10) Why is Yashua Being an Essene-Nazarene So Important?

Why is Yashua Being an Essene-Nazarene So Important?

Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, came out into the open and *said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He *said to them, “I am He.” And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. Now then, when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. He then asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you are seeking Me, let these men go on their way.”

John 18:4-8 NASB

Followers of Yahshua, might want to fully understand that Yashua, identified Himself as a “Nazarene,” not “of” or “from” a “city. The language is clear, denoting a sect and not a place. This knowledge might guide us into making choices that help us walk in His footsteps and follow His Way. After the crucifixion, an angel later identifies Yashua as a Nazarene:

And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. But he *said to them, “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; see, here is the place where they laid Him.”
Mark 16:5-6 NASB

The Acts of the Apostles describes just as historians had described, the communal nature of the traditional Essene Kibbutz-style of living.

And all the believers together had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need.”
Acts 2:44-45

Peter also uses the Nazar term at the temple and in his speech to the elders at Jerusalem.

But Peter said, “I do not have silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!”
Acts 3:6 NASB

Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead — by this name this man stands here before you in good health.”
Acts 4:10 NASB

And ironically, considering that Paul was from Tarsus AND was vehemently opposed to Peter and the original Apostles many Essene’s Laws, he himself is accused by an attorney, Tertullus, as an “Essene ringleader!” THIS SCRIPTURE IS CRITICAL IN SEALING THE POINT: Paul was from Tarsus (south central Turkey). Nazarene is referring to a sect or way of life, not a physical place.

For we have found this man a public menace and one who stirs up dissensions among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.”
Acts 24:5

Once you get an understanding of the Jewish priestly sects and how the Essenes-Nazarenes differed from mainstream Judaism, one who is interested in following Yashua Hamashiach – the Christ – may want to get curious about just WHAT the Essenes were all about!

And that will be in another blog post Coming Soon!