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Mark 1:39-45 – The Talmudic Messiah
A written compilation of various Rabbi’s oral traditions is found in the Talmud. The Babylonian Talmud was written down from before the Common Era to 500 years later. I wish I knew the date for the following excerpt because it contrasts with how the Pharisees viewed Jesus as a Messiah, yet matches well the New Testament picture of Jesus. Here it is:
The [Babylonian] Talmud (Sanhedrin 98a) reports that Rabbi Joshua ben Levi put this question to no less an authority than the prophet Elijah himself. “Where,” Rabbi Joshua asked, “shall I find the Messiah?” “At the gate of the city,” Elijah replied. “How shall I recognize him?” “He sits among the lepers.” “Among the lepers?” cried Rabbi Joshua. “What is he doing there?” “He changes their bandages,” Elijah answered. “He changes them one by one.” (Joseph Telushkin, Jewish Wisdom, p.29)
The chapter wherein this is found “Helping the Helpless” and the subtoptic is “Visiting and Helping the Sick.” The point is Jews should imitate this Messiah in dealing with those not just sick, but socially outcast.
Jesus though did something greater than change the bandages of the lepers. He touched them, showing His divine tenderness; and healed them showing His divine power. And then the Messiah died for their spiritual healing, of which the physical healing foreshadowed.
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