Yeshua in the Machzor?
Impossible Reference?
In the traditional Rosh Hashanah liturgy, The Shofar blasts on Rosh Hashanah are accompanied by an intriguing mystical prayer in the Ashkenazi Machzor. It references a celestial mediator: “Yeshua, prince of the presence and prince metatron” (וִישׁוּעַ שַׂר הַפָּנִים וְשַׂר מט"ט). [1]
Many debate and disagree who this refers to. One explanation is that it is talking about Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth! Impossible, you say, Jesus does not belong here!
We aren’t claiming that this is who it refers to, but if this very thought makes you upset, before we look further at this issue, can you just take a minute to think through your reaction?
Listening Before Judging
Have you ever taken the time to hear what Jesus had to say? Is it fair to judge a man without even listening to him or examining his life and deeds? Listen to these words and consider what you think of the man who spoke them.
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17)
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'YOU SHALL NOT MURDER; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the Sanhedrin; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.” (Matthew 5:21-22)
"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)
"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44)
“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28)
God-given Mediator
Though we are not sure Jesus was intended with the reference in the Rosh Hashana Machzor, we are convinced that Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah is the God-given mediator we all need!
[1] See Mahzor Rosh Hashanah Ashkenaz, Sounding of the Shofar. It is found in the prague edition of the Ashkenazi Mahzor. There are also editions which only have “prince Metatron”
We invite you to chat with us and explore this topic in the link below.
The True Mediator with G-D:
An examination of Yeshua, the prince of the presence and the prince Metatron
What picture emerges if we go back beyond the Talmudic description of the Metatron, to what the scriptures tell us about the Angel of the L-RD and the Messiah? Who is the true “Yeshua”, “Salvation”?
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