Walking in His Footsteps
Introduction
In the Hebrew Roots movement, we strive to live our lives as Yeshua (Jesus) did, adhering to the Torah and following His example in every aspect of our lives. Yeshua perfectly lived out the Torah, and His teachings and actions provide a clear path for us to follow. In this post, we will explore various scriptures and stories that illustrate how Yeshua walked, how He obeyed the Torah, and how we can emulate His life today.
Yeshua’s Commitment to the Torah
Yeshua made it clear that He did not come to abolish the Torah but to fulfill it. He adhered to the commandments and lived a life free of sin, providing a perfect example for us to follow.
Matthew 5:17-18 (KJV):
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
John 8:46 (KJV):
Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
Challenging Traditions
Yeshua often challenged the Pharisees and religious leaders when their traditions contradicted the Torah. He emphasized the importance of following God’s commandments over human traditions.
Matthew 15:3 (KJV):
But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Mark 7:6-9 (KJV):
He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
Living the Torah
Yeshua’s life was a perfect example of living in accordance with the Torah. He observed the Sabbath, kept the festivals, and adhered to all of God’s commandments.
Luke 4:16 (KJV):
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
Teaching the Essence of the Torah
Yeshua summarized the Torah’s commandments, emphasizing love for God and love for our neighbor as the foundation of all commandments.
Matthew 22:36-40 (KJV):
Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Stories from Yeshua’s Life
- The Healing on the Sabbath: Yeshua healed a man on the Sabbath, demonstrating that doing good and saving life is in harmony with the Torah.Luke 6:9-10 (KJV):Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
- The Cleansing of the Temple: Yeshua cleansed the temple, showing His zeal for God’s house and His desire for true worship according to the Torah.John 2:15-16 (KJV):And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
- The Last Supper: Yeshua observed Passover with His disciples, instituting the practice of remembering His sacrifice, which is rooted in the Torah.Luke 22:19-20 (KJV):And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Conclusion
Walking in Yeshua’s footsteps means living a life that adheres to the Torah, challenges traditions that contradict God’s commandments, and embodies love for God and neighbor. By studying Yeshua’s life and teachings, we can learn how to walk as He walked and live in a way that honors Yehovah.
May we all strive to follow Yeshua’s example and live according to the Torah, fulfilling our calling as His disciples.
