The Most Ancient Symbol of the Nazarenes
  “For the Oil of the Spirit” - The Messianic Seal

FOUND: The First Century baptismal grotto of James the Just and the Apostles on Mount Zion, Jerusalem. James, the brother of Yahshua, was the leader of the first Nazarene (Messianic) church located in the Upper Room on Mount Zion.

Our story begins in 1963, when a small ceremonial silver lamina (a thin plate) was found in the Judean Desert near Jerusalem, dating back to the first Century. A Catholic priest and archaeologist named Emanuel Testa deciphered the Aramaic text of this artifact, the first line of which reads: “For the Oil of the Spirit.” Testa was amazed to find that the text was nearly identical to James 5:14-16. This tiny lamina (3"x1") is a sort of pass card or certificate of belief in Yahshua, used in early Jewish-Christian baptism to confirm the forgiveness of sins and “right of passage” into the Kingdom of Heaven.

This text from the Book of James clearly indicates that the earliest Jewish Christians anointed believers with oil. What has not been clearly understood until now is how this anointing was connected with baptism and the entry into the faith. This is no longer a mystery.

In 1990, Ludwig Schneider, editor in chief of the magazine Israel Update, struck up a friendship with an old Greek Orthodox monk who lived as a hermit in the Old City of Jerusalem. On one occasion, the monk showed Schneider a cache of artifacts that he had secretly excavated on Mount Zion before the Six Day War in 1967. Schneider was taken aback. Many of these pottery shards, oil lamps and stone pieces were engraved with an unknown symbol. The symbol consisted of a menorah on top, a Star of David in the center and a fish at the bottom. Schneider was immediately convinced that this must have been a symbol of the first Jewish-Christian church (assembly).

The monk then led Schneider to a cavity in the rock adjacent to the Tomb of David and the Upper Room on Mount Zion, and told him that this is where he found the artifacts. Today, the cave is dark and musty and sealed off with iron bars. As legend has it, some great secrets are hidden there. Some say that according to the Dead Sea Scrolls, it is a cache of Second Temple treasures. The most popular legend is that deep within this cave lies the long lost Ark of the Covenant.

As it turns out, this is the sacred baptismal grotto of the first Nazarene (Messianic) church, and the treasure hidden there was the First and Second Century artifacts (about 60 in all) found by the monk. Among these artifacts is a brick-shaped piece of local marble inscribed with the Messianic Seal and the words in ancient Aramaic: “For the Oil of the Spirit.” This seems to have been the base for a vial of anointing oil. A small pottery flask with a Messianic Seal found nearby supports this theory.

In my opinion, this piece of marble came into use in the earliest Nazarene times at this baptismal site, below the church in the Upper Room established by James the Just and the Apostles. This was, of course, a perfect place for the first church, because the Upper Room is where the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples at Pentecost. The church was located in the heart of the Essene (a strict, contemplative Jewish sect) Quarter, and was probably a Qumran-like Essene community. According to the Book of Acts, there was strict discipline and a hierarchy. It stands to reason that this group would have immediately established Nazarene ritual, including a ceremonial healing and baptismal center where conversions were sealed by immersion in water and anointing with oil. Judging from the inscription “For the Oil of the Spirit,” the anointing was symbolic of baptism in the Holy Spirit. The Book of Acts records 3,000 conversions here on the day of Pentecost alone.

I believe that James and the Apostles administered the “Oil of the Spirit” from this very stone base. That would make this piece, if my suspicions are correct, the earliest known Christian artifact. I believe that the previously discovered lamina with the same inscription was also used in this congregation.

But ten years after its discovery, this historic, amazing find remains a well-kept secret. Ludwig Schneider approached the Israel Museum with the artifacts, and was promised that they would be put on display. But it never happened. It seems that the Israeli authorities do not want the mystery of the Messianic Seal to come to light.

By Reuven E. Schmalz

Ancient Christian Symbol Rediscovered On Mount Zion

AURORA, Colo. (EP) -- A Messianic Seal from the Christian church in ancient Jerusalem has been rediscovered after 2,000 years. This ancient symbol was found on Mount Zion. It is believed to have been created and used by the Jewish believers who called themselves Nazarenes in the first Messianic Church.

Three companies -- Olim Creative Products of Tiberias, News About Israel (NAI) of Jerusalem, and Christian Floral Delivery of Colorado -- jointly announced the discovery of this ancient symbol, which has been copyrighted by NAI. It consists of three separate but integrated symbols: a menorah at the top, a star of David in the middle, and a fish at the bottom. In each of the renditions of the three-part symbol the star is created by interlacing the stand of the menorah with the tail of the fish.

The Messianic Seal was found etched or inscribed on eight ancient artifacts. The artifacts were presented to Ludwig Schneider, editor in chief of NAI's magazine Israel Today, in 1990. They came from Tech Otecus, an elderly monk who lived as a hermit in the Old City of Jerusalem. Otecus said that in the 1960's he had personally excavated about 40 artifacts bearing the Messianic Seal from an ancient grotto located in the immediate vicinity of the Upper Room on Mount Zion.

What was once the main entrance to the grotto is now covered with a jail-like heavy wire mesh enclosure. Its door, leading down into the ancient baptismal place, is tightly secured with a heavy chain and lock. According to Schneider, the last remaining entry to the grotto was sealed shortly after he excitedly told the priests at the local monastery about the discovery of the Messianic Seal.

Schneider photographed eight artifacts which were given to him by Otecus, and showed the pictures to the curator of the Israel Museum. "When he had carefully studied my pictures," Schneider recalled, "the curator immediately promised me that these artifacts and their unique symbol were an important find. He told me that the museum already had seen other artifacts bearing the same three-part symbol from some other sources he did not specify."

According to Bob Fischer, president of Olim Creative Products and co-author with local historian and artist Reuven Schmalz of their book, The Messianic Seal of the Jerusalem Church, the ancient three-part symbol has, since 135 AD, been suppressed by various Israeli groups or agencies, such as the Israel Museum and Orthodox rabbis in the Old City of Jerusalem, while simultaneously being buried for these nearly two millennia by the church.

According to Fischer, at least two of the eight artifacts were obviously ceremonial pieces which may well have been used by James the Just, the brother of Yahshua, who is said to be the first pastor of the church, or perhaps even by one or more of the Twelve Apostles.

One of the eight artifacts is a brick-sized block of well-worn local marble. This piece bears an etched version of the Messianic Seal with a Taw (the last letter in the ancient Hebrew alphabet that looks exactly like a sign of the cross) in the eye of the fish symbol, as well as the ancient Aramaic lettering proclaiming the use of this artifact as a stand to hold a vial of anointing oil. The ancient Aramaic is transliterated as, "La Shemen Ruehon" (For the Oil of the Spirit). Another of the eight artifacts is a small, almost intact, vial which could well have sat on top of the marble stand.

Commenting on what he characterized as the "monumental importance" of this archaeological discovery, Fischer said, "Beyond the historical background of the Nazarenes, the first Jewish believers who founded the Jerusalem Church, the Messianic Seal itself proclaims to the world the pervasive Jewishness of Yahshua Christ and the decidedly Jewish foundation and roots of the church founded in His name."

"The Messianic Seal of the Jerusalem Church," Fischer continued, "strikes at the very roots of anti-Semitism while proclaiming a compelling message that restores unity: Jew with Jew, and Jew with Gentile. The importance of this discovery cannot be minimized. The Messianic Seal is not only just the key to understanding the Dead Sea Scrolls, it can and should shake the foundations of the church and Orthodox Judaism with its incredible message of unity and love. It breaks down barriers that have existed for millennia and points the way toward restoration."

(EP - Evangelical Press News Service)

The Messianic Seal

First century inscription in stone.

By Jane Diffenderfer, Messianic Home

Recently discovered artifacts found in Jerusalem reveal the Hebraic nature of the first century believers in Messiah Yahshua [Yahshua’s actual name]. Several pieces of pottery have been found with the symbol of the Menorah and Fish intertwined together in such a way as to reveal a Star of David in the center of artwork. What is the meaning of this symbol and why has the Holy One of Israel allowed it to be discovered at this time in history?

The Menorah, or seven branched lampstand has been a symbol of Jewish identity from ancient times. It represents the Torah (Instructions of the Law) given to Israel. For the commandment is a lamp; and the Torah/law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life (Prov. 6:23). Israel is destined by Elohim to be a light unto the nations and the Menorah is a beautiful symbol of that Light.

The fish has been a symbol of Christian identity for nearly 2000 years. Our Messiah first spoke to a small group of fishermen with the words: Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matt. 4:18). The new disciples were quick to drop their nets to go and gather men for the Holy One of Israel because of the Hebrew Scripture: Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the YHWH, and they shall fish them... (Jer. 16:16). The Fish has been a meaningful symbol of the followers of Yahshua who have been commissioned by Elohim to reveal His Grace.

For the past 1700 years the Menorah has stood alone to represent the Torah and the Fish has been swimming on it’s own to represent Grace. In these miraculous days Abba is restoring His truth to His people and we are seeing the two become one in Messiah. We are to become one people, one body, and one faith. The Two Sticks of Ezekiel (Ez. 37) are to become one in the hand of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. When Torah and Grace are in perfect balance they reveal the Star of David, the Son of David who is our Messiah and King.

There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel (Num. 24:17). Yahshua said of Himself: I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning star (Rev. 22:16).

The Messianic Seal and its recent discovery is revealing the original intent of our Father for His People. Jews and Gentiles are to find their identity together as one people belonging to Messiah. Yahshua is the Torah (in Hebrew -devar - the Word) made flesh and when He is lifted up many Gentiles will come to the brightness of His rising and be captivated by the Grace and Mercy of the Holy One of Israel. The Gentile Fish is not to continue swimming on it’s own but is to be caught for Messiah. In discovering the Hebraic roots of the faith many former Gentiles are finding themselves joined to the chosen people - the Israel of Elohim. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, ... That at that time ye were without Messiah, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without Elohim in the world: But now in Messiah Yahshua ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Messiah (Eph 2:11-13).

The Messianic Seal reveals Yahweh’s original intention for His people and what Messiah has accomplished for us. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us (Eph. 14).

Yahshua’s death on the cross/tree abolished in his flesh the enmity [the opposing of Elohim and one another], even the law of commandments contained in ordinances [dogmas]; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto Elohim in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off [Gentiles/LoAmmi Israel], and to them that were nigh [Jews/Torah faithful Israel]. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers [without knowledge] and foreigners [of Elohim’s Kingdom], but fellow citizens [same citizenship of the people consecrated unto Elohim - the chosen people] with the saints [Hebrews], and of the household [related by blood, kindred] of Elohim (Eph. 2:15-18).

Yahshua did not abolish the Torah of Elohim. We need to heed His instructions and renew our minds to: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets (Matt. 5:17). Yahshua came to fulfill Torah by correctly interpreting it. The Torah represented by the Menorah will continue until as Yahshua says: For verily [truthfully] I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled [come to pass]. Many of the Torah’s prophecies about Messiah, Israel and the Gentiles have not come to pass even today.

Yahshua came to abolish only the enmity caused by man’s sin and the wrong interpretations of Torah that opposed Elohim. The sin had separated man from Elohim. The wrong interpretations of Torah created isolationism instead of evangelism and withheld the goodness of YHWH’s Word from others. It has always been the Father’s intention for His Torah to be given to the nations/Gentiles as well as to Israel. Israel is to be a light (menorah) to the nations. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of YHWH is risen upon thee ... YHWH shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light (Is. 60:1-3).

It is through the Torah that Yahshua is revealed. In Messiah’s own words He upholds Torah. For had ye believed Moshe/Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? (John 5:46).

The Menorah is a symbol for the Tree of Life. The pattern given to Moshe describes the Menorah as being fashioned of gold with almond buds upon it’s branches (see Exodus 25:33). At it’s roots we see the symbol for Messiah in the Star of David ... there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious (Is. 11:10).

The Star of David is only displayed in the Messianic Seal when the Menorah and Fish come together. It does not exist independent of the Torah and Grace symbols. The Star of David has six points to it representing the six days of creation. At the center of the perfectly balanced star we find the Sabbath rest given to us as a free gift in Messiah. And His rest (Sabbath) is glorious.

The Fish symbolizing Grace needs to be caught on the Hebraic roots of the faith. The swimming fish displayed by Christians is separated from the Jewishness of it’s Messiah. Fishers of men need to go forth and preach the gospel that will be received by the Jew first and then to the Gentile. Those who have been given the understanding of the Messianic Seal need to preach the good news of the Torah-Grace of Elohim available to whosoever will receive it. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Messiah: for it is the power of Elohim unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek [Gentile] (Rom.1:16).

The Menorah is steadfast and firm. It’s symbolism is of eternal value because it was created from the pattern of the heavenly. The Fish has mobility as long as it is swimming and on it’s own. When captured by Yahshua’s fisherman the Fish will lose it’s life in Messiah. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it (Matt. 8:35).

The Fish needs to come to the Menorah. In Ezekiel’s Two Sticks, Ephraim (from the Church) is brought to Judah (from the Synagogue). Thus saith the YHWH Elohim; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand (Ez. 37:19). Yahweh is doing this work of grafting all believers in Yahshua into the same Olive Tree of Israel.

When the Star of David is in perfect balance between Torah and Grace we see the truth of who Messiah is. Torah without Messiah as taught in rabbinic Judaism does not reveal Yahshua to the world. Messiah’s Grace without Torah as taught in the Church does not reflect the reality of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. It is time the two voices for the Holy One of Israel unite as one. When they do the beauty of Messiah will be revealed to both Houses of Israel (Judah and Ephraim) and to the Gentiles. The Messianic Seal reveals this message in it’s rich Biblical symbolism.

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