Musing – Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?

 Hebraic Musing – Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?  “He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head.  The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.” John 20:6–7 NIV   The gospel of John tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded.  Was that important?  Absolutely!  Is it really significant?  Yes!

I have learned that the Bible is very well written and that every word or point is there for a reason. John documented an observation when he outran Peter and looked into the tomb.  Upon first reading John’s account, I initially thought of this as evidence that Jesus could not have somehow survived and struggled to get out of the tomb in which case, He would not have spent time and energy to neatly fold the cloth.

Tradition - When you finish a meal at a restaurant, you typically scrunch up the napkin and leave it casually on the table; that’s an Eastern custom since biblical times.  When you really enjoyed the meal, it is customary to neatly fold the napkin and place it on the table to say, “I enjoyed the meal,” and therefore, “I will return.”

Recently we heard a similar explanation, more to do with the origin of the custom of the folded napkin and understanding the Eastern tradition of that day.  The folded napkin had to do with the master and servant. Every Jewish boy knew this tradition.  When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.  The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight until the master had finished eating.  The servant would not dare touch that table until the master was finished.

If the master finished eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his mouth and fingers, clean his beard, and wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.  The servant would then know to clear the table.  In those days, the wadded napkin meant, “I’m finished.”

But if the master got up from the table, folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the folded napkin meant, “I'm coming back.” 

All three explanations preach.

Point to Ponder

Does this make you want to read your Bible more slowly?

Even seemingly insignificant mentions in the Bible are there for a reason.

Simchat! (Enjoy!)

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      February 27, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings” 

Note – Edited version of Hebraic Insight #60 published October 10, 2010
            A book of the first 100 Hebraic Insights is available from Amazon – Search “Hebraic Insights Yosef”

Musing – Can Learning Biblical Hebrew be Fun?

 Hebraic Musing – Can Learning Biblical Hebrew be Fun?

We all know what WWJD means.  Yeshua studied and knew Hebrew.  Actually, you already know more Hebrew than you realize!

Hallelujah  Hallel = praise; Jah = short name for God

Adonai       Lord

Messiah      Christ (Greek) or “the Anointed One”

Jehovah     God (the highest and most revered name of God)

Elohim       Names of God—a lesson of its own

Sabbath     Seventh day of the week, commanded to rest with Him

Abba          Affectionate title for “father”, more like “daddy”

Amein        Amen

Shalom       Peace (traditional Israeli greeting)

Here’s some frequently used words to help your ear for Hebrew:

·      Barukh      Blessed, as in Barukh atah Adonai

·      Melech       King

·      Eloheynu   Elohim, Our God

·      Olam          Forever or everything

And now you understand “Barukh Atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech Ha-Olam” which is the start of many prayers in Hebrew.  In English: “Blessed are You, Lord, Our God, King of the Universe.”

Let’s work in reverse. Let’s learn just three more words and see if you can recite a powerful prayer that set the Israelites apart from the nations surrounding them; and it is traditionally in the mezuzah on your doorpost!

·         Sh’ma or Shema        Hear; actively listen, believe, and do

·         Y’srael                        Israel

·         Echad                         One; not only the number one, but unity of oneness

The most favorite prayer of the Jews is the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (NIV & NKJV).  This is typically recited at least three times a day.  Identifying Jewish children in orphanages after World War II was easy.  They simply recited “Sh’ma Y’srael, Adonai Eloheynu, Adonai Echad.”  The children who remembered their mother’s prayers would cry.  They were thus identified as Jewish.  Now we can recite and appreciate the Shema prayer in Hebrew.

Here are a few more words you have probably heard before:

·      Bar or Bat      Son or daughter.

·      Mitzvah          Deed, act of devotion, covenant as in bar mitzvah (son of covenant), mitzvot (plural).

·      Bethlehem      House of Bread; Beth, house; Lechem, bread; birthplace of the Bread of Life.

·      Tzedakah       Righteousness; the name of the offering for the needy, or less fortunate.

·      Siddur             Prayer book.

·      Talmidim        Students; what you have just become.

·      Shelach         Send, or send to you

·      Chaver            Friend.

Point to Ponder

You are just beginning to uncover the treasures in Hebrew language!

Chaver Shelach, (Your friend,)

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      February 20, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings” 

Notes – This is an edited version of Hebraic Insight #91 published October 13, 2010
             A book of the first 100 Hebraic Insights is available from Amazon – Search “Hebraic Insights Yosef”

Musing – Do we need to use the word “Love” more carefully?

 Hebraic Musing – Do we need to use the word “Love” more carefully?

How many definitions of love are there?  Are we safe using the word “love” in English considering the number of definitions there are for that one word?  What if the context is missing, or is misunderstood?

In the more precise language of Greek, there are as many as eight types or definitions of Love.  Notice the diversity of meanings!

1.      Eros – A Romantic or Passionate Love having to do with satisfying our body.

2.      Philia – Affectionate, Friendly Love like we have to friends and family.

3.      Storge – Unconditional or Familial Love serves as a bond.

4.      Agape – A Selfless, Universal Love that is “others” oriented.

5.      Ludus – Playful, Flirtatious, Fun Loving way of going.

6.      Pragma – Committed, Long-Lasting Love associated with being together for a long time.

7.      Philautic – Self Love referring to how a person views themselves and how they feel about their own body and mind; has to do with self-esteem.  Reminds me of the song –
♫ “I love myself; I think I’m grand. When I go to the show, I hold my hand,
  I put my arms around my waist, and when I get fresh, I slap my face…” ♫

8.      Mania — Obsessive Love does not use reason; it is not good; the kind of “love” that a stalker feels toward their victim.

How many forms or definitions of love do we find in our Bible?  Here are the three different words for love found in the Bible translated from Greek and each means something different in scripture:

1.         Eros is based on feelings and is “me-oriented”; and it’s also found to be about marital or other sex.

2.         Philia is based on shared interest and is we-oriented.  
            “So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved…” John 20:2 NIV

3.         Agape is Christ-centered and others-oriented; as in John 3:16

Corinthians 13:4–8a (ESV) “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”  Which definition of “love” is being used in that verse?

Points to Ponder

Does “love” mean the same when I say –
 “I love vanilla ice cream”?
or when I say, “I love the Lord Jesus”?
or “I love your backrubs?
or “I love watching soccer”?
or “I love my neighbor”?

Or “I love that music”?

What exactly does it mean when we tell our spouse “I Love You”?

Happy Valentine’s Day (Wednesday) ♥

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      February 13, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing - Largest granite Monument was built by early Americans. Why?

 Hebraic Musing - Largest granite Monument was built by early Americans.  Why?

When the early American settlers sought and fought and won Freedom from England, they commemorated that monumental feat with an 81-foot-tall “largest granite Monument ever built.”*  The dedication on the monument reads, “National Monument to the Forefathers” and it depicts our newfound Freedom & Liberty in the five key figures carved into the monument in Massachusetts.  

On the main pedestal stands the heroic figure of “Faith” with her right hand pointing toward heaven and her left hand clutching the Bible.  Upon the four buttresses are seated figures emblematic of the principles upon which the Pilgrims founded their Commonwealth.  The top figure, Faith, stands on a foundation of these four figures.

Woman of Morality – Morality is to come from within, from obedience to the 10 commandments; not from man or the Laws of the King of England.  Under "Morality" stands both a "Prophet" and an "Evangelist" for the purpose of the New World was to build a civil society based on love and moral integrity. 

Man of Law – Law requires both "Justice" and "Mercy."  We are to live up to God’s Law with Justice, depicted by scales, and Mercy through civility.  Under the statute of Law is “Treaty”, a pictorial reminder that the Pilgrims entered a just and mutually beneficial treaty with the local Indian tribe based on a higher law which ensured fair treatment and mutual respect between the communities.

Woman of Education – Education needs to focus on "Youth" and "Wisdom".  This is a testimonial to the iconic signing of the Mayflower Compact which became a model of free and educated men covenanting to form a civil political body and establishing a model for future documents of freedom like the Declaration of Independence.  
BTW – When did the corruption of our education system begin?  In the 1950’s based on my perspective.

Man of Liberty – He is standing on "Tyranny Overthrown" and "Peace" and depicting the slain lion (England).   He is wearing the armor from Ephesians 6:10-17 – The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit. 

What’s happening in our current culture?  How is this Monument from our forefathers being torn down?  What’s happening to our education system that is being taken over by the government?  Is the younger generation being taught that there is a new way to think?  Is there a new morality to replace the 10 commandments?  What have colleges been teaching ever since the 1950’s?  Or not teaching?  Is our government focused on serving the people?

SUMMARY:  Our forefathers foresaw our need for God’s Morality, God’s Law, Education in God’s ways and God’s armor to overthrow tyranny (the Lion).  Do we still need these today?

Points to Ponder

 Removing the “10 Commandments” from the schools started in the ‘40’s;
have they also been removed from our cultural morality?

Is it okay for man to decide Right and Wrong?

Why is Social Studies replacing History in the public-school curriculum?
Does our education system provide tools to detect lies in our culture?

How are each of the four foundations of the Monument, or our nation, crumbling? 

“For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; …” 1 Thess.2:7a NIV

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      February 6, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”        Weekly “Hebraic Musings” 

Note – Inspired by “Biblical Citizenship” presentation by Brian Rohlman at FBC of the Ozarks, 1/17/24

*   “National Monument to the Forefathers” in Massachusetts is thought to be the largest solid granite monument in the United States.  This 81-foot-tall granite statue was built to honor the passengers of the Mayflower.  It features allegorical figures depicting the virtues of Faith, Morality, Education, Law, and Liberty.  On the main pedestal stands the heroic figure of “Faith” with her right hand pointing toward heaven and her left hand clutching the Bible.