JOHN 1:1
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.''
Let's look into the Jewish mystical roots, of John 1:1, in relation to the Word (Logos) and its connection to divine Wisdom and creation.
1. Connection to Genesis - The phrase ''In the beginning'' mirrors Genesis 1:1, linking Yeshua (Jesus) to the creative force of God.
2. The Word (Davar) as Divine Wisdom - In Jewish mysticism, the Word (Davar) or Memra in Aramaic represents God's active presence, similar to the Shekhinah (Divine Presence).
3. Kabbalistic Themes - Some interpretations see the Logos as connected to Chochmah (Wisdom) in Kabbalah, emphasizing Yeshua as the manifestation of divine wisdom.
4. Preexistence and Messianic Fulfillment - John 1:1 aligns with Jewish concepts of the Messiah existing before creation, as seen in Midrashic and mystical texts.
Preexistence of the Messiah
The Midrash contains various references to the preexistence of the Messiah, emphasizing that the Messiah was part of God's divine plan before the creation of the world.
The Messiah's Name Was Created Before the World - Certain Midrashic texts state that the name of the Messiah was one of the things created before the world itself.
The Messiah Dwells in Heaven Until His Revelation - Some interpretations suggest that the Messiah exists in a heavenly realm, waiting for the appointed time to be revealed.
Connection to Divine Wisdom - The Messiah is sometimes linked to Chochmah (Wisdom), a concept in Jewish mysticism that represents God's eternal knowledge.
In Jewish thought, Divine Wisdom is often portrayed as God's craftsman, shaping creation and guiding human understanding. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical and rabbinic literature, particularly in Proverbs, the Talmud, and Kabbalistic teachings.
Wisdom as the Architect of Creation - Proverbs 8:22-31 describes Wisdom as being present before creation, assisting God in establishing the universe. Wisdom in the Torah - The Torah itself is seen as Divine Wisdom, guiding humanity in righteousness and justice. Wisdom and Skilled Craftsmanship - In Exodus 31:3, God fills Bezalel with wisdom to craft the Tabernacle, showing that wisdom is both intellectual and practical.
Memra - The Aramaic phrase ''Memra'' appears in the Targums, which are ancient Aramaic translations and interpretations of the Hebrew Bible. Memra means ''Word'' and is often used as a way to describe God's active presence and divine agency in the world.
Divine Speech and Action - The Memra is sometimes used in place of God's name, emphasizing His spoken will and creative power.
Connection to Creation - Some Targumic texts describe the Memra as the force through which God created the world, similar to the concept of Logos in Greek philosophy.
Messianic Implications - Some scholars see parallels between the Memra in the Targums and the Word (Logos) in John 1:1, suggesting a connection between Jewish thought and early Christian theology.
The Shekhinah -The Shekhinah is a profound concept in Jewish mysticism, representing the Divine Presence that dwells among humanity. In Kabbalah, Shekhinah is often described as the feminine aspect of God, embodying compassion, nurturing, and spiritual connection.
The Shekhinah is the manifestation of God's presence in the physical world, residing among the Jewish people. Yeshua (Jesus) embodies God's presence in the world. This aligns with Jewish concepts of divine revelation, especially through the Shekhinah and the Memra from the Targums.
Yeshua is the manifestation of the Shekhinah, bringing divine light into the world. Yeshua (Jesus) is God's speech and active presence in our world. Yeshua (Jesus) is God's revealed presence.
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