What Did Yahusha Mean when He said: Love Thy Neighbor ?
In this lesson we are going to learn what it means to love our Neighbor, and our enemies. These verses go hand in hand and are often misunderstood because people do not under stand the definition of the original text. As Yahusha (Jesus) teaches us, we need to learn the definition of the original Hebrew or Greek depending on Old Testament or New Testament reading to fully understand the True Word of Yah (God).
In Matthew Chapter 22, Yahusha (Jesus) was teaching the Herodians and they were asking Him questions. The Pharisees tried to tangle Yahusha up and sent out their followers into the crowd.
In Matthew Chapter 22, Yahusha (Jesus) was teaching the Herodians and they were asking Him questions. The Pharisees tried to tangle Yahusha up by sending out their own followers into the crowd:
Matthew 22:15-22 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
Latter that same day Yahusha was preaching and teaching to the Sadducees:
Matthew 22:23-33 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, 24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. 27 And last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. 31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. 33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
Now enter the Pharasiees again:
Matthew 22:34-40 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Now let us look at verse 39 learn the meaning of the word neighbor:
Matthew 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Storongs Greek # 4149 plesion means: near, neighbor.
Neuter of a derivative of pelas (near); (adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e. Fellow (as man, countryman, Christian or friend) -- near, neighbour.
The meaning of neighbor does not mean Everyone. Yahusha had enemies. Did He go out and try to be friends with them? No, because He knew what was in their hearts and minds. He identified their actions and intent.
Yah wants us to understand who our enemies are. In the Last Day's it is ever so important that we use our Spiritual Discernment so we do not get snared in satan's trap. I know most of you are aware of the Islam situation and how Radical Islam is destroying nations from the inside out. Do you think Yah would invite these people to be in His Kingdom? Only He knows who will come to Him and who will not which is why He told us After Yahusha Rose from the dead to :
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The reason we are told to love our neighbor is because when we love, we get a good understanding of the Hearts, and Minds and Souls of others. Either they are of sound mind, have good morals, use wise judgements or they go out of their way to ensure you fail. Remember misery loves company. Meaning: not everyone that crosses your path will be from Yah(God), for many come disguised as friends who do what they can to trap you into their world and bring you down.
Loving your neighbor and really understanding a person can keep you mentally stable. When you surround yourself with people who have your same beliefs, values and character, you create a peaceful and energizing environment for you and your loved ones.
These days, many people do not know their neighbors that live next to them. Social media has changed that aspect of life as well. We can now consider neighbors to be those we are connected online based on the Biblical definition provided above. One must also understand that not all people who we connect with online carry our same moral compasses either.
Bottom Line: When you love your neighbor as you would yourself, you gain access to their true essence and In Time can determine if they are for you or against you.
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