PAGE 50 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (FIG TREE)

Even though the majority of the Jewish people were under the influence of the Pharisaical leadership and rejected Yeshua Jesus as their Messiah at his coming over two thousand years ago,  there was a remnant of Jewish believers.  They busted out from Satan's grip and spread the Kingdom of Yahweh God to the gentiles by the preaching of the gospel (the good news of Yahweh's gift of salvation given to those who believe that Yeshua died on the cross to atone for their sin).  All who believe the gospel message are the "good figs" on the good fig tree, the tree of life and they are also called the church.  The Greek word for church is "ekklesia" which means a body of people who Yahweh has called out for himself.  It is an assembly of two or more people, built upon the common belief that Yeshua is the Messiah or Savior of the world and the son of the living God. Yeshua Jesus is the head of this corporate body of believers and they are his body and his bride.

As the gospel spread in different communities by individuals by 1. hearing the salvation message of Yeshua. Then 2. Repenting. Then 3. Agreeing with or accepting Yahweh's offer of salvation, the different assemblies became organized.  

Each believer that is part of the church is considered to be a priest of Yahweh God.  Yeshua Jesus is the high priest over them.  The Apostle Peter says:

"And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple.  What's more, you are his holy priests.  Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God." 1 Peter 2:5

The word priest in Hebrew means servant or worshipper of God.

The individual believers that made up each assembly all had different spiritual gifts given to them by Yeshua, which equipped them for different works in the church.  It is said in Ephesians 4: 11,12

"Now these are the gifts the Messiah gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ..."

The different jobs were not ranked as to importance: a shepherd was as important as a prophet or teacher.  The shepherd is someone who Yahweh raises up to care for or oversee the well-being of their particular flock or church. They were to watch over their flock to make sure no false teaching or teaching contrary to the Word of God entered in. The Apostle Paul, who is a shepherd or overseer, speaks to other overseers:

"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.  Be shepherds of the church of God which he obtained with his own blood." Acts 20:26-28

The church is the body of believers bought with the blood of Christ and does not refer to the leadership or overseers or to the building that they assemble in.  The Apostle Peter was one of many also appointed by the Holy Spirit to be a shepherd, overseer or elder.  He says to others that were also given this gift:

"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."  1 Peter 5:1-4

The other most important roles of the shepherd was to present the Word of God to the flock. Yeshua tells the Apostle Peter that that is what he is to do as a shepherd.  He says:

"'Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?' 'yes, Lord,' Peter replied, 'you know I love you.' 'Then feed my lambs,' Jesus told him.'" John 21:15

All through out scripture the Word of Yahweh is described as food: Jeremiah says "your words were found and I ate them. Jeremiah 15:16; Psalm 119 says, "How sweet are your words to my taste...."; the scripture says "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."; Peter says, "...desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2

The most important role of the shepherd is to preserve and present the pure word of Yahweh God to the flock or church.

In the body or flock that the shepherd, overseer or elder is to watch over, are those that were teachers, administrators, prophets, intercessors, and those that have the gift of healing, wisdom and knowledge.  The whole church is to be working together as one body and the individuals that make up the body, called priests, obtained these gifts from the Holy Spirit and not by getting a degree.