Isn’t it Time to Eat the Meal Yourself?
*Itai had a soft smile of agreement on his face after I asked, “I would rather eat the meal myself, wouldn’t you?”
Dark wavy hair and eyes of guarded curiosity would be an apt physical description of this twenty-something Jewish man from a very Orthodox (deeply religious) background. Our conversation was awkwardly “lopsided” as we spoke about the Messiah of Israel – who he was (or would be) and how Itai would recognize Him. I listened as he attempted to formulate a response to the latter. Ultimately, he was unable to give one because he realized he really had no answer.
Time and again, I have seen this “lack of response” arise from a limited understanding in the Jewish religious community of what the Scriptures, in their proper context, reveal about this special “Servant of Israel.” In our conversation, it was clear Itai’s knowledge of what was within the pages of the Tanakh (Old Testament) was information he knew from his study of the Talmud[1] – thus, rabbinic sources and commentary rather than the text of Scripture itself. Our conversation seemed so “lopsided” because I referred only to the Scriptures.
After seeing Itai struggle uncomfortably to engage with various Scripture references, I asked him, “Would you rather hear someone describe a delicious meal they had eaten, or would you prefer to eat it yourself? I would rather eat it myself, wouldn’t you?”
Itai agreed but looked puzzled as to why our conversation had suddenly shifted to a seemingly abstract question about food. I didn’t pause long before explaining my detour “I know your religious life has been dedicated to the study of the Oral Law and you are taught about its authority. But you are studying what your rabbis, scholars, and sages interpret the Scriptures to mean and how to apply them. To me, that’s like hearing someone describe how a meal tastes rather than eating it myself.”
Itai and I discussed at length the passages which I believe reveal the Messiah: who He is and what He would accomplish according to the Scriptures. Itai’s religious faith, like that of most in the Orthodox Jewish community, was built on the Talmud; it is a Talmudic faith. Certainly beauty, wisdom, morality, and value can be found in the rabbis’ teachings, but none of these equate to clear biblical truth.
I have challenged many men in the religious Jewish community over the years to read their Tanakh by itself, and especially to read those Scriptures which speak of the Messiah, His mission, and His message. I warned Itai of the “spiritual danger” that occurs when leaders and groups claim their own teachings and writings as God’s truth, rather than upholding the text of Scripture itself.[2]
I recall numerous times when Jewish men and women have read for the first time about the New Covenant in Jeremiah,[3] of the suffering servant in Isaiah (Isaiah 52:13-53:12), or of the Son of God in Psalm 2 and Proverbs 30:4. I’ve seen fear and confusion cross their faces as they read the words of Scripture alone. And yes, there have also been many who have challenged my interpretation of these texts.
But I have confidence the Scriptures themselves – and God’s Holy Spirit – will open the hearts and minds of those who read them, just as Ezekiel describes God sprinkling clean water on His people and giving them a heart of flesh in place of a heart of stone (Ezekiel 36:24-17).
I know God can speak to people as they read about the Servant who is called to bring Israel back to Himself and to shine as a light to the nations, so that salvation reaches the ends of the earth, and this Servant will serve as a covenant.[4] And there is no doubt in my mind that God can pierce a human heart as a person reads of the One who was pierced and put to death in Psalm 22 and Zechariah 12:10.
I have also witnessed silence as a person has read for the first time of God, Himself, walking in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8.), eating with Abraham and Sarah,(Genesis 18:1-33), speaking with Moses face to face (Exodus 33:11), and wrestling with Jacob.[5]
My loving challenge to Itai – and all Jewish people – is to read the Scriptures themselves… the Scriptures that millions have found to be speaking of the Messiah of Israel – and that He is Yeshua (Jesus). I have spoken with curious Jewish people about the One called the Angel of the LORD.[6] Their Scriptures speak of a virgin-born child who would be named “God with us.”[7] He will be called “Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor, and Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:1-7).
That day, I asked Itai the metaphorical question of whether he would rather hear Scripture described to him or “eat the meal himself.” So my question for you today is this: Are you willing to eat the meal yourself, instead of simply trusting what others say “the meal” tastes like?
God said man does not live by bread alone, but by every word which proceeds from the mouth of God.[8] It is the Scriptures themselves, not human interpretations, that are essential for nourishing the soul and experiencing true spiritual life.
If God’s Spirit “whets your appetite” for His Word, please contact us. We would love to point you to the Scriptures which can lead you to the One who can satisfy your spiritual hunger and give you rest for your soul.[9]
Written by Jeff, LIFE Staff
*indicates a pseudonym
In your own spiritual journey, do you feel you rely more on what others tell you or on reading Scripture yourself?
If you were challenged to “eat the meal yourself” and read Scripture without any commentary or interpretation, how might your understanding of God’s Word deepen – and how would you approach it differently?
Life in Messiah’s mission is about sharing God’s heart with the Jewish people. We are also passionate about walking alongside fellow believers in Yeshua, supporting them in this mission. Sharing the Messiah through the Old Testament is a powerful way to engage with Jewish individuals. HERE you’ll find resources on Messianic prophecy and other tools helpful for Jewish evangelism.
Endnotes:
[1] https://www.oneforisrael.org/what-is-the-talmud/.
[2] E.g. The Talmud, The Book of Mormon, The Koran, The New World Translation Bible of the cult, the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
[3] Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8-12.
[4] Isaiah 49:1-8. (Though the servant is called Israel in verse 3, in verses 5-6, the Servant is to bring Israel back to God, this Servant is a representative of the perfect Israel – the Messiah. See also how Jesus is referred to in the fulfilment of the prophesy in these texts: Matthew 2:14-15 referring to Hosea 1:1.).
[5] Genesis 32:24-30; Hosea 12:3-4. For more examples of instances where God has appeared as a man before, click HERE.
[6] https://www.oneforisrael.org/who-is-the-mysterious-angel-of-the-lord/.
[7] Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23.
[8] Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4.
[9] Psalm 63:5, 107:9; Matthew 11:28-30.