The Example to Follow

Did Jesus go out to "meet and greet" people, getting to know them before he started to teach the Word of God?  Did he sidestep issues of the day so as not to be labeled a "Torah Thumper"?

I don't think so.

He came loaded with knowledge, understanding, love and truth and wasted no time with 'ear tickling' in an attempt to win people over.

Y'shua was known by his reputation. From a young age he was very knowledgeable of Scripture. Later he became known as a teacher and a healer, and some speculated he was possibly the son of Elohim - others knew without a doubt.  People were drawn to him, some out of curiosity, some to hear his teachings for themselves, or to be healed of their ailments, or because they recognized the Good Shepherd's Voice and responded to the calling.

His disciples were eventually sent out to people who were ready to hear about the kingdom to come. The disciples were instructed not to waste their time with the unrepentant ones, knock the dust off their feet, take their shalom and move on.  Today they may have been called "Torah Terrorists".

"Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near."

Are we to consider ourselves as 'fishers of men' or does that only apply if we are indeed in the fishing industry to begin with?  It was a snappy saying Y'shua used on Simon and Andrew who were fishing at the time Y'shua called to them. It worked - those brothers dropped their nets and followed after him.  Later he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat fixing their nets and Y'shua called them as well. They dropped what they were doing and went after him.  

They followed Y'shua through Galilee where he taught in their assemblies. They were amazed by his teachings because he taught as an authority, not like the scribes. He preached the Hope of the Kingdom and he healed every disease and sickness among the people.  His fame was heard in all Syria. Quite a crowd of people ended up following him. (Matthew 4:18-25; Mark 1:16-22;) By now he is starting to get on the nerves of the Pharisees and some scribes - he was a threat to their long held position of authority and power.

Later on he sees Levi (Matthew) sitting at the custom house and said, Come, follow me! and he did. Y'shua went up a mountain and called on those whom he desired and they came to him. He called 12 to be with him, to preach and be authorities to heal the sick and cast out demons.

Simon, whom he called Peter;

James and John, brothers he called the 'sons of thunder';

Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Tomas,

James, Thaddeus, Simon and Judas

They, who had been reading Yah's Instructions and the writings of the Prophets, had been waiting for 'Immanuel' (Yahshua). By their knowledge of Scriptures (ye old testament) they recognized prophecy being fulfilled before their very eyes! They recognized the Good Shepherd's voice.

Through our continued study and reading of His Word we, too, shall be prepared to recognize the Good Shepherd when he calls. Then, without hesitation, without question, we drop what we are doing and follow him.

Yahshua the Anointed One taught these things:

Blessed are they who are poor in spirit, who are mourning, and meek because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven where they will be comforted, and they will inherit the earth. 

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness because they will be satisfied. 

Blessed are they who are merciful and pure in their hearts because mercies shall be upon them and they will see Elohim 

Blessed are they who make peace because they will be called the sons of Elohim. 

Blessed are they who are persecuted because of righteousness because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Blessed are you whenever they curse you and they persecute you and they say every evil word about you falsely because of me.  Then rejoice and be glad because your reward in heaven is great for likewise they persecuted the prophets of days gone by. 

You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt should become bland, with what would it become seasoned? For anything not fit is but to be thrown outside and be trodden by man. You are the light of the world. It is not possible to hide a city that is built on a mountain.  Let your light shine like this in front of the sons of man that they should see your works good and they glorify your Father who is in Heaven. 

Do not think that I have come to loosen (do away with) Torah of the prophets; I have not come to loosen but to fulfill (to perform my duty). For truly I say to you  that until heaven and earth pass away not one Yodh (dot) or one stroke will pass from Torah until everything happens. (He did not replace the Father or His Instructions)  All who loosen therefore from one of these small commandments and teach others to do the same will be called little in the Kingdom of heaven but all who do and teach this will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I say to you that unless your righteousness exceeds more than that of the scribes and the Pharisees you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.