Even now, Yeshua did not publically accept the title for reasons of safety. Of course, he knew that he was God’s chosen.

Next comes the prediction of his suffering, death and resurrection. The Son of Man refers to Daniel who also predicted his coming and execution. As well as the destruction of Jerusalem AD 70, and fall of the Roman Empire.

Yeshua would have been aware of this text like all Hebrews.

The part where he rebukes Peter with the Satan term is an addition. What follows next is an addition. The part where he says, “Some here shall not die until they have seen the Kingdom of God come with power,” did happen.

Like Daniel before him, he was thinking of a future age.

Next came the Transfiguration.

It’s a fairly accurate account of an astonishing scene. The spirits of Elijah/Moses did chat with Yeshua, but the reference to God’s voice is a later addition. The reference to Elijah had come but the people did what they liked to him is proof that Elijah and the Baptist were the same person. Confirmation of reincarnation. He then advises the disciples to keep it to themselves.

After this Yeshua heals an epileptic, no demon again.

This is followed by another warning of his impending fate. After this, is the question of who is the greatest, which I’ve answered in Yeshua explains the kingdom.

The following section is an addition too. Apart from the advice about friendship.

After crossing the Jordan, some Pharisees question his views about divorce. His response is accurate and fully in line with Mosaic Law.
The next section about the children is accurate. The disciples were frustrated though, not angry. I have explained the rich man section before. However, the part where Yeshua refers to people leaving family for the Gospel is an addition. He would never have said this.
They are now approaching Jerusalem for the first and last time. This strongly suggests a ministry lasting less than a year. Perhaps 6 months or so.

As they walk, he warns of his impending suffering. The request of James/John is accurate apart from the reference to thrones. That was added later. Where he mentions giving his life to redeem many is an addition. The life of Yeshua, the cross, cannot in itself save your soul. This is your responsibility only. Calling in silent prayer for God’s love is the only way, and trying to lead a decent life will help. Lastly, he did come to serve but only through preaching and healing.

Then we hear about the healing at Jericho before his entry into Jerusalem. This is accurate. By this point his arrival would have been expected. Many people, including the Sanhedrin would have been aware of Isaiah’s prophecy.

The cursing of the fig tree is another addition. He cursed no one.
Entering the Temple soon after, he topples the market stalls in righteous indignation. This is accurate. They had defiled the House of God. It was this incident and no other, that decided his fate. Fearing a Roman response, the Sanhedrin began plans to deal with him.

Not surprisingly, Yeshua left the city that night.
The fig tree follows again, but this was added later.

Yeshua returns to the Temple, and talks with the priests about his authority. This is accurate. Yeshua’s word play left them tongue-tied. Note no attempt to arrest him.

The vineyard parable that follows is accurate. He was referring to his own death. Next came the tax question. This was not a trap. They simply wanted his views. His reply means the same today.

“Pay to Caesar what is Caesar’s. Pay to God, what is God’s.”

Next comes the rising from death question. Yeshua’s reply refers to the spirit body that goes to heaven after death. As he says, “He is God of the living not the dead.”

The account of the great commandment is accurate. It is the core of my own belief and the battle cry of this page.

Next, we see the Messiah question. It starts with a direct quote from a Psalm. Then Yeshua gives his explanation. “David called him Lord. So how can the Messiah be his descendent?”

This statement has been jumped on by those who believe he was not the Messiah.

The point He was trying to make is a simple one, and it is this.
Everyone is a son/daughter of God. We are all descended from God. King David and Yeshua included.

Yeshua then warns against the teachers of the Law. This is accurate. Only the last line, “Their punishment will be all the worse,” is a later addition.

Today’s church leaders are like the teachers of his day. What he describes, applies then as it does now. His point is simple. The teachers have separated themselves from the people. While they wallow in wealth, the people struggle and starve.

This series will continue...