Divine Reversal: The Transforming Ethics of Jesus

Top Highlights

“Divine reversal not only characterizes Yeshua and his ethical teaching, but it also holds a promise for those who seek to follow him. We are not on our own on this spiritual journey, but when we are faithful in pursuing the Master’s pathway, he will change us on a personal level through a process of divine reversal. This book does not lay out a code of behavior but serves as a guide on a journey of transformation designed by the Master himself.” (Pages 6–7)

“Hasadim is the plural form of the word hesed, an important term in the Hebrew Scriptures. By linking its practice with Torah and worship, the Jewish sages recognized the tremendous importance that the Scriptures themselves place on hesed. Yeshua, in turn, makes hesed the centerpiece of the way of life that he seeks to impart to his followers, reflecting his Jewish understanding of the singular importance of compassionate behavior. Such behavior is a divine reversal of the values of power, acquisition, and domination that normally shape human society, including religious human society. It entails a transformation of the human personality that is at the heart of the besorah.” (Page 31)

“Moreover, in the mind of the Pharisees, they are the ones who should be sitting with this controversial but fascinating teacher and discussing Torah. They are bound to have some lively and memorable debates, but sitting at the table as Yeshua has organized it means joining a group of people who have neglected and despised the very Torah that they want to discuss. Moreover, one of the Pharisees’ biggest issues is maintenance of purity laws, and who knows what kinds of impurities these folk are carrying with them? So by inviting sinners and tax collectors, Yeshua has excluded them, and they protest.” (Page 39)