This is this past Sunday’s sermon from our chronological study through the Bible.  I compiled this from many sources.  – Scott

Tassels and Fringe

Chronological Study – 03.06.2011

BSMc – Parrish, Alabama

Matthew 14:34-36 – “hem or fringe” of Jesus’ garment.

• Most likely the fringe or tassel – Numbers 15:38.
• As clothing styles changed Hebrews designed “Tallits” or Prayer Shawls
• Other passages on tallits and tassels.
  • During times of deep prayer would cover head completely – Matt 6:6.
  • David cut off the tassel of Saul’s garment – 1 Sam 24.
  • Elijah’s mantle was likely his “tallit”
  • Mal 4:2 prophecies of Jesus.

Tassels

• From four threads doubled making eight.
  • Blue in time of Bible / Black now to mark mourning over temple
  • Tied in a series of five knots – Torah (Pentateuch)
  • A constant reminder of connection to God
    • Four corners of garment – no matter which way a man looked.

Reminder of Requirements before God: Num 15:39-40

• They were required to keep God’s law.
• Not 10 but 613 laws
  • 365 “thou shalt nots”
  • 248 “thou shalts”

A Reminder for US

• Law keeping is not salvation, but demonstrates our love – Jn 14:15, 21.
• A child of God is not sinlessly perfect, but desires and focuses on being righteous and Christlike – 1 Jn 2:3-4; 5:2-3

Reminder of Responsibility before God: Num 15:39

• They had an obligation to be separate from evil.
  • Keeping commands is external
  • Tassels promoted inward obedience – heart.
  • Possible for them to keep the letter of the law and miss the heart
    • Sermon on the Mount – Matt 5:27-48.

A Reminder for Us.

• The lord expects His people to live separate lives internally and externally.
• We need to see all sins as what they are – 1 Jn 3:4
• Obedience begins on the inside – Mk 7:9-23
• God desires us to be the real deal in and out.

Reminder of Relationship to God: Num 15:40-41

• Notice the word, “your”
  • A personal relationship of sorts
  • They needed to remember:
    • Who they were,
    • Whose they were, and
    • What was expected of them.
    • The came to believe they were saved by keeping the Law
      • Tallit: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, Who makes us holy with commandments”

A Reminder for Us

• Salvation is not what you do, but Who you know – 2 Ths 1:7-9.
• We are holy by the blood of Christ  – Eph 1:7
• Salvation is a faith-based relationship with God through Jesus the Christ by Grace – Eph 2:8-10.

Reminder of Redemption by God: Num 15:41

• The tassels reminded them they were God’s special people.
  • Purchased by blood of lambs – Ex 12
  • Redeemed out of bondage to Egypt
  • God led, fed, and blessed them.
  • They were His possession.

A Reminder for Us

• God through Christ redeemed us – 1 Pet 1:16-19
• A great price (Agony and Glory of the Cross)
• We are His special possession – 1 Pet 2:9-10