Parallels between Jesus' sayings and the Hebrew Scriptures

Jesus had a way with words. His sayings are well known, perhaps even to non-Christians, but what may not be well known is that many of these sayings have parallels in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Consider the following, from Rabbi Shmuley Boteach's Kosher Jesus (pp. 109-110):

Jesus: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)

Bible: The meek will inherit the earth, and enjoy peace and properity. (Psalms 37:11)

Jesus: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)

Bible: Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart. (Psalms 24:3-4)

Jesus: If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (Matthew 5:39)

Bible: Let him offer his cheeck to one who would strike him... (Lamentations 3:30)

Jesus: But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Bible: Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalms 37:4)

Jesus: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

Bible: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Jesus: Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Matthew 7:23)

Bible: Away from me, all you who do evil... (Psalms 6:8)

Jesus: Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. (Matthew 7:6)

Bible: Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words. (Proverbs 23:9)

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First challenged by an evangelical Christian coworker, and then by a Messianic Jew getting his PhD in seminary, and in between, corresponding with a Christian author who believes Christianity needs to get back to its Jewish roots - namely, by being a sect of Judaism - Avner has come to the...

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