Yeshua’s Preparation of the Emissaries for the End ~ Part 1

Our last post looked at P’rushim Ask for a Sign, Warning About Leaders, and Yeshua Heals a Blind Man Near Beit-Tzaidah. In this post, we begin a new series on Yeshua’s Preparation of the Emissaries for the End. To date, we have looked at Yeshua’s interactions with all His talmidim (His followers). From here on, we will focus more on the Emissaries (His twelve Apostles).

Introduction

As Yeshua continues His extensive tour north through Caesarea Philippi and then south again into Galil, He uses this time to prepare His chosen talmidim to become His Emissaries for His death and strengthen their ministry in carrying on His work. At this point in His ministry, the Emissaries are convinced that Yeshua is the Mashiach (Messiah), but apparently, they have notions of a political/militaristic Mashiach. He begins to tell them about his impending death and the burdens they themselves will face.

The highlight of this preparation period comes when Yeshua takes Kefa, Yaakov, and Yochanan (the inner circle of His talmidim) to Mount Herman, where He is transfigured.

Kefa Acknowledges Yeshua as the Mashiach

¹³ When Yeshua came into the territory around Caesarea Philippi, He asked His talmidim, “Who are people saying the Son of Man is?”

Caesarea Philippi, the present-day town of Banyas at the foot of Mount Hermon, is where the Yarden River springs forth. Herod Philip refurbished this town and renamed it in honor of the Emperor and himself.

¹⁴ They said, “Well, some say Yochanan the Immerser, others Eliyahu, still others Yirmeyahu or one of the prophets.” ¹⁵ “But you,” He said to them, “who do you say I am?” ¹⁶ Shim’on Kefa answered, “You are the Mashiach, the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷ “Shim’on Bar-Yochanan (Bar means “son of”),” Yeshua said to him, “how blessed you are! For no human being revealed this to you. No, it was My Father in heaven. ¹⁸ I also tell you this: you are Kefa,” [which means ‘Rock,’] “and on this rock, I will build my Community [1], and the gates of Sh’ol will not overcome it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” ²⁰ Then, he warned the talmidim not to tell anyone that He was the Messiah. ^[2]

In consequence of his confession, Yeshua makes Kefa both (1) shammash (steward) with the keys and (2) Dayan (judge), who, as the one who can prohibit and permit, establishes a new covenant halakhah (the entire body of Messianic Law).

In our last post, we concluded our examination of Yeshua’s Extensive Ministry Throughout the Galil. In our next post, we continue to examine Yeshua’s Preparation of the Emissaries for the End.

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[1] This is one of the most controversial and debated passages in all of Scripture. Roman Catholics have appealed to this passage to defend the idea that Peter was the first pope. What is being spoken about is a spiritual community of people based on trust in God and his son the Messiah Yeshua. This can be all people throughout history who so commit themselves, or a group of such people at a particular time and place, such as the Messianic community in Corinth or Jerusalem.

^[2] Mattityahu 16:16–20 (see also Mark 8:27-30 & Luke 9:18-20).