful

High Priest for God's people. In verse 18, we are told that Yeshua had to suffer and endure temptation as a man that he might (asur High Priest) be able to assist those who are suffering and being tempted.


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of God's creative activity " to mean " make, manufacture, produce someth[ing]. " Regarding Hebrews 3:2, BAGD goesn to say that poiesanti is used " of the relation of Jesus to God " (p. 680).

Most English translations render poiesanti in Hebrews 3:2 as "appointed." But the word literally means "made," referring in thisnstance to the creative act of God in the origin of the Messiah. Let's look at Revelation 14:7 to see how poiesanti is usedlsewhere in the Scriptures:

REVELATION 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for thehour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made [ poiesanti ] heaven and

earth, the sea and springs of water." ( NKJV )

Based on the definition of this word, as well as its biblical usage elsewhere, it's obvious that poiesanti should be translated "whomade" in Hebrews 3:2 (as it is in the 1899 Douay-Rheims American translation), not "who appointed" (as it is in most otherEnglish translations). Both Moses and Yeshua were faithful to God the Father, who "made" all things (v. 4).

HEBREWS 3:5 Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what wouldbe said in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are hishouse, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. ( NIV )

The author goes on in verses 4 and 5 to illustrate the pre-eminence of Messiah over Moses (which he first mentioned in v. 3).Moses served in God's house, but Yeshua the firstborn Son has been given rulership over God's house.

Now let's move on to the 5th chapter of Hebrews, where the author begins explaining the priesthood of Messiah:

HEBREWS 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in thingspertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can have

compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subjectto weakness. 3 Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, tooffer sacrifices for sins. 4 And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is calledby God, just as Aaron was. 5 So also Christ did not glorify himself to become Hig hPriest , but it was He who said to him: "You are My Son, today I have begotten you." 1 1 ( NKJV )

This passage stresses the Father's role in determining the duties assigned to the Messiah. Yeshua did not make himself the Highriest; rather, the Father designated him as such. In Hebrews 5:5 we have a repeat of the citation from 11 Psalm 2:7 that the authorsed earlier (Heb. 1:5). Here the emphasis is on the sonship of the Messiah as the reason for his elevation to High Priest.

HEBREWS 5:6 As He also says in another place: "You are a priest forever according tothe order of Melchizedek"; 1 2 7 who, in the days of his flesh, when he had offered upprayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to savehim from death, and was heard because of his godly fear, 8 though he w as a Son, yethe learned [ emathen ] obedience by the things which he suffered . 9 And havingbeen perfected [ teleiotheis ], he became the author of eternal salvation to all who obeyhim, 10 called by God as High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek," 1 2 ( NKJV )

2Psalm 110:4 , quoted twice in this passage (vv. 6, 10), serves as an introduction to the exalted position of the Messiah.Contrary to the commonly accepted teaching that Jesus was "fully man" and "fully God" while here on earth, the author tells ushat during "the days of his flesh" (v. 7), it was ONLY through the Father that Yeshua obtained the ability to accomplish his

mission. YHVH was the one who provided Yeshua the strength to overcome this world, and He did so because of Yeshua'sgodly fear" (which manifested itself as total obedience). The point is very clear: Even though Yeshua was the Son of God, heearned obedience by the things he suffered as a human.


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According to ALGNT , the Greek verb emathen , translated "learned" in verse 8, has " a basic m[eani]ng of directing one'smind to someth[ing] and producing an external effect learn ; (1) as learning through instruction be taught, learn fromomeone (JN 7.15); (2) as learning through inquiry ascertain, discover, find out (AC 23.27); (3) as learning throughractice or experience come to know, come to realize (PH 4.11; HE 5.8); (4) as achieving comprehensionnderstand, learn (RV 14.3) ". If Yeshua had already been a perfect divine being before (and during) his incarnation, he couldot have learned obedience as a result of the adversity he faced. "Having been perfected" as a direct result of his experiences ashuman, we are told that Yeshua became the "author of eternal salvation to all who obey him" (v. 9) and now serves as oureavenly High Priest (v. 10).

Now let's examine one more related passage from the 7th chapter of Hebrews:

HEBREWS 7:26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled,separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not needdaily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins and then for thepeople's, for this he did once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appointsas high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after thelaw, appoints the Son who has been perfected [ teteleiomenon ] forever. ( NKJV )

The 7th chapter of Hebrews uses the example of Melchizedek to show how Yeshua (from the tribe of Judah) could serve as Highriest when the Law specifies that the sons of Aaron (from the tribe of Levi) would hold that position. Once again, the author of Hebrews proclaims that we have a high priest in Yeshua who has been " perfected ." In the process of living a totally obedient lifewhile enduring human temptation, Yeshua's understanding of mankind's plight was "completed." By this experience, he qualifiedo be God's High Priest, just as Melchizedek had been in the days of Abram.

Now let's examine some other statements about the nature of the Messiah from the New Testament. We'll begin in Paul's letter tohe Philippian congregation:

PHILIPPIANS 2:5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who,

although he existed in the form [ morphe ] of God , did not regard equal i ty w ith [ isa ]God a thing to be grasped [ harpagmon ], 7 but emptied himself, taking the form [ morphen ] of a bond- servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found inappearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also [ dio kai ], God highly exalted him, andbestowed on him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of JesusEVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God theFather . ( NASU )

When viewed in the proper context, this is an illuminating passage of Scripture. Paul tells us that before his incarnation, Yeshuaxisted in the same form ( morphe ) as God the Father. Yeshua himself said that God is spirit (John 4:24); therefore, Paul'statement indicates that Yeshua initially existed as a spirit being also. The two uses of the Greek root word morphe in this passagevv. 6, 7) contrast YHVH 's existence as spirit and man's existence as flesh and blood.

aul goes on to show that Yeshua was willing to give up his spiritual state of being. Many English translations render the Greek oun harpagmon ("to be grasped") as "robbery." However, BAGD states that this translation " . . . is next to impossible inhil 2:6 . . . " (p. 108). According to ALGNT , harpagmon (found only once in the New Testament) probably means " . . . notorcefully retaining something for one's own advantage something not to be held onto . . ."

Yeshua did not consider being "equal to" (Gr. isa ) God in form something that he should hold on to selfishly. Rather, he humbly

mptied himself of divinity and became flesh and blood that he might fulfill the Father's will. Living an obedient life as a humanere on the earth, Yeshua gave himself as our sacrifice on the cross, that our sins might be forgiven through him.

The Greek phrase dio kai that begins verse 9 is used to indicate a self- evident inference. Paul tells us that because of his humble,nselfish act, God the Father highly exalted Yeshua and bestowed on him a name above all names. Not because of his nature, butather due to his obedience, God will cause "every knee to bow" to Yeshua and "every tongue will confess" that he is Lord.

Verses 10 and 11 are a paraphrase of Isaiah 45:23:
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ISAIAH 45:22 "Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, andthere is no other. 23 I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth inrighteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow , every tongueshall take an oath . ( NKJV )

Based on the statement in Isaiah 45:22 that "I am God, and there is no other," some try to make the case that Yeshua and God arene and the same being (in either a "Trinitarian" or "Oneness" sense). This is a misinterpretation of the text, as a close examination

f Paul's concluding statement in verse 11 plainly shows. By every knee bowing to Yeshua the Messiah and every tongue takingn oath that he is Lord, Paul tells us that God the Father will be glorified. There is only one true God, the Father (John 17:3), assaiah 45:22 states. However, every knee will in effect be bowing to Him when they bow to His Anointed One, Yeshua the

Messiah.

Now let's examine another passage from Paul, this one from his initial letter to the Corinthian assembly. To make the passageasier to understand, I've replaced "him" and "his" with the one being spoken of:

I CORINTHIANS 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's

at his coming. 24 Then comes the end, when [ Christ ] delivers the kingdom to God theFather, when [ God ] puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For [ Christ ]must reign till [ God ] has put all enemies under [ Christ's ] feet. 26 The last enemy that willbe destroyed is death. ( NKJV )

This Scripture speaks of the delegation of God's authority to the Messiah as a means of achieving God's will. We see that theMessiah's rule will be completed when all God's enemies have been destroyed. After the destruction of the final enemy, death,Yeshua will return the reconciled kingdom to his Father, just as a craftsman hands over his finished product to the architect of thework.

I CORINTHIANS 15:27 For "[ God ] has put all things under [ Christ's ] feet." 1 3 But when Hesays "all things are put under [ Christ ]," it is evident that [ God ] who put all things under[ Christ ] is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to [ God ], then the Sonhimself will also be subject to [ God ] who put all things under [ Christ ], that God may be allin all. ( NKJV )

This passage specifically shows that, contrary to Trinitarian doctrine, Yeshua will always be subordinate to the Father (not co-

qual). Verse 27 starts with a citation of 13Psalm 8:6 . This is an interesting messianic psalm, and one that most don't fully grasp

egarding significance. Here is the pertinent section of this psalm:

PSALM 8:3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and thestars, which You have ordained, 4 what is man that You are mindful of him, and the sonof man that You visit him? 5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels, andYou have crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You have made him to have dominionover the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, ( NKJV )

n the Gospels, Yeshua is referred to as the "Son of Man" 83 times. The mention of the "son of man" in Psalm 8:4, combinedwith the use of this prophecy by Paul to specifically refer to Yeshua (as well as a similar usage in Hebrews 2), leaves little doubthat this passage is a messianic prophecy. The "son of man" spoken of in Psalm 8:4 is plainly the Messiah, who will have all thingsut under his feet by God the Father (I Cor. 15:25).

Corinthians 15:27 also specifically states that God the Father has placed all things under Yeshua with the exception of Himself.Clear distinction is made here between YHVH the heavenly Father and His firstborn Son, Yeshua the Messiah. The Father hasurrently delegated all things to His Son, that Yeshua may reconcile them to Him (Col. 1:20). However, when the reconciliation is


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inally accomplished, we see that the entire creation, including the Son, will be subject to God (v. 28).

This passage isn't the only place where Paul shows the superior position of the Father in relation to the Son. Earlier in ICorinthians 11, Paul documented the line of authority from mankind to God:

I CORINTHIANS 11:3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, thehead of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God . ( NKJV )

Once again we see that God the Father is over Yeshua in authority. Contrary to the doctrine of the Trinity, they are not co-equal.

Additionally, the Scriptures show that only God the Father is omniscient ("all-knowing"):

MARK 13:32 "But of that day and hour no one know s , not even the angels in heaven,nor the Son , but only the Father . 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not knowwhen the time is." ( NKJV )

This declaration shows that the Messiah himself acknowledged only the Father knew the timing of his second coming. Yeshua'statement confirms the passages we reviewed from Hebrews earlier which show that Yeshua was "completed" by his humanxperience. This verification also supports several passages from the Tanakh which show that the preincarnate Messiah did not now all things (cf. Gen. 18:21; 22:12; etc.).

n the final book of the Bible, Yeshua uses a title for himself that is very enlightening, when placed in the proper context:

REVELATION 22:16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for thechurches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morn ing Star ." ( NIV )

Here we see that Yeshua tells us he is the "Morning Star." Peter confirms this identification of Messiah in his second epistle:

II PETER 1:17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voicecame to him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am wellpleased." 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with himon the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you dowell to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morningstar rises in your hearts; ( NKJV )

This title is not just a poetic description of the Messiah. It identifies his status, as a passage from Job 38 shows:

JOB 38:4 " Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you haveunderstanding. 5 Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or whostretched the line upon it? 6 To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid itscornerstone, 7 when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shoutedfor joy? ( NKJV )

n this Scripture, "morning stars" are parallel to and synonymous with the angelic "sons of God" (Gen. 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; 2:1). Byis use of the title "Morning Star," Yeshua establishes that he was one of those sons of God present at the creation of the world.As other Scriptures show, he was the firstborn Son of God through whom the Eternal Father created the world.

Conclusion


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hen viewed with an open mind, the available historical and scriptural evidence strongly suggests that early believers had amuch different understanding of the origin and nature of Yeshua than we do today. In contrast to modern Judaism, 1st -

entury Jews who accepted Yeshua as the prophesied Messiah had no trouble assigning to him the status of a second divine spiriteing who was subordinate to the Most High God. He was understood to be the "Angel of the LORD" who had led Israel out of

Egypt. In contrast to modern Christianity, early believers understood that the Messiah was the "firstborn of every creature" (Col.:15), the "only begotten" Son of God. He was the wisdom of God (I Cor. 1:24), begotten before all things to be the workman

who helped the Father create the world (Pro. 8:22- 31). He was the divine Word ( Logos ), who was with God the Father in theeginning and was also 'elohim ("God"-John 1:1).

Bryan T. Huieuly 22, 2002

evised: June 11, 2011

W

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