THE GOSPELS 199
See also: The Fall 30–35 ■ The Flood 40–41 ■ The Exodus 74–77 ■ The Suffering of Job 146–47 ■
The Lord’s Prayer 212–13 ■ Demons and the Herd of Pigs 224–25
Satan, Jesus passes each test. His
divinity is confirmed in Mark and Satan confronts Jesus in the desert and tries to tempt Him.
Matthew’s description of angels
attending Jesus when Satan leaves.
Fulfilling the prophecy Satan tells Jesus Satan goads Satan bribes
In all three Gospels, the temptation to turn stone Jesus into Jesus with the
of Christ occurs after He has been into bread to proving He whole world if He
baptized by John, creating a sate His hunger. is divine. will worship him.
sequence of birth, baptism, and
then temptation that culminates in
His ministry. As in many passages
from the New Testament, the
Gospel authors also allude to the Jesus refuses Jesus tells Satan Jesus says only
fulfillment of Isaiah’s Messianic because “man not to put the God can be
prophecy through Jesus. Other does not live by Lord your God worshipped.
echoes of the Old Testament bread alone.” to the test.
include the Fall, when Adam and
Eve are tempted to eat from the
Tree of the Knowledge of Good
and Evil by the serpent (whom Sustenance comes The divine is Jesus is loyal
Christians later identify as Satan), from the spirit. immutable. to God.
and the significance of the number
40. Like Noah’s flood, which
destroys the world’s sins, Jesus’s
fast lasts 40 days and 40 nights,
and there are echoes of the Jesus resists material, spiritual, and political
Israelites’ 40-year wandering in the temptation, as He will through His ministry.
wilderness, when God sates their
hunger with manna from heaven. ■
Satan in the New Testament
Throughout the Bible, from the for 18 years. In Revelation 20:2,
writing of Job to the Gospels, Satan, “who leads the whole
the figure of the satan (Hebrew world astray,” is hurled to the
for “adversary”) is portrayed earth and bound for 1,000 years.
as an antagonistic being who, The belief in Satan as an
despite an existence predicated independent, evil figure who
on God's will, is intent on contrasts with God’s goodness
destroying His followers is known as “dualism.” The
and discrediting Him. concept became popular among
The “devil” appears most medieval Christian sects such as
often in the New Testament. In the Paulicians and the Cathars.
Luke 22:3, Satan enters Judas Its origins may lie in the spread
Iscariot, and in Luke 13:10–15, of Greek culture after Alexander
Jesus cures a crippled woman the Great’s conquest of the
whom Satan “has kept bound” Phoenician Empire in 331 bce.
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200 IN BRIEF
“FOLLOW ME,” PASSAGE
Mark 1:17
JESUS SAID, THEME
Jesus calls His disciples
for ministry
SETTING
“… I WILL SEND c. 26–27 ce, Roman Judean
countryside, beside the Sea
of Galilee.
YOU OUT TO FISH KEY FIGURES
Jesus The Messiah and Son
of God at the start of His
ministry in Galilee.
FOR PEOPLE” The 11 “good” disciples
These include (Simon) Peter,
MARK 1:17, THE CALLING OF THE DISCIPLES Andrew, James, John,
Matthew (Levi), and Simon
the Zealot.
Judas Iscariot The disciple
who will betray Jesus.
arly in His ministry, Jesus
selects 12 disciples. This
E is a step to securing His
legacy and has huge significance:
the 12 men He chooses will go
on to spread the word of Jesus and
build a new Israel: a new Church.
In the Ancient Near East, the
gathering of students, or “disciples,”
around a master teacher was an
established practice. At the time,
knowledge was largely imparted
via the spoken word, and the more
disciples that were amassed, the
farther that word would spread.
Jesus was aware of this, and the
selection of as many as a dozen
disciples gives an indication of the
intended scale of His ministry. In
Mark 1, Jesus is walking beside
the Sea of Galilee one day, when
He sees Simon (whom Jesus calls
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THE GOSPELS 201
See also: Jesus Embraces a Tax Collector 242–43 ■ Peter’s Denial 256–57 ■ The Great Commission 274–77
The Miraculous Draught of Fishes,
by Jean Jouvenet (1644–1717), depicts
Jesus recruiting Peter and Andrew,
and filling their previously empty
nets with fish.
Levi, who also goes by the name
of Matthew, and is the reputed
author of the Gospel of that name.
Initially, this seems like an odd
choice. As the Bible repeatedly
demonstrates, tax collectors were
particularly unpopular at the time;
Jesus’s selection of Levi therefore
earns Him disdain from the
Pharisee teachers of the Law: “Why
does He eat with tax collectors
Peter) and his brother Andrew world to shame the wise; God chose and sinners?” (Mark 2:16). Jesus
hauling in an empty net. Jesus the weak things of the world to responds: “It is not the healthy who
walks up to the men and exhorts shame the strong.” There may also need a doctor but those who are
them to cast their net again. When be some significance in the fact sick. I have not come to call the
they draw the net in, it is brimming that fishermen have to be patient righteous, but sinners” (2:17).
with fish. “Follow me … to fish in their work; Jesus knew that to Jesus next chooses the Zealot,
for people,” Jesus tells them (1:17). change the world as He intended Simon. Again, the appointment is
Without hesitating, the men leave would take great patience. symbolic. After their experiences
their nets to go with Him to recruit in Egypt and in the wake of the
more disciples. Jesus then meets Courting controversy ceaseless invasions of their nation,
two more fishermen—James and Jesus’s choice of His remaining the Jewish people had developed
John—in a boat with their father eight disciples is also significant. an intense dislike of foreign rule.
Zebedee and some hired men. Like First, He chooses a tax collector, No group is still more active in ❯❯
Peter and Andrew, James and John
join Jesus as soon as He asks them. Disciples as learners
The four fishermen become the first
of Jesus’s 12 disciples. A “disciple” is someone who fury of God’s wrath will be
adheres to the teachings of a executed (Revelation 19:15). It is
Lowly profession master or instructor. In the New incumbent upon the 12 disciples
Just as it is symbolic that Jesus Testament, it is made clear on that they learn to live like Jesus,
chooses 12 disciples—to represent numerous occasions that Jesus and to teach others to behave
the totality of the nation of Israel— is the ultimate master on earth. in the same way. Essentially,
it is also telling that He selects four It is upon Jesus that all authority they should learn to become
fishermen and, ultimately, possibly in heaven and on earth has “little Christs,” or “Christians”
as many as six. Such an elevation been bestowed (Matthew 28:18); (Acts 26:28; 2 Corinthians 1:21).
of this relatively lowly profession it is to Jesus that every knee The four Gospels demonstrate
indicates that knowledge of God will bow (Philippians 2:10); it what it means to be a disciple
of Jesus. In particular, John
is on account of Jesus that all
should not be confined to the the tribes of the earth will classifies the role in three ways:
learned or priestly classes. As mourn (Revelation 1:7); and worshipper (or learner/follower),
stated in 1 Corinthians 1:27: “God from Jesus that the absolute servant, and witness.
chose the foolish things of the
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202 THE CALLING OF THE DISCIPLES THE GOSPELS 203
which continued into the 4th “apostolic succession”—claiming
century. The reputation of these to trace their roots back to the
men, and the esteem in which they original 12 disciples. In practice,
were held, grew as the Church this means that bishops today
spread through the world. are consecrated by older bishops,
who in turn were consecrated
Holy lineage by bishops before them, with
To this day, churches that are a chain stretching directly back
believed to have been founded by to the 12 Apostles.
one of the Apostles are referred Today, personal apostolic
to as “apostolic sees,” among succession is still a requirement
which the Holy See of Rome is pre- for a bishop’s ordination in many
eminent. Bishops throughout the Christian denominations—notably Fishing and
encouraging resistance to foreign them were fishermen. The names Each of the Apostles in this gilded Christian world have traditionally the Roman Catholic, Eastern the Ichthys
control and religion. As their name of the six are: Philip; Bartholomew, and painted alabaster representation claimed their authority via Orthodox, and Anglican churches. ■
implies, they are “zealous” in also referred to as “Nathanael” in (c.1450) from England holds his emblem Just as fishermen bear great
asserting the ancestral traditions John and probably Philip’s brother; and a colored scroll inscribed with symbolism in the New
a sentence of the creed in Latin.
of the nation of Israel and repelling Thomas, who went on to doubt the The Apostles of Jesus Testament as “fishers of men,”
the depredations of invaders and resurrection of Jesus, giving rise so do fish themselves. The
most famous reference to fish
false gods. For many Zealots, the to the term “Doubting Thomas”; the silver he receives for the betrayal in the Gospels is the feeding
end objective was the overthrow another James (not the brother of of Jesus in the Temple and then of the 5,000 using just five
of Rome itself. By appointing Peter, John); Thaddaeus, also known as hangs himself. Acts 1:18 states that loaves of bread and two fish,
as with Levi (Matthew), Jesus Judas; and Judas Iscariot, who he purchases a field with his blood James, son of Alphaeus which is reported in all four
appears to be courting controversy. eventually betrays Jesus. money, and then plunges headlong (Matthew 14:13–21; Mark
He condemns violence, yet also These 12 disciples are also into a pit in the field and bursts Judas 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17; John
paradoxically chooses a disciple known as “Apostles” in the Bible open. In any event, Judas Iscariot Iscariot 6:1–15). In Matthew 13:47–52,
who supports it. The selection and the two terms are employed is dead by the time of Christ’s Thaddaeus in the Parable of the Net,
of Simon the Zealot shows that interchangeably in the Gospels. resurrection. The disciples replace Peter Jesus compares God’s Final
ideological orientation is no barrier Indeed, such was their importance Judas, by election, with Matthias. Judgment on who goes to
to admission to God’s kingdom. to the spread of Christianity that heaven and who to hell to
The professions of the other the period in which they lived is New disciples fishermen sorting out their
six disciples are not specified by known as the “Apostolic Age.” The Christian teachings inspired Thomas catch, keeping the good fish
the Gospel writers, but it seems by the short life of Jesus were not and throwing the bad away.
After His resurrection, Jesus
likely that at least two more of Martyrdom just taught by 11 of the 12 original Simon is offered grilled fish to eat
Christian tradition maintains disciples and Matthias. Instead, the Zealot Christ in Luke 24:41–43.
that all but one of the 12 disciples Eastern Christian tradition The many mentions of
were martyred, with John alone maintains that there were as many John James fish in the New Testament
surviving into old age and dying as 70 Apostles during the time Matthew may explain why the ichthys
peacefully. However, only the of Jesus’s ministry. A number of (Greek for “fish”), the elliptical
death of James—fisherman and other prominent figures, such as shape ending in a fish tail,
The things you have son of Zebedee—is described in St. Paul (who was also martyred), became a symbol of early
heard me say … entrust the New Testament. There may were also known as Apostles, Andrew Christianity. Deployed as
to reliable people who be a reason for this: according to even though they did not follow Philip a secret code by Christians
will also be qualified the 18th-century English historian Jesus during His earthly ministry. during times of persecution,
to teach others. Edward Gibbon, early Christians The Apostles would become the ichthys is sometimes
2 Timothy 2:2 believed that among the original the foundations of the early Church. Bartholomew seen etched into walls or
12 disciples only James and Peter During the 1st century ce, they in floor mosaics in early
Christian basilicas. To this
died for their faith in Jesus. established churches throughout The disciples closest to Jesus were day, Christians incorporate
Peter, James, and John. They spent
There are various reports of the the Mediterranean, as well as the most time with Him and witnessed the fish symbol in jewelry
death of Judas Iscariot. Matthew across the Middle East, Africa, more of His miracles. In any list of the and clothing.
27:5 records that he throws down and India, in spite of persecution, Apostles, Peter is always first.
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THE GOSPELS 203
which continued into the 4th “apostolic succession”—claiming
century. The reputation of these to trace their roots back to the
men, and the esteem in which they original 12 disciples. In practice,
were held, grew as the Church this means that bishops today
spread through the world. are consecrated by older bishops,
who in turn were consecrated
Holy lineage by bishops before them, with
To this day, churches that are a chain stretching directly back
believed to have been founded by to the 12 Apostles.
one of the Apostles are referred Today, personal apostolic
to as “apostolic sees,” among succession is still a requirement
which the Holy See of Rome is pre- for a bishop’s ordination in many
eminent. Bishops throughout the Christian denominations—notably Fishing and
Christian world have traditionally the Roman Catholic, Eastern the Ichthys
claimed their authority via Orthodox, and Anglican churches. ■
Just as fishermen bear great
symbolism in the New
The Apostles of Jesus Testament as “fishers of men,”
so do fish themselves. The
most famous reference to fish
in the Gospels is the feeding
of the 5,000 using just five
loaves of bread and two fish,
James, son of Alphaeus which is reported in all four
(Matthew 14:13–21; Mark
Judas 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17; John
Iscariot 6:1–15). In Matthew 13:47–52,
Thaddaeus in the Parable of the Net,
Peter
Jesus compares God’s Final
Judgment on who goes to
heaven and who to hell to
fishermen sorting out their
Thomas catch, keeping the good fish
and throwing the bad away.
After His resurrection, Jesus
Simon
the Zealot is offered grilled fish to eat
Christ in Luke 24:41–43.
The many mentions of
John James fish in the New Testament
Matthew may explain why the ichthys
(Greek for “fish”), the elliptical
shape ending in a fish tail,
became a symbol of early
Andrew Christianity. Deployed as
a secret code by Christians
Philip
during times of persecution,
the ichthys is sometimes
Bartholomew seen etched into walls or
in floor mosaics in early
The disciples closest to Jesus were Christian basilicas. To this
Peter, James, and John. They spent day, Christians incorporate
the most time with Him and witnessed the fish symbol in jewelry
more of His miracles. In any list of the and clothing.
Apostles, Peter is always first.
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LOVE YOUR
ENEMIES, AND
PRAY FOR THOSE
WHO PERSECUTE YOU
MATTHEW 5:44, SERMON ON THE MOUNT
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206 SERMON ON THE MOUNT THE GOSPELS 207
See also: The Ten Commandments 78–83 ■ The Golden Rule 210–11 ■ Parables of Jesus 214–15
ews of Jesus and His
IN BRIEF preaching and healing
N ministry was beginning
PASSAGE to spread far and wide. In addition to There are several parallels in
Matthew 5:1–7:29
His band of 12 close disciples, large Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount that
THEME crowds started to follow Jesus, would not have been lost on His
The wisdom of God’s eager to hear Him teach about the audience, for it strongly echoes the
Kingdom Kingdom of God and to watch Him giving of the Ten Commandments
perform miracles. to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus
SETTING Seeing an opportunity to 20): just as Moses went up the
c. 27–29 ce A mountainside address the crowds one day, Jesus mountain and received God’s
in Galilee. climbs up a mountainside and sits word, so Jesus here ascends a
down, adopting the typical position mountainside and teaches with
KEY FIGURES of an authoritative teacher, or rabbi. God’s authority.
Jesus The Messiah and The disciples and crowds gather Moses’s Law showed the
Son of God at the start of His around and Jesus begins to teach. Israelites how to live as God’s
ministry in Galilee. Often known as the “Sermon on the new community following their
Disciples Jesus’s close group Mount,” His speech to the people deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
of 12 followers. reads as His manifesto, announcing Jesus is less concerned about
how life will be in God’s kingdom. establishing a moral code for a
Crowds People from Galilee, Jesus begins by turning usual defined earthly kingdom; instead,
the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and expectations upside down in a The Roman Catholic Church of the He presents a picture of life in Other religious leaders at the time— In the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, this
“beyond the Jordan” who have short passage known as “the Beatitudes stands on a hill overlooking God’s spiritual kingdom of heaven in particular, the Pharisees— fresco of the Sermon on the Mount
begun to follow Jesus out of beatitudes.” He announces a the Sea of Galilee in Israel. It was built that is accessible to all people at encouraged people to follow the law (c.1461) by Cosimo Rosselli is opposite
curiosity and amazement. blessing on those who are aware on the traditional site of Jesus’s all times. To some in His audience, down to its last letter. However, the artist’s fresco of Moses receiving the
Ten Commandments.
of the powerlessness of their own Sermon on the Mount. it may have seemed that Jesus was Jesus says that such rigid adherence
lives; it is they, rather than the contradicting Moses. However, in to Moses’s Law is not sufficient to
strong and self-sufficient, who shall success are rejected as Jesus a large section of the Sermon on guarantee people a place in God’s and reconciliation. Lustful looks
receive a place in God’s kingdom. declares that those who appear the Mount, Jesus addresses this kingdom: “I tell you that unless your are to be considered as perilous as
Conventional ideals of wealth and to have been overlooked in their question directly: “Do not think righteousness surpasses that of adultery, and marriage relationships
present life shall receive God’s that I have come to abolish the the Pharisees and the teachers should not be broken except in
The Beatitudes those who mourn, the meek, reward in heaven. Law or the Prophets; I have not of the Law, you will certainly not clear cases of unfaithfulness.
the merciful, those who hunger In Jesus’s inverted vision come to abolish them but to fulfill enter the kingdom of heaven” (5:20). Disciples should not merely keep
The concept of bestowing a and thirst for righteousness, the of the world, those who follow them” (Matthew 5:17). Jesus is Instead, in the Sermon on the the oaths they have made to God,
blessing on those who faithfully pure in heart, the peacemakers, Him are to be “salt” and “light,” God’s new Moses, instructing the Mount, Jesus intensifies the but rather be faithful to every word
follow God’s commandments is and the persecuted. Also, God’s bringing out God’s flavor in the crowds as they follow Him. meaning of the Law by declaring that they speak.
familiar from the Old Testament. benchmark for blessing is at world and shining God’s light into that it is not enough simply to obey
However, at the beginning of odds with that of the earthly the darkness. The purpose of the God’s commands outwardly; rather, Exercising humility
the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus world: people will not be positive attitudes and actions of His Law must transform the desires Moses’s law had sought to restrict
delivers His idea of “blessing” measured in terms of their such people is that others “may and motivations of the heart of overly harsh punishments by
in a different way, through eight visible successes, but rather see your good deeds and glorify those who seek to obey Him. commending the principle of “eye
statements that are collectively by an awareness of their own your Father in heaven” (Matthew In a series of teachings that for eye, tooth for tooth” (Leviticus
known as the “beatitudes,” a brokenness and dependence 5:16). From just a little salt and Be perfect, therefore, take the form, “You have heard 24:20); but Jesus rejects the notion
word deriving from the Latin on God for all things. a little light, Jesus knows that God’s as your heavenly that it was said … but I say to you,” of giving “as good as you get.”
for “blessed” (beatus). Some versions of the Bible kingdom can reach the world. Father is perfect. Jesus takes some of the most Instead, He tells His disciples to
Instead of saying “you translate “blessed are” as
will be blessed if you do this,” “happy are,” but Jesus’s Matthew 5:48 familiar commandments from exercise restraint, never fighting
Jesus’s beatitudes announce teaching remains the same: it A parallel with Moses Moses’s Law and broadens their back, but always praying for those
that certain people will be is those who are least expecting Those listening to Jesus are application. His disciples must not who would seek to bring harm
blessed without condition— it who will find themselves predominantly Jewish, brought simply refrain from murder, but to them. By loving their enemies,
specifically, the poor in spirit, recipients of God’s favor. up to honor and obey the Law must avoid anger or ridiculing they would be showing that they
of Moses given centuries earlier. others, and prioritize forgiveness belonged with Jesus as children ❯❯
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THE GOSPELS 207
See also: The Ten Commandments 78–83 ■ The Golden Rule 210–11 ■ Parables of Jesus 214–15
There are several parallels in
Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount that
would not have been lost on His
audience, for it strongly echoes the
giving of the Ten Commandments
to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus
20): just as Moses went up the
mountain and received God’s
word, so Jesus here ascends a
mountainside and teaches with
God’s authority.
Moses’s Law showed the
Israelites how to live as God’s
new community following their
deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
Jesus is less concerned about
establishing a moral code for a
defined earthly kingdom; instead,
He presents a picture of life in Other religious leaders at the time— In the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, this
God’s spiritual kingdom of heaven in particular, the Pharisees— fresco of the Sermon on the Mount
that is accessible to all people at encouraged people to follow the law (c.1461) by Cosimo Rosselli is opposite
all times. To some in His audience, down to its last letter. However, the artist’s fresco of Moses receiving the
Ten Commandments.
it may have seemed that Jesus was Jesus says that such rigid adherence
contradicting Moses. However, in to Moses’s Law is not sufficient to
a large section of the Sermon on guarantee people a place in God’s and reconciliation. Lustful looks
the Mount, Jesus addresses this kingdom: “I tell you that unless your are to be considered as perilous as
question directly: “Do not think righteousness surpasses that of adultery, and marriage relationships
that I have come to abolish the the Pharisees and the teachers should not be broken except in
Law or the Prophets; I have not of the Law, you will certainly not clear cases of unfaithfulness.
come to abolish them but to fulfill enter the kingdom of heaven” (5:20). Disciples should not merely keep
them” (Matthew 5:17). Jesus is Instead, in the Sermon on the the oaths they have made to God,
God’s new Moses, instructing the Mount, Jesus intensifies the but rather be faithful to every word
crowds as they follow Him. meaning of the Law by declaring that they speak.
that it is not enough simply to obey
God’s commands outwardly; rather, Exercising humility
His Law must transform the desires Moses’s law had sought to restrict
and motivations of the heart of overly harsh punishments by
those who seek to obey Him. commending the principle of “eye
In a series of teachings that for eye, tooth for tooth” (Leviticus
Be perfect, therefore, take the form, “You have heard 24:20); but Jesus rejects the notion
as your heavenly that it was said … but I say to you,” of giving “as good as you get.”
Father is perfect. Jesus takes some of the most Instead, He tells His disciples to
Matthew 5:48 familiar commandments from exercise restraint, never fighting
Moses’s Law and broadens their back, but always praying for those
application. His disciples must not who would seek to bring harm
simply refrain from murder, but to them. By loving their enemies,
must avoid anger or ridiculing they would be showing that they
others, and prioritize forgiveness belonged with Jesus as children ❯❯
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208 SERMON ON THE MOUNT THE GOSPELS 209
of God, since they would be Jesus teaches that God does not
imitating Jesus’s love for His listen to prayers because they are The sermon as a far-
enemies, as He would demonstrate loud and long, but because they are reaching influence
on the cross. offered in humble dependence on
Having asked His disciples to God. “Go into your room, close the From the earliest days of
“exceed” the righteousness of the door, and pray to your Father … Can any one of you Christianity, Jesus’s Sermon
Pharisees, Jesus then warns them who sees what is done in secret” by worrying add a single on the Mount has been
considered central to His
not to become “self-righteous,” or (6:6). In short, Jesus encourages hour to your life? teaching, giving His followers
smug: “Be careful not to practice His followers to look for God’s favor Matthew 6:27 a clear pattern for their lives.
your acts of righteousness in front more than the applause of the Church leaders and prominent
of others to be seen by them” people around them. “Do not store thinkers point to the sermon
(Matthew 6:1). They should not up for yourselves treasures on Earth when giving ethical guidance
“trumpet” their good works to … but store up for yourselves to Christians in such diverse
the world, but rather be discreet, treasures in heaven” (6:19–20). areas as conflict resolution,
confident that God sees what they One of the key themes in Jesus’s personal relationships, wealth,
do. The same humility should be Sermon on the Mount is the faith God. They must be confident and justice. Some groups, such
evident, He says, when people pray. that His disciples should have in that God’s goodwill is all they as the Amish, are renowned
need for their lives to flourish. for seeking to live simply in
Instead of being anxious about accordance with the Sermon
Teachings from Jesus’s sermon finding food and clothing, they on the Mount.
The influence of the sermon
should focus on the life of God’s reaches beyond the Christian
kingdom. In much the same way, Church. Some phrases have
If your right eye Believers must His disciples should not spend become idioms in wider usage,
causes you to stumble, give up things that their lives looking for faults in not least owing to influential
gouge it out and stand in the way other people, but rather leave all literary figures such as Dante,
throw it away (5:29). of their faith. judgment to God. At its heart, Chaucer, and Shakespeare.
this part of Jesus’s teaching is “Don’t hide your light under
emphasizing that God is good a bushel,” “salt of the earth,”
and is to be trusted. and “don’t throw your pearls
At the end of His sermon, Jesus before pigs” all come from
When you give to the Do not practice reminds His listeners to practice Jesus’s teaching.
needy, do not let your left good deeds in order what He preaches: “Everyone
hand know what your to receive praise who hears these words of mine
right hand is doing (6:3). or recognition.
and puts them into practice is Jesus warns against judging others presenting a picture of an ideal
like a wise man who built his in The Parable of the Mote and the life; He was saying that they could
house on the rock … and not the Beam (c.1619) by Domenico Fetti. be part of this kingdom, if only
foolish man who built his house The painting was one in a series of they would build their lives on
13 works illustrating the parables.
on sand” (7:24–26). the “rock” that He was.
Watch out for false The enemies of Jesus knew that not everyone Ask and it will be
prophets. They come God often disguise Revolutionary message kingdom. It is a world in which the would accept this way of life. given to you; seek and
to you in sheep’s themselves you will find; knock
clothing (7:15). as friends. Jesus’s listeners are amazed weak and powerless are considered It was a “narrow gate” for people
by His teaching, because they to be God’s treasured children, to enter, compared to the broad and the door will be
recognize that He teaches with a place where generosity and road of living as you please, but opened to you ...
God’s supreme authority, and not forgiveness are valued more highly the narrow path would lead to For everyone who
simply with human skill. When than strength. Here, trust in God God’s blessing (7:13–14). asks receives.
Jesus finishes teaching and comes matters more than any other virtue. Jesus’s story continued to Matthew 7:7–8
Enter through the It is easy to stray down the mountainside, He is The idea of such a world must have unfold. His death and resurrection
narrow gate. For wide from Christ’s
is the gate … that leads instructions if you followed by large crowds (8:1). seemed an impossible utopia for became powerful reminders to
to destruction (7:13). don’t live well. The Sermon on the Mount those listening to Jesus, yet they Jesus’s disciples and followers
describes a world that has been recognized God’s authority in to teach and live by the lessons
turned upside down by God’s Jesus’s words. He was not simply of the Sermon on the Mount. ■
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THE GOSPELS 209
The sermon as a far-
reaching influence
From the earliest days of
Christianity, Jesus’s Sermon
on the Mount has been
considered central to His
teaching, giving His followers
a clear pattern for their lives.
Church leaders and prominent
thinkers point to the sermon
when giving ethical guidance
to Christians in such diverse
areas as conflict resolution,
personal relationships, wealth,
and justice. Some groups, such
as the Amish, are renowned
for seeking to live simply in
accordance with the Sermon
on the Mount.
The influence of the sermon
reaches beyond the Christian
Church. Some phrases have
become idioms in wider usage,
not least owing to influential
literary figures such as Dante,
Chaucer, and Shakespeare.
“Don’t hide your light under
a bushel,” “salt of the earth,”
and “don’t throw your pearls
before pigs” all come from
Jesus’s teaching.
Jesus warns against judging others presenting a picture of an ideal
in The Parable of the Mote and the life; He was saying that they could
Beam (c.1619) by Domenico Fetti. be part of this kingdom, if only
The painting was one in a series of they would build their lives on
13 works illustrating the parables.
the “rock” that He was.
Jesus knew that not everyone Ask and it will be
kingdom. It is a world in which the would accept this way of life. given to you; seek and
weak and powerless are considered It was a “narrow gate” for people you will find; knock
to be God’s treasured children, to enter, compared to the broad and the door will be
a place where generosity and road of living as you please, but opened to you ...
forgiveness are valued more highly the narrow path would lead to For everyone who
than strength. Here, trust in God God’s blessing (7:13–14). asks receives.
matters more than any other virtue. Jesus’s story continued to Matthew 7:7–8
The idea of such a world must have unfold. His death and resurrection
seemed an impossible utopia for became powerful reminders to
those listening to Jesus, yet they Jesus’s disciples and followers
recognized God’s authority in to teach and live by the lessons
Jesus’s words. He was not simply of the Sermon on the Mount. ■
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210 THE GOSPELS 211
See also: Sermon on the Mount 204–09 ■ The Lord’s Prayer 212–13 ■ The Good Samaritan 216–17
DO TO OTHERS AS a list of dos and don’ts, but rather a will be opened to you.” Jesus makes
YOU WOULD HAVE blueprint for healthy relationships the point that good parents give
between people. Ethical behavior
good gifts to their children, and
would never think to serve up a
requires us to treat every person
THEM DO TO YOU as equally valuable. stone rather than bread to eat, or Love the Lord your God
give a child a snake instead of a fish.
with all your heart
If human parents are like this,
LUKE 6:31, THE GOLDEN RULE Emulating God Jesus says, then “how much more and with all your soul and
Jesus’s teaching contains a
with all your strength
will your Father in heaven give
distinctive perspective on the
Golden Rule. In Luke’s version, good gifts to those who ask Him!” and with all your mind.
Jesus points out that if His (Matthew 7:11). Since God responds Luke 10:26–27
disciples apply this rule only to so readily to the needs of Jesus’s
those who are already good to followers, blessing them with love
them, then they have missed the despite their many failings, they
point. Following the Golden Rule in turn should willingly act for the
IN BRIEF will mean that they will seek to do good of others, regardless of what
good even to their enemies, even the response might be.
PASSAGE though they might never treat them The Golden Rule is sometimes
Matthew 7:9–12; with respect in return. By blessing Basis of morality called the “ethic of reciprocity”
Luke 6:27–36
others, even when they do not It is important to remember that when discussed outside of a
THEME respond in a like manner, Jesus’s the Golden Rule is positive in form. Christian context. This name has
Fulfilling the Jewish law disciples show that they have truly Too often the negative form—do sparked some debate: while, in a
become children of God through not do things to other people that philosophical context, the concept
SETTING their imitation of God’s character. you would not want done to you—is is seen as a moral contract between
c. 27–29 ce The Sermon on In Matthew’s account, Jesus used, which ensures that there is a two parties (one treats the other
the Mount (in Matthew), a gives the Golden Rule immediately minimum level of ethical behavior. well, in expectation of this kindness
mountainside in Galilee; the after describing the willingness of However, Jesus’s Golden Rule seeks being reciprocated) in the Golden
Sermon on the Plain (in Luke), God to listen to prayer: “Ask and to guide His disciples in a life of Rule, the actual or presupposed
a plain near Capernaum. it will be given to you; seek and kindness, generosity, and justice behavior of others has no bearing
you will find; knock and the door that goes beyond strict moralism. on how one should treat them. ■
KEY FIGURES
Jesus The Messiah and
Son of God at the start of The Golden Rule in other religions
His ministry in Galilee. he saying, “Do to others Jesus preaches to His followers As a fundamental ethical idea, Mean says: “Do not impose on
Jesus’s disciples A group of what you would have them in this stained-glass detail of one of the Golden Rule is found in many others what you yourself do
the four scenes gifted to St. Leonard’s
Jewish men and women who T do to you,” has become Church in Charlecote, England, in the of the world’s religions and moral not desire” (13.3).
The Abrahamic religions are
travel with Jesus during His known as the Golden Rule, and late 19th century. codes. However, different religions united by the use of the positive
finds expression in the ethical code
each approach the rule with a
ministry. The 12 closest to of most of the world’s religions. In slightly different emphasis, and form to express the Golden Rule.
Him are tasked with spreading the Bible, it is taught by Jesus as to refrain from doing what is wrong; many Eastern religions take the Islam preaches that “None of
the word about Him and His part of the Sermon on the Plain in rather, those who would live by the negative form. Buddhism says: you believes until he wishes for
teachings after His death. Luke 6:31 and the Sermon on the Golden Rule must actively seek to “Hurt not others in ways that his brother what he wishes for
Mount in Matthew 7:12, where do good to and for others, just as you yourself would find hurtful himself” (Hadith-Nawawi 13),
Jesus says that it “sums up the they would hope to be treated (Udana-Varga 5:18), while while Judaism’s expression of
Hinduism says: “Do not do to
the Golden Rule can be found in
Law and Prophets.” themselves. When Jesus claims The Qur’an tells Muslims to do good others what would cause pain if Leviticus 19:18, with the simple
The Golden Rule emphasizes that this sums up all the Law and to everyone, including wayfarers, done to you” (Mahabharata 5:1517). commandment to “Love your
the necessity of positive ethical Prophets, it is a reminder that God’s “neighbors who are strangers,” The Confucian Doctrine of the neighbor as yourself.”
and slaves (Q:4:36).
behavior. It is not simply enough commandments are not primarily
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THE GOSPELS 211
See also: Sermon on the Mount 204–09 ■ The Lord’s Prayer 212–13 ■ The Good Samaritan 216–17
a list of dos and don’ts, but rather a will be opened to you.” Jesus makes
blueprint for healthy relationships the point that good parents give
between people. Ethical behavior good gifts to their children, and
requires us to treat every person would never think to serve up a
as equally valuable. stone rather than bread to eat, or
give a child a snake instead of a fish. Love the Lord your God
Emulating God If human parents are like this, with all your heart
Jesus’s teaching contains a Jesus says, then “how much more and with all your soul and
distinctive perspective on the will your Father in heaven give with all your strength
Golden Rule. In Luke’s version, good gifts to those who ask Him!” and with all your mind.
Jesus points out that if His (Matthew 7:11). Since God responds Luke 10:26–27
disciples apply this rule only to so readily to the needs of Jesus’s
those who are already good to followers, blessing them with love
them, then they have missed the despite their many failings, they
point. Following the Golden Rule in turn should willingly act for the
will mean that they will seek to do good of others, regardless of what
good even to their enemies, even the response might be.
though they might never treat them The Golden Rule is sometimes
with respect in return. By blessing Basis of morality called the “ethic of reciprocity”
others, even when they do not It is important to remember that when discussed outside of a
respond in a like manner, Jesus’s the Golden Rule is positive in form. Christian context. This name has
disciples show that they have truly Too often the negative form—do sparked some debate: while, in a
become children of God through not do things to other people that philosophical context, the concept
their imitation of God’s character. you would not want done to you—is is seen as a moral contract between
In Matthew’s account, Jesus used, which ensures that there is a two parties (one treats the other
gives the Golden Rule immediately minimum level of ethical behavior. well, in expectation of this kindness
after describing the willingness of However, Jesus’s Golden Rule seeks being reciprocated) in the Golden
God to listen to prayer: “Ask and to guide His disciples in a life of Rule, the actual or presupposed
it will be given to you; seek and kindness, generosity, and justice behavior of others has no bearing
you will find; knock and the door that goes beyond strict moralism. on how one should treat them. ■
The Golden Rule in other religions
As a fundamental ethical idea, Mean says: “Do not impose on
the Golden Rule is found in many others what you yourself do
of the world’s religions and moral not desire” (13.3).
codes. However, different religions The Abrahamic religions are
each approach the rule with a united by the use of the positive
slightly different emphasis, and form to express the Golden Rule.
many Eastern religions take the Islam preaches that “None of
negative form. Buddhism says: you believes until he wishes for
“Hurt not others in ways that his brother what he wishes for
you yourself would find hurtful himself” (Hadith-Nawawi 13),
(Udana-Varga 5:18), while while Judaism’s expression of
The Qur’an tells Muslims to do good Hinduism says: “Do not do to the Golden Rule can be found in
to everyone, including wayfarers, others what would cause pain if Leviticus 19:18, with the simple
“neighbors who are strangers,” done to you” (Mahabharata 5:1517). commandment to “Love your
and slaves (Q:4:36). The Confucian Doctrine of the neighbor as yourself.”
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212 THE GOSPELS 213
See also: The Origin of Prayer 38–39 ■ The Divinity of Jesus 190–93 ■ Sermon on the Mount 204–09 ■
THIS, THEN,
Parables of Jesus 214–15 ■ The Nature of Faith 236–41
IS HOW YOU The Lord’s Prayer is the
SHOULD PRAY most perfect of prayers. …
This prayer teaches us not
only to ask for things, but
MATTHEW 6:9, THE LORD’S PRAYER also in what order we
should desire them.
Thomas Aquinas
hristianity’s most famous the Old Testament, however, is the
IN BRIEF prayer, which was taught idea of God as the Father as central
C to the discipes by Jesus as it is in Jesus’s teachings. In
PASSAGE Himself, starts on a striking note: telling His followers to say “Our
Matthew 6:9–13 “Our Father.” By opening what Father,” He encourages them to of the prayer is more pared down
Luke 11:2–4
became known as the Lord’s Prayer approach God boldly, just as a child than Matthew’s and includes just
THEME with those two words, Jesus was would approach a parent whose five petitions. In Matthew’s Gospel,
Teaching on prayer encouraging His disciples to enter care, provision, and protection they the prayer is the focal point of the
into an extraordinary intimacy with otherwise take for granted. Sermon on the Mount and includes
SETTING God—similar to the one that He the salutation and seven petitions
c. 27–29 ce The Sermon on Himself enjoyed. Learning to pray familiar to Christians today.
the Mount (in Matthew), a The image of God as a loving In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus gives the Different religious traditions had
mountainside in Galilee. Luke parent was not unknown in the prayer in response to a request from their distinctive prayers, and Jesus
says only that Jesus teaches Hebrew scriptures. As early as one of the disciples: “Lord, teach intended the Lord’s Prayer to be
the prayer “in a certain place.” Exodus 4, the Lord refers to Israel us to pray, just as John [the Baptist] for His followers to say. The early
as His “firstborn son.” Nowhere in taught his disciples.” Luke’s version Christians recited it three times
KEY FIGURES a day in the same way that Jews
Jesus The Messiah and Son recite the 18 Benedictions.
of God during His ministry in Translations Archbishop of Canterbury, and
first published in 1549. This
Galilee and Judea. The oldest known English has survived with only a few Seven petitions
Jesus’s disciples A group of versions of the Lord’s Prayer modifications as the traditional The prayer has become central to
Jewish men and women who date from before 1000 ce. John form of the prayer in English, Christian liturgies, but it is also
travel with Jesus during His Wycliffe, leader of the reformist which is still the most familiar seen as a “school of prayer.” The While the you-petitions concern Reciting the Lord’s Prayer was
once a daily ritual in many Christian
version for many people.
Lollard movement, translated it
opening salutation stresses the
God’s desire for love and justice
ministry, and spread the word into English (along with the rest The doxology (a short verse person’s membership in a family of among people, in the we-petitions families, as shown in this illustration
about Him and His teachings of the Bible) in the 1380s, and praising God) at the end of the fellow children of God: “Our Father.” the believer grapples with the from Berlin, dating from around 1900.
after His death. William Tyndale followed suit in prayer—“For thine is the Three so-called “you-petitions” challenges of living out that vision:
the 1520s and 1530s. After the kingdom …”—is not found in follow—hallowed be your name; the need for material and spiritual and it will be given to you; seek and
English Reformation, Tyndale’s the Bible, but versions of it have your kingdom come, your will be sustenance, forgiveness, mercy, you will find; knock and the door
version of the Prayer was been used for hundreds of years, done on earth as it is in heaven— and the ability to persevere. will be opened to you …” Through
included with a few changes in particularly in the Eastern and
the new Church of England’s Orthodox Church. In its present succeeded by four “we-petitions”: In both Matthew’s and Luke’s the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus repeatedly
Book of Common Prayer, form, the doxology is mostly give us our daily bread; forgive us Gospels, the prayer is followed demonstrates His belief in making
compiled by Thomas Cranmer, used by Protestants. our trespasses; lead us not into shortly afterward by other famous petitions to God, thus encouraging
temptation; and deliver us from evil. pronouncements of Jesus: “Ask people to pray. ■
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THE GOSPELS 213
See also: The Origin of Prayer 38–39 ■ The Divinity of Jesus 190–93 ■ Sermon on the Mount 204–09 ■
Parables of Jesus 214–15 ■ The Nature of Faith 236–41
The Lord’s Prayer is the
most perfect of prayers. …
This prayer teaches us not
only to ask for things, but
also in what order we
should desire them.
Thomas Aquinas
of the prayer is more pared down
than Matthew’s and includes just
five petitions. In Matthew’s Gospel,
the prayer is the focal point of the
Sermon on the Mount and includes
the salutation and seven petitions
familiar to Christians today.
Different religious traditions had
their distinctive prayers, and Jesus
intended the Lord’s Prayer to be
for His followers to say. The early
Christians recited it three times
a day in the same way that Jews
recite the 18 Benedictions.
Seven petitions
The prayer has become central to
Christian liturgies, but it is also
seen as a “school of prayer.” The While the you-petitions concern Reciting the Lord’s Prayer was
opening salutation stresses the God’s desire for love and justice once a daily ritual in many Christian
person’s membership in a family of among people, in the we-petitions families, as shown in this illustration
fellow children of God: “Our Father.” the believer grapples with the from Berlin, dating from around 1900.
Three so-called “you-petitions” challenges of living out that vision:
follow—hallowed be your name; the need for material and spiritual and it will be given to you; seek and
your kingdom come, your will be sustenance, forgiveness, mercy, you will find; knock and the door
done on earth as it is in heaven— and the ability to persevere. will be opened to you …” Through
succeeded by four “we-petitions”: In both Matthew’s and Luke’s the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus repeatedly
give us our daily bread; forgive us Gospels, the prayer is followed demonstrates His belief in making
our trespasses; lead us not into shortly afterward by other famous petitions to God, thus encouraging
temptation; and deliver us from evil. pronouncements of Jesus: “Ask people to pray. ■
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214 THE GOSPELS 215
See also: The Good Samaritan 216–17 ■ The Prodigal Son 218–21 ■ The oral tradition
WHOEVER HAS Unsurprisingly, only the seeds on Before the Jewish and
Workers in the Vineyard 223
Christian traditions existed
in written form, they were
the good soil yield abundant crops.
EARS, LET Jesus explains what the parable almost always passed down
orally. The history, values, and
signifies: the seed stands for the
folklore of these communities
truth of the kingdom, while the
were verbally transmitted
Jesus spoke all these
THEM HEAR various soils represent the people anything to them without from teacher to student in
things to the crowd in
hearing the truth (18–23). If people
familial or educational circles.
parables; he did not say
are not “good soil”—receptive to
Since the spoken word was
the word of God—they will not
the main form of education,
MATTHEW 13:43, PARABLES OF JESUS come to understand it. Only those using a parable. students refined their listening
skills, while teachers sought
who comprehend the word and let it
Matthew 13:3
transform their lives will bear fruit. to be riveting orators. They
used rhetorical devices to help
Speaking in parables structure their teachings and
Jesus uses everyday images, but make them more memorable.
IN BRIEF some fail to grasp the complex Jesus learned and taught
spiritual truths they communicate. in this method, which is why
PASSAGE For instance, after Jesus tells them are not always so obvious. This is He often quoted the scriptures
Matthew 13:1–53, several parables, the disciples ask the very nature of parables—and from memory and chose to
Luke 8–20, Mark 4–13 teach with parables: they
Him to explain the story about the one of the reasons Jesus uses them. were short, rich with meaning,
THEME weeds in the field (13:36), which He uses parables not just to convey and easy to remember. The
Teaching through stories explains the existence of good the truth to those who believe, but number of parables recorded
and evil people in the world. to conceal it from those who harden in the Gospels—decades after
SETTING Once Jesus explains them, the their hearts to Him. They will not Jesus’s death—demonstrates
c. 27–29 ce The Galilee region. stories make complete sense to know the truth because “they their memorability and His
the disciples. However, when Jesus hardly hear with their ears … they skill as a rabbi and storyteller.
KEY FIGURES does not clarify their meaning, they
Jesus The Messiah and Son have closed their eyes” (13:15). ■
of God during His ministry
in Galilee and Judea.
Five main types of parable told by Jesus:
Jesus’s disciples A group
of Jewish men and women ne of the many reasons A farmer sows his seeds in Marten
who call Jesus their rabbi or the Bible is still so popular van Valckenborch’s 1590 depiction of
the parable of the sower. The painting
teacher. They travel with Him O today is its use of story. also shows Jesus (in a boat) telling the
during His ministry and As humans, we are captivated by story to His followers.
preach about Him and His the power of narrative, so skilled
teachings after His death. orators use stories to convey Describing Describing the About love and Explaining Explaining
concepts. Jesus is no exception. the situations in the stories and Heaven lost being forgiveness the nature Judgment
He uses short, meaningful stories their own lives as servants of God. as in The redeemed as in The of prayer Day as
called “parables” to engage and They are sometimes called earthly Hidden as in The Unforgiving as in The in The
teach His listeners. stories with heavenly meanings, as Treasure Lost Sheep Servant Unjust Judge Ten Virgins
The word “parable” comes Jesus uses common socio-cultural (Matt 13:44). (Luke 15:1–7). (Matt 18:21–35). (Luke 18:1–8). (Matt 25:1–13).
from the Greek parabole, meaning contexts, such as farming, to explain
“placing beside” or “comparison,” the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew
and refers to the fact that parables 13:3–8, for example, Jesus tells the
use extended analogies to explain story of a farmer whose seed falls
God’s teachings. Parables allow variously on a path, rocky ground, Jesus uses parables to teach several different religious lessons.
readers to draw comparisons with thorns, and good soil.
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THE GOSPELS 215
See also: The Good Samaritan 216–17 ■ The Prodigal Son 218–21 ■ The oral tradition
Workers in the Vineyard 223
Before the Jewish and
Christian traditions existed
Unsurprisingly, only the seeds on in written form, they were
the good soil yield abundant crops. almost always passed down
Jesus explains what the parable orally. The history, values, and
signifies: the seed stands for the folklore of these communities
truth of the kingdom, while the were verbally transmitted
various soils represent the people Jesus spoke all these from teacher to student in
hearing the truth (18–23). If people things to the crowd in familial or educational circles.
are not “good soil”—receptive to parables; he did not say Since the spoken word was
the word of God—they will not anything to them without the main form of education,
come to understand it. Only those using a parable. students refined their listening
who comprehend the word and let it Matthew 13:3 skills, while teachers sought
transform their lives will bear fruit. to be riveting orators. They
used rhetorical devices to help
Speaking in parables structure their teachings and
Jesus uses everyday images, but make them more memorable.
Jesus learned and taught
some fail to grasp the complex in this method, which is why
spiritual truths they communicate. He often quoted the scriptures
For instance, after Jesus tells them are not always so obvious. This is from memory and chose to
several parables, the disciples ask the very nature of parables—and teach with parables: they
Him to explain the story about the one of the reasons Jesus uses them. were short, rich with meaning,
weeds in the field (13:36), which He uses parables not just to convey and easy to remember. The
explains the existence of good the truth to those who believe, but number of parables recorded
and evil people in the world. to conceal it from those who harden in the Gospels—decades after
Once Jesus explains them, the their hearts to Him. They will not Jesus’s death—demonstrates
stories make complete sense to know the truth because “they their memorability and His
the disciples. However, when Jesus hardly hear with their ears … they skill as a rabbi and storyteller.
does not clarify their meaning, they have closed their eyes” (13:15). ■
Five main types of parable told by Jesus:
Describing Describing the About love and Explaining Explaining
Heaven lost being forgiveness the nature Judgment
as in The redeemed as in The of prayer Day as
Hidden as in The Unforgiving as in The in The
Treasure Lost Sheep Servant Unjust Judge Ten Virgins
(Matt 13:44). (Luke 15:1–7). (Matt 18:21–35). (Luke 18:1–8). (Matt 25:1–13).
Jesus uses parables to teach several different religious lessons.
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216 THE GOSPELS 217
See also: The Golden Rule 210–11 ■ Parables of Jesus 214–15 ■
WHEN HE SAW Early Christian allegorical reading
The Prodigal Son 218–21 ■ Workers in the Vineyard 223
of The Good Samaritan
HIM, HE TOOK The traveler comes Adam comes down
PITY ON HIM down from Jerusalem …
from Eden …
… falls from grace
LUKE 10:33, THE GOOD SAMARITAN … falls because of thieves … because of evil spirits … Samaria
Samaria is a region in modern
Israel that roughly equates to
the biblical Northern Kingdom
he Parable of the Good must also love your neighbor.
IN BRIEF Samaritan is one of several Jesus tells the expert that he has … unaided by the passing … unaided by the Law of of Israel. Samaria was also the
T stories told by Jesus, and, found his answer, but when the priest or the Levite … Moses or the prophets … name given to the city built in
PASSAGE like many parables, only appears expert is not satisfied, Jesus uses a the 9th century bce by King
Luke 10:25–37 Omri, who declared it capital
in the Gospel of Luke. At the heart parable as a novel means of getting of the region. In 722 bce,
THEME of it is the Golden Rule—that we him to seek the answer out himself. following the fall of the city
Charity to the unfortunate must treat others as we would The story concerns a man who of Samaria to the Assyrian
expect to be treated ourselves. is going from Jerusalem to Jericho, … until the Samaritan … until Jesus anoints Adam empire, many foreign groups
SETTING The story begins with “an when he is robbed and left for dead oils and bandages him … and brings salvation … (2 Kings 17:24) were moved
c.27–29 ce The road from expert in the Law” asking Jesus by the side of the road. A priest into the land by the Assyrians,
Jerusalem to Jericho during how to inherit eternal life. When passes and does nothing. Then a eventually forming what
the time of Christ’s ministry. Jesus asks the expert to consider Levite passes and does nothing. would become known as
the Law, he begins by quoting Yet when a Samaritan comes past, … takes him to the inn … takes him to the Samaritans. These groups
KEY FIGURES Deuteronomy 6:5, which says to he stops, takes care of the man’s and promises to return. Church and promises were largely composed of
Jesus The Messiah and Son love the Lord with all your heart, wounds, and gives him food, before the Second Coming. Gentiles, and for this reason,
of God during His ministry soul, and strength. The expert then paying for the man to stay in an inn. Judeans were wary of the
in Galilee. quotes Leviticus 19:18, that you Jesus ends the story by asking the Samaritans, who were not
viewed as ethnically or
Expert of the Law Possibly expert who is the better neighbor. reader an insight into the theology emphasizing the message of the religiously Jewish. Over time,
a priest, who has studied of the author of Luke. Given that parable: to love your neighbor, Samaritans came to be seen
the Torah. A story of Luke he was probably a Greek-speaking and enemy, as you love yourself. as unclean people, who lived
Although Matthew (22:34–40) Gentile, the parable is a perfect sinfully and worshipped at
The Good Samaritan and Mark (12:28–34) include the analogy of Jesus extending His Road from Jerusalem the altars of pagan gods.
A traveler who shows Law expert’s question, they do not favor to non-Jews. Roads and pathways are “liminal” In the New Testament,
compassion for a stranger. include this parable. Because of In particular, the positioning spaces—they signify a transition Jesus initially commands His
this omission, some scholars of a non-Jew—and Samaritan—as from one place to another. In a disciples to avoid frequenting
The stranger A man question the authenticity of the the protagonist of a parable would literal sense, roads are ungoverned, any Gentile or Samaritan city.
traveling the road to Jericho. story as a true parable of Christ. have shocked contemporary Jewish dangerous spaces. With Jerusalem Later, however, Jesus visits
Nonetheless, the story gives the audiences, due to a longstanding being a popular destination for Samaritan areas, healing
rivalry between the Jews and the trade and pilgrimage, it would the sick, casting out demons,
Samaritans since the 5th century come as no surprise to find bandits and showing compassion
The stranger is helped onto the back bce. In telling this parable, Jesus lying in wait. In the Bible, roads where others had not. It seems
of the Samaritan’s horse, while other fitting, therefore, that the
passers-by disappear into the distance, helps His audience to see the are often metaphorical, suggesting merciful man in this parable
in this 1890 depiction by Vincent Van kindness in a figure they would a pathway to wisdom, immorality, should be a Samaritan.
Gogh (after Eugène Delacroix). traditionally consider an adversary, goodness, or God. ■
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THE GOSPELS 217
See also: The Golden Rule 210–11 ■ Parables of Jesus 214–15 ■
The Prodigal Son 218–21 ■ Workers in the Vineyard 223
Early Christian allegorical reading
of The Good Samaritan
The traveler comes Adam comes down
down from Jerusalem … from Eden …
… falls from grace
… falls because of thieves … Samaria
because of evil spirits …
Samaria is a region in modern
Israel that roughly equates to
the biblical Northern Kingdom
of Israel. Samaria was also the
… unaided by the passing … unaided by the Law of name given to the city built in
priest or the Levite … Moses or the prophets … the 9th century bce by King
Omri, who declared it capital
of the region. In 722 bce,
following the fall of the city
of Samaria to the Assyrian
… until the Samaritan … until Jesus anoints Adam empire, many foreign groups
oils and bandages him … and brings salvation … (2 Kings 17:24) were moved
into the land by the Assyrians,
eventually forming what
would become known as
… takes him to the Samaritans. These groups
… takes him to the inn
and promises to return. Church and promises were largely composed of
the Second Coming. Gentiles, and for this reason,
Judeans were wary of the
Samaritans, who were not
viewed as ethnically or
reader an insight into the theology emphasizing the message of the religiously Jewish. Over time,
of the author of Luke. Given that parable: to love your neighbor, Samaritans came to be seen
he was probably a Greek-speaking and enemy, as you love yourself. as unclean people, who lived
Gentile, the parable is a perfect sinfully and worshipped at
analogy of Jesus extending His Road from Jerusalem the altars of pagan gods.
favor to non-Jews. Roads and pathways are “liminal” In the New Testament,
In particular, the positioning spaces—they signify a transition Jesus initially commands His
of a non-Jew—and Samaritan—as from one place to another. In a disciples to avoid frequenting
the protagonist of a parable would literal sense, roads are ungoverned, any Gentile or Samaritan city.
have shocked contemporary Jewish dangerous spaces. With Jerusalem Later, however, Jesus visits
audiences, due to a longstanding being a popular destination for Samaritan areas, healing
rivalry between the Jews and the trade and pilgrimage, it would the sick, casting out demons,
Samaritans since the 5th century come as no surprise to find bandits and showing compassion
where others had not. It seems
bce. In telling this parable, Jesus lying in wait. In the Bible, roads fitting, therefore, that the
helps His audience to see the are often metaphorical, suggesting merciful man in this parable
kindness in a figure they would a pathway to wisdom, immorality, should be a Samaritan.
traditionally consider an adversary, goodness, or God. ■
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THE GOSPELS
218 IN BRIEF See also: Proverbs 148–51 ■ The Prophet Micah 168–71 ■ Call for Repentance 172 ■ The Good Samaritan 216–17 219
THIS BROTHER PASSAGE of “prodigal,” meaning “recklessly make me like one of your hired
Luke 15:32
OF YOURS THEME extravagant.” At the same time, servants” (Luke 15:18–19). Having leaves his family, an
practiced his apology, he journeys
however, famine strikes the land.
God seeks out the lost
The youngest son
home to beg forgiveness from his
The prodigal son, reduced to
SETTING
act that symbolizes
penury, is forced to hire himself out
unwitting father and brother.
c. 27–29 ce The road
WAS DEAD … to Jerusalem. to a local farmer, who puts him to Healing the rift a turning away
from God.
work looking after his pigs. In his
miserable state, he longs to eat the
When his father spots the prodigal
KEY FIGURES
son in the distance, he does not feel
same food that the pigs are eating.
Jesus The Messiah and Son
HE WAS LOST of God during His ministry The choice of pigs is deliberate. the urge to rebuke him for his
misdeeds. Instead, he is filled with
According to Mosaic Law, swine
in Galilee.
compassion for his long-lost child.
are classed as unclean. Eating and
The father runs hastily to greet his
even touching them is forbidden
The father A farmer.
AND IS FOUND The prodigal son The (Leviticus 11:7–8). The fact that the returning son, embraces him, and profligate life of
He lives a
prodigal son is contemplating
seals the reconciliation with a kiss.
sinful behavior.
farmer’s younger son.
eating pig slops is therefore a highly
The prodigal son only gets as far
as the end of the second sentence
significant demonstration of his
LUKE 15:32, THE PRODIGAL SON The older son The farmer’s hunger, desperation, and moral of his prepared speech before his
older son.
depths to which he has fallen.
father interrupts him. He tells his
Faced with poverty, the prodigal servants to bring him the best robe
son is finally made to confront his they can find and clothe his son
sinful actions. He recognizes how with it. Similarly, they are told to
f all of the allegorical and greedy he has been and decides put a ring on one of his fingers and
moral tales that Jesus told to return to his father and beg for sandals on his feet. Following ❯❯ Famine strikes the
nation, echoing his
O during His ministry, the forgiveness. He even rehearses the spiritual drought.
parable of the prodigal son is one of plea of contrition that he will use
the most beloved and well-known. in order to win his father’s favor. The Prodigal Son depicted as a
swineherd in 1608, by the Flemish
Widely regarded as one of the “Father, I have sinned against master David Vinckboons, and printed
greatest short stories ever told, the heaven and you,” he says. “I am no by Claes Jansz Visscher. The protagonist
tale offers profound insights on the longer worthy to be called your son; looks enviously at the pigs’ food.
human condition, and its essential
message of repentance, forgiveness,
and redemption has ensured its He returns home,
timeless popularity. like a sinner returning
to God.
Presumption and pigs
The parable concerns a farmer with
two sons, who will jointly inherit
his land. Rather than wait until
the death of his father, the younger
son asks for his share of the family
estate, and the father divides up His story shows
his property accordingly.
The son swaps the land he has it is never too late
been given for cash and sets off for to repent and be
an unnamed distant country It does forgiven.
not take long for him to spend all of
his money—leading to the moniker
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THE GOSPELS 219
See also: Proverbs 148–51 ■ The Prophet Micah 168–71 ■ Call for Repentance 172 ■ The Good Samaritan 216–17
of “prodigal,” meaning “recklessly make me like one of your hired
extravagant.” At the same time, servants” (Luke 15:18–19). Having
however, famine strikes the land. practiced his apology, he journeys The youngest son
The prodigal son, reduced to home to beg forgiveness from his leaves his family, an
penury, is forced to hire himself out unwitting father and brother. act that symbolizes
to a local farmer, who puts him to a turning away
work looking after his pigs. In his Healing the rift from God.
miserable state, he longs to eat the When his father spots the prodigal
same food that the pigs are eating. son in the distance, he does not feel
The choice of pigs is deliberate. the urge to rebuke him for his
According to Mosaic Law, swine misdeeds. Instead, he is filled with
are classed as unclean. Eating and compassion for his long-lost child.
even touching them is forbidden The father runs hastily to greet his
(Leviticus 11:7–8). The fact that the returning son, embraces him, and He lives a
prodigal son is contemplating seals the reconciliation with a kiss. profligate life of
eating pig slops is therefore a highly The prodigal son only gets as far sinful behavior.
significant demonstration of his as the end of the second sentence
hunger, desperation, and moral of his prepared speech before his
depths to which he has fallen. father interrupts him. He tells his
Faced with poverty, the prodigal servants to bring him the best robe
son is finally made to confront his they can find and clothe his son
sinful actions. He recognizes how with it. Similarly, they are told to
greedy he has been and decides put a ring on one of his fingers and
to return to his father and beg for sandals on his feet. Following ❯❯ Famine strikes the
nation, echoing his
forgiveness. He even rehearses the spiritual drought.
plea of contrition that he will use
in order to win his father’s favor. The Prodigal Son depicted as a
swineherd in 1608, by the Flemish
“Father, I have sinned against master David Vinckboons, and printed
heaven and you,” he says. “I am no by Claes Jansz Visscher. The protagonist
longer worthy to be called your son; looks enviously at the pigs’ food.
He returns home,
like a sinner returning
to God.
His story shows
it is never too late
to repent and be
forgiven.
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220 THE PRODIGAL SON THE GOSPELS 221
The Return of the Prodigal Son by addition to the prodigal son,
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1618–1682), contains two other parables linked
painted sometime around 1667–1670. by a common theme—the lost sheep
The riches of the father contrast with and the lost coin. In the first of
the son’s dirty feet and ragged clothes.
these parables, Jesus is not worried
about the sheep that are safe—all His father saw him and
father for years with little to no 99 of them; he is concerned about was filled with compassion
acknowledgment, his resentment the one sheep that is lost. The point for him; he ran to his son,
is understandable. This sense of is reiterated in the second parable, threw his arms around
identification with the plight of the about a lost coin which, when him, and kissed him.
elder brother only heightens the rediscovered, becomes all the more Luke 15:20
power of the parable’s conclusion. treasured. Throughout these first
While the older brother has been two parables, Jesus repeatedly
open and honest in his assertions, states the possibility of forgiveness Lost and found
his self-righteous and self-centered and redemption, saying: “there is
attitude is condemned by Jesus. In rejoicing in the presence of the As well as the three parables
the older brother’s fury at the lack angels of God over one sinner in Luke 15, the notion of
of recognition that his father has who repents” (15:10). The father figure represents God things that are “lost” and
given to his good deeds, or works, In the parable of the prodigal Himself. Despite having been “found” features elsewhere
in the Bible, such as Luke
he is unable to exhibit the grace of son, this message is taken further, wronged by his son’s actions, 19:10 and Psalm 119. In Psalm
his father and welcome his brother with the lost being contrasted he loves him and welcomes him 119 in particular, the idea is
home. What is more, the older against the faithful. The prodigal home with open arms—just as highly relevant. This acrostic
this, the celebrations begin with celebrate … [your brother] was brother cannot share in his father’s son represents any person who God, throughout the Bible, forgives poem is a prayer to God, which
the slaughter of a fattened calf—a dead and is alive again; he was gratitude that the prodigal son has has—one way or another, through His people for their misdeeds tells Him: “I have strayed like
lavish expense—followed by lost and is found” (Luke 15:28–31). owned up to his mistakes and greed or negligence—strayed from on the basis of His grace. The a lost sheep. Seek your servant,
feasting, singing, and dancing. When engaging with the sought out forgiveness. We never God. His older brother represents message of the Prodigal Son is for I have not forgotten your
parable of the prodigal son for the learn whether the older brother the loyal believers who, basking clear. It is the people who are lost commands” (Psalm 119:176).
Undeserved welcome first time, it is easy or even natural repents for his behavior. in their self-righteousness, may that need to be shown God’s mercy Isaiah 41:10 sums up God’s
Meanwhile, the prodigal son’s older to identify with the helpless rage be blind to the sin of their own and forgiveness the most, so that reaction to all such pleas from
brother, who has spent the day exhibited by the elder son. His Lost but redeemed arrogance; his presence in the story they may be found again. the lost who pray for guidance:
laboring in his father’s fields, hears belief that he has suffered an In the Bible, important principles are reminds those who hear it that the “So do not fear for I am with
the music as he approaches home. injustice is certainly not unfounded often repeated for emphasis. This is grace of God is above petty human Context of Luke you; do not be dismayed, for I
A servant tells him why his father and, having worked hard for his exemplified by Luke 15, which, in notions of justice and fairness. Though Luke was not present with am your God. I will strengthen
you and help you; I will uphold
has ordered such rejoicing. Jesus at the time of His ministry— you with my strong right
When he learns the reason for Familial relationships and inheritance in all likelihood, he did not convert hand.” Solomon, the son of
the celebrations, the older brother until after the resurrection—it is King David, also preaches
becomes infuriated. He refuses to In the ancient world, land was the oldest would get 40 percent notable that his Gospel account is about the need to trust in
join the party, despite his father’s a family’s most important asset. of the estate and the others the only one to include the parable God, and to do so fully,
pleadings. He tells his father that For this reason, laws evolved 20 percent each. Daughters did of the prodigal son. While the “with all your heart and lean
while he, the elder brother has that governed the rights of not inherit, but were provided When he came to his Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, not on your understanding”
worked tirelessly and obediently for inheritance. Though the Bible with a dowry that went to their senses, he said, ‘How Mark, and Luke are broadly similar (Proverbs 3:5). He goes on to
his father for many years, he has varies in what it says these laws husband’s family when they many of my father’s hired in content, the Gospel of Luke in say that if you acknowledge
never been rewarded. In contrast, he stipulate—probably because the married. They could only inherit servants have food to particular addresses a specific God “in all your ways” and
says, “when this son of yours who texts setting them out were their father’s estate if there were spare, and here I am challenge often put to Jesus—that “submit to him,” then God will
has squandered your property with written at different times—it is no sons to do so. starving to death!’ in associating with sinners, He “make your paths straight”
prostitutes comes home, you kill the clear that a man’s principal heirs Contrarily, the New Testament Luke 15:17 Himself is acting sinfully. It is (Proverbs 3:6). According to
fattened calf for him!” (Luke 15:30) were sons born to him by his focuses on spiritual, rather than therefore perhaps not surprising Solomon, by following the
wife or wives. As stated in
word of God and obeying His
physical, inheritance. Indeed, in
However, his father does not see it Deuteronomy 21, the eldest son Luke 12:13–21, Jesus specifically that Luke alone would focus on will, His people will be guided
this way. “My son,” he says, “you inherits a double share. So if, for states that life “does not consist a tale that encourages forgiveness through life and not become
are always with me and everything example, there were four sons, of an abundance of possessions.” of the wayward sinner, regardless of “lost” or sinful.
I have is yours. But we have to any transgressions in his past. ■
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THE GOSPELS 221
addition to the prodigal son,
contains two other parables linked
by a common theme—the lost sheep
and the lost coin. In the first of
these parables, Jesus is not worried
about the sheep that are safe—all His father saw him and
99 of them; he is concerned about was filled with compassion
the one sheep that is lost. The point for him; he ran to his son,
is reiterated in the second parable, threw his arms around
about a lost coin which, when him, and kissed him.
rediscovered, becomes all the more Luke 15:20
treasured. Throughout these first
two parables, Jesus repeatedly
states the possibility of forgiveness Lost and found
and redemption, saying: “there is
rejoicing in the presence of the As well as the three parables
angels of God over one sinner in Luke 15, the notion of
who repents” (15:10). The father figure represents God things that are “lost” and
In the parable of the prodigal Himself. Despite having been “found” features elsewhere
son, this message is taken further, wronged by his son’s actions, in the Bible, such as Luke
19:10 and Psalm 119. In Psalm
with the lost being contrasted he loves him and welcomes him 119 in particular, the idea is
against the faithful. The prodigal home with open arms—just as highly relevant. This acrostic
son represents any person who God, throughout the Bible, forgives poem is a prayer to God, which
has—one way or another, through His people for their misdeeds tells Him: “I have strayed like
greed or negligence—strayed from on the basis of His grace. The a lost sheep. Seek your servant,
God. His older brother represents message of the Prodigal Son is for I have not forgotten your
the loyal believers who, basking clear. It is the people who are lost commands” (Psalm 119:176).
in their self-righteousness, may that need to be shown God’s mercy Isaiah 41:10 sums up God’s
be blind to the sin of their own and forgiveness the most, so that reaction to all such pleas from
arrogance; his presence in the story they may be found again. the lost who pray for guidance:
reminds those who hear it that the “So do not fear for I am with
grace of God is above petty human Context of Luke you; do not be dismayed, for I
notions of justice and fairness. Though Luke was not present with am your God. I will strengthen
you and help you; I will uphold
Jesus at the time of His ministry— you with my strong right
in all likelihood, he did not convert hand.” Solomon, the son of
until after the resurrection—it is King David, also preaches
notable that his Gospel account is about the need to trust in
the only one to include the parable God, and to do so fully,
of the prodigal son. While the “with all your heart and lean
When he came to his Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, not on your understanding”
senses, he said, ‘How Mark, and Luke are broadly similar (Proverbs 3:5). He goes on to
many of my father’s hired in content, the Gospel of Luke in say that if you acknowledge
servants have food to particular addresses a specific God “in all your ways” and
spare, and here I am challenge often put to Jesus—that “submit to him,” then God will
starving to death!’ in associating with sinners, He “make your paths straight”
Luke 15:17 Himself is acting sinfully. It is (Proverbs 3:6). According to
therefore perhaps not surprising Solomon, by following the
word of God and obeying His
that Luke alone would focus on will, His people will be guided
a tale that encourages forgiveness through life and not become
of the wayward sinner, regardless of “lost” or sinful.
any transgressions in his past. ■
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222 THE GOSPELS 223
FROM WHOM DO SO THE LAST WILL
THE KINGS OF THE BE FIRST, AND THE
EARTH COLLECT FIRST WILL BE LAST
DUTY AND TAXES? MATTHEW 20:16, WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD
MATTHEW 17:27, THE TEMPLE TAX
n addition to the taxes that he parable of the workers owner goes out again four times—
IN BRIEF were imposed on the people IN BRIEF in the vineyard is one that at 9 am, midday, 3 pm, and 5 pm.
I of Judea by Rome, a voluntary T many readers with modern Each time he leaves, he encounters
PASSAGE Temple tax was levied on Jewish PASSAGE notions of fairness struggle to more men doing nothing and offers
Matthew 17:27 Matthew 20:16
males over the age of 20 to pay accept. However, it functions very them work in his vineyard too,
THEME for sacrifices and incense in the THEME well as a demonstration of how God which Jesus says represents “the
God’s provision Temple. In Matthew 17, the Apostle God operates through deals with people on the basis of kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 20:1).
describes Jesus and His disciples unending grace grace, rather than works. When evening comes, the
SETTING arriving in Capernaum, where Peter In the parable, a landowner goes landowner gathers the workers. He
c. 27–29 ce Capernaum is confronted by the collectors of SETTING out early one morning to recruit pays all of them the same amount—
at the Sea of Galilee. the Temple tax. When the officials Peter finds a coin in the mouth of a c. 27–29 ce The region workers. He agrees to pay each of one denarius each. The men who
ask Peter if His master pays the fish on the shores of Lake Capernaum, of Galilee. the laborers a denarius for the day. worked longer hours are outraged.
KEY FIGURES tax, Peter affirms that He does. in a 17th-century Dutch engraving Later in the day, the vineyard The landowner, however, brushes
Jesus The Messiah and Son A little later, Jesus challenges by Salomon Savery after a painting by KEY FIGURES away their objections, saying that
of God during His ministry Peter, asking if taxes are paid by Peter Paul Rubens. Jesus The Messiah and Son he is generous and has the right to
in Galilee. the children of the “kings of the of God during His ministry use his money as he sees fit.
Peter A fisherman by trade earth” (Matthew 17:25). In response, that is imposed on the house of in Galilee.
and one of Jesus’s most Peter grants that taxes are not paid God. Yet Jesus instructs Peter to The landowner Owner of Interpreting the tale
favored disciples. by the children of kings. Then, in a fish for the coin, explaining it must the vineyard and the purveyor The story of the workers in the
miraculous twist, Jesus tells Peter be done “so that we may not offend” of God’s grace. These who were hired last … vineyard shows us that God’s grace
Tax collectors State officials to catch a fish and open its mouth. the tax collectors (Matthew 17:27). you have made … equal can supersede human logic. One
generally disliked for their There he will find a four-drachma Jesus’s actions suggest that it The workers The employees to us who have borne the interpretation of the parable is that
corrupt practices. coin with which he is to pay both is sometimes necessary to comply of the landowner gathered burden of the work and those who turn to God late in life
his own tax and Jesus’s. with the views of others in order from the marketplace. the heat of the day. are just as worthy of salvation as
to keep the peace. However, they Matthew 20:12 those who have always believed.
The tax is paid do not pay from their own pockets: Other theologians go further,
When Jesus speaks of the children the miracle of the coin in the fish’s presenting the first laborers
of kings, He casts Himself and His mouth shows God’s generosity and as Jews, and the latecomers as
disciples as sons of God who are His capacity to lovingly provide for Gentiles—both equally deserving
therefore exempt from the taxation both His Son and His people. ■ of God’s love and salvation. ■
See also: A Child in the Temple 188 ■ Jesus Embraces a Tax Collector 242–43 ■ See also: Parables of Jesus 214–15 ■ The Good Samaritan 216–17 ■
Cleansing the Temple 244–45 The Prodigal Son 218–21
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THE GOSPELS 223
SO THE LAST WILL
BE FIRST, AND THE
FIRST WILL BE LAST
MATTHEW 20:16, WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD
he parable of the workers owner goes out again four times—
IN BRIEF in the vineyard is one that at 9 am, midday, 3 pm, and 5 pm.
T many readers with modern Each time he leaves, he encounters
PASSAGE notions of fairness struggle to more men doing nothing and offers
Matthew 20:16
accept. However, it functions very them work in his vineyard too,
THEME well as a demonstration of how God which Jesus says represents “the
God operates through deals with people on the basis of kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 20:1).
unending grace grace, rather than works. When evening comes, the
In the parable, a landowner goes landowner gathers the workers. He
SETTING out early one morning to recruit pays all of them the same amount—
c. 27–29 ce The region workers. He agrees to pay each of one denarius each. The men who
of Galilee. the laborers a denarius for the day. worked longer hours are outraged.
Later in the day, the vineyard The landowner, however, brushes
KEY FIGURES away their objections, saying that
Jesus The Messiah and Son he is generous and has the right to
of God during His ministry use his money as he sees fit.
in Galilee.
The landowner Owner of Interpreting the tale
the vineyard and the purveyor These who were hired last … The story of the workers in the
of God’s grace. you have made … equal vineyard shows us that God’s grace
can supersede human logic. One
The workers The employees to us who have borne the interpretation of the parable is that
of the landowner gathered burden of the work and those who turn to God late in life
from the marketplace. the heat of the day. are just as worthy of salvation as
Matthew 20:12 those who have always believed.
Other theologians go further,
presenting the first laborers
as Jews, and the latecomers as
Gentiles—both equally deserving
of God’s love and salvation. ■
See also: Parables of Jesus 214–15 ■ The Good Samaritan 216–17 ■
The Prodigal Son 218–21
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224 THE GOSPELS 225
See also: The Raising of Lazarus 226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 228–31 ■ Healing of the Beggar 284–87 ■
MY NAME IS Jesus approaches the man and
The Final Judgment 316–21
calls for the demon to come out of
LEGION, FOR Him. The demon replies: “What do
you want with me, Jesus, Son of
the Most High God? In God’s name,
WE ARE MANY don’t torture me!” (Mark 5:7) Jesus Matthew 15:21–28
asks for the name of the demon,
A Canaanite
who tells Him it is “Legion, for
woman’s daughter.
we are many.”
MARK 5:9, DEMONS AND THE HERD OF PIGS Unclean and unwanted
The demons plead with Jesus not A boy. A mute man.
to send them away, but rather to Mark 9:17–29 Matthew 9:32–34
send them into the bodies of a large
ften referred to as the out of His boat, a man possessed by herd of pigs grazing nearby. When
IN BRIEF Miracle of the Gadarene a demon, a demoniac, comes down Jesus grants the demons their
O Swine, the miracle of the from some tombs to meet Him. The wish, the pigs hurtle down the
PASSAGE demons and the herd of pigs man is so strong that he cannot be steep hillside into the lake and are
Mark 5:1–20 demonstrates the total authority bound, breaking his chains and drowned, demonstrating Jesus’s Subjects of
Luke 8:26–39 of Jesus over the spiritual realm. cutting himself with stones, while dominion over spiritual creatures. exorcism
Matthew 8:28–34
The story is recounted in three crying out at the top of his voice. The pig-keepers are angry at the A man in the synagogue A blind and mute man.
THEME of the Gospels—Mark 5:1–20, Luke loss of their property and when the at Capernaum. Matthew 12:22–32
Luke 4:35
Jesus’s authority over 8:26–39, and Matthew 8:28–34— Jesus heals the demoniac in this local people hear about the carnage,
the spiritual realm but the fullest account is in Mark. 6th-century mosaic from the Basilica they remonstrate with Jesus and
Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, ask Him to leave. As He climbs The traditional interpretation of pig-keepers. Thus, the miracle is
SETTING with His followers and arrives in the Italy. The drowning pigs are depicted back into His boat, however, Jesus this story is that, in casting out the a judgment on the townsmen’s
c. 27–29 ce Gerasene shores land of the Gerasenes. As He gets next to the possessed man. is hailed by the cured demoniac. demons and condemning the pigs, concern for their pigs over the
of the Sea of Galilee. The man begs Jesus to let him Jesus prioritized the soul of the possessed man. The tale may
travel with Him, but Jesus refuses, man. Medieval scholar St. Thomas also have symbolic meaning.
KEY FIGURES telling the man to go home to his Aquinas argued that Jesus acted Judaism regards pigs as unclean,
Jesus The Messiah and Son own people and tell them how to save the demoniac’s soul rather and therefore the herd might be a
of God at the height of His much the Lord has done for him. than his body or the property of the good place to bury impure spirits. ■
ministry in Galilee.
The demoniac An immensely Demonic Possession demon acts externally against
strong demon-possessed man its victim. This can involve
who lives in tombs near the According to French Benedictine unexplained lesions, epileptic
shores of the Sea of Galilee. monk Antoine Augustin Calmet, seizures, and facial deformation.
writing in the 18th century, in In the Old Testament, evil
Pig-keepers The unfortunate the Bible there are two forms of spirits are mentioned in 1
herdsmen who see their pigs demonic attack—“possession” Samuel, 1 Kings, and Job. There
drown and inform the local and “obsession.” The former is a greater number of demonic
people of Jesus’s miracle. usually involves the internal attacks in the New Testament.
“ownership” of the individual However, Calmet notes that
by an evil spirit. This manifests what seemed to be demons may
in the form of physical agitation, have often represented little
a furious temper, speaking in more than simple maladies
tongues, and uttering blasphemy. that could not be explained
“Obsession” occurs when the by contemporary physicians.
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THE GOSPELS 225
See also: The Raising of Lazarus 226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 228–31 ■ Healing of the Beggar 284–87 ■
The Final Judgment 316–21
Jesus approaches the man and
calls for the demon to come out of
Him. The demon replies: “What do
you want with me, Jesus, Son of
the Most High God? In God’s name,
don’t torture me!” (Mark 5:7) Jesus
asks for the name of the demon,
A Canaanite
who tells Him it is “Legion, for woman’s daughter.
we are many.” Matthew 15:21–28
Unclean and unwanted
The demons plead with Jesus not A boy. A mute man.
to send them away, but rather to Mark 9:17–29 Matthew 9:32–34
send them into the bodies of a large
herd of pigs grazing nearby. When
Jesus grants the demons their
wish, the pigs hurtle down the
steep hillside into the lake and are
drowned, demonstrating Jesus’s Subjects of
dominion over spiritual creatures. exorcism
The pig-keepers are angry at the A man in the synagogue A blind and mute man.
loss of their property and when the at Capernaum. Matthew 12:22–32
local people hear about the carnage, Luke 4:35
they remonstrate with Jesus and
ask Him to leave. As He climbs The traditional interpretation of pig-keepers. Thus, the miracle is
back into His boat, however, Jesus this story is that, in casting out the a judgment on the townsmen’s
is hailed by the cured demoniac. demons and condemning the pigs, concern for their pigs over the
The man begs Jesus to let him Jesus prioritized the soul of the possessed man. The tale may
travel with Him, but Jesus refuses, man. Medieval scholar St. Thomas also have symbolic meaning.
telling the man to go home to his Aquinas argued that Jesus acted Judaism regards pigs as unclean,
own people and tell them how to save the demoniac’s soul rather and therefore the herd might be a
much the Lord has done for him. than his body or the property of the good place to bury impure spirits. ■
Demonic Possession demon acts externally against
its victim. This can involve
According to French Benedictine unexplained lesions, epileptic
monk Antoine Augustin Calmet, seizures, and facial deformation.
writing in the 18th century, in In the Old Testament, evil
the Bible there are two forms of spirits are mentioned in 1
demonic attack—“possession” Samuel, 1 Kings, and Job. There
and “obsession.” The former is a greater number of demonic
usually involves the internal attacks in the New Testament.
“ownership” of the individual However, Calmet notes that
by an evil spirit. This manifests what seemed to be demons may
in the form of physical agitation, have often represented little
a furious temper, speaking in more than simple maladies
tongues, and uttering blasphemy. that could not be explained
“Obsession” occurs when the by contemporary physicians.
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226 THE GOSPELS 227
See also: Demons and the Herds of Pigs 224–25 ■ Jesus Anointed Healing the sick
THE MAN Jesus asks Mary to take Him to the The curing of illnesses and
at Bethany 246–47 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–71
casting out of demons were
often considered one and the
tomb of Lazarus and she obliges.
WHO HAD DIED When He ask the crowd to roll away same in ancient Near Eastern
thought. In fact, many ancient
the stone from the front of the tomb,
people believed that demons
Martha initially objects, expressing
were the root cause of any
Did I not tell you that if
CAME OUT fear that the corpse will smell, but you believed, you would given illness. For example, in
then acquiesces. In a loud voice,
Babylon, the god Marduk was
see the glory of God?
Jesus shouts “Lazarus, come out!”
called upon to cure common
John 11:40
(John 11:43). Immediately, Lazarus
ailments such as headaches or
JOHN 11:44, THE RAISING OF LAZARUS rises and exits the tomb. toothaches through exorcism.
With this in mind, it is no
Purpose of the miracle surprise that over the course
In one of the many miracles that of His ministry, Jesus would
Jesus performs, He resurrects heal those with more serious
he Book of John is full of Lazarus for the purpose of proving ailments in order to show His
IN BRIEF signs and wonders that are that He is the Messiah. Jesus to discuss the figure of Jesus and, holiness. In the Bible, demonic
T seen as proof that Jesus states this when Martha asks Him ultimately, have faith in the power possession is sometimes
PASSAGE was not simply a prophet but the to return to Bethany: He says that it of Christ above and beyond death. described in similar terms
John 11:1–57 to what we regard as mental
Son of God. When compared to the will be done “so that God’s son may However, the importance of the illness today. One such
THEME Synoptic Gospels—the books of be glorified through it” (John 11:4). story of Lazarus extends further. example comes in Mark 5,
Resurrection through Matthew, Mark, and Luke—the When Jesus approaches the When Martha and Mary send word when Jesus exorcizes multiple
Christ Book of John contains few parables, tomb, the doubtful crowd suggests to Jesus that Lazarus is dying, their demons from a man in Gerasa.
with more emphasis placed on the that if He were truly the Son of God, message reads “Lord, the one you In ancient times many of
SETTING miracles that Jesus performs. He would have healed Lazarus love is sick” (John 11:3) and Jesus’s those who were sick, such as
c. 29–33 ce Bethany, south before his death. Jesus then prays compassion is clearly visible from lepers, were cast out of society
of Jerusalem. A plea for help to God, telling Him that He is His interactions with Mary. More out of fear and hatred. Jesus
One of the most well known of these enacting the resurrection out loud than simply a display of divinity, focused on these individuals
KEY FIGURES miracles is the story of Lazarus, a for the benefit of the crowd, so that the story of Lazarus shows an during His mission and, in
Jesus The Messiah and the n ame which means “God helped,” Friedrich Overbeck’s 1882 painting they may see the glory of God. emotional depth in Jesus, which doing so, taught His followers
Son of God. and possibly foreshadows the Raising of Lazarus was born out of the These details suggest that the acts as a powerful reminder that, that nobody is beyond Christ’s
Mary and Martha Two of events that occur in the story. Nazarene movement of 19th-century primary purpose of raising Lazarus like God, Jesus feels profound love redemption if they have faith.
Rome. Art from this movement was
Jesus’s followers and friends. Lazarus and his sisters Mary and dominated by religious subjects. is to inspire the watching audience and compassion for His people. ■
Martha—close friends of Jesus—
Lazarus The brother of Mary live in the town of Bethany. When
and Martha, and one of Jesus’s Lazarus becomes deathly ill, his through faith in God any obstacle The “seven signs” proving that Jesus is the Christ form
the structural backbone of the Book of John. These miracles
closest friends. sisters send word to Jesus, asking can be surpassed, including death become increasingly more impressive as the Gospel goes on.
for His return so that He may itself—a theme emphasized in the
Disciples The 12 Apostles heal their brother. Jesus and His story of Lazarus.
chosen by Jesus at the disciples are about one day’s travel 2:1–11 5:1–29 6:16–24 11:1–44
beginning of His ministry. away, but when word reaches them, Jesus wept Turns water to wine Heals on the Sabbath Walks on water Raises the dead
the disciples do not want Jesus to By the time Jesus returns to
go to Bethany due to rising hostility Bethany, Lazarus has already been
toward Him in nearby Jerusalem. dead for four days. On His arrival, The seven signs of Christ in the Book of John
However, Jesus rebukes them, Jesus greets Martha, saying “your
saying “A man who walks by day brother will rise again” (John 11:23).
will not stumble, for he sees by Jesus then calls Mary to meet Him,
this world’s light” (John 11:9). In this and when He sees her grief, Jesus 4:46–53 6:1–14 9:1–12
way, Jesus shows His disciples that weeps alongside her. Heals the sick Feeds the 5,000 Heals the blind
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THE GOSPELS 227
See also: Demons and the Herds of Pigs 224–25 ■ Jesus Anointed Healing the sick
at Bethany 246–47 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–71
The curing of illnesses and
casting out of demons were
Jesus asks Mary to take Him to the often considered one and the
tomb of Lazarus and she obliges. same in ancient Near Eastern
When He ask the crowd to roll away thought. In fact, many ancient
the stone from the front of the tomb, people believed that demons
Martha initially objects, expressing were the root cause of any
fear that the corpse will smell, but Did I not tell you that if given illness. For example, in
then acquiesces. In a loud voice, you believed, you would Babylon, the god Marduk was
Jesus shouts “Lazarus, come out!” see the glory of God? called upon to cure common
(John 11:43). Immediately, Lazarus John 11:40 ailments such as headaches or
rises and exits the tomb. toothaches through exorcism.
With this in mind, it is no
Purpose of the miracle surprise that over the course
In one of the many miracles that of His ministry, Jesus would
Jesus performs, He resurrects heal those with more serious
Lazarus for the purpose of proving ailments in order to show His
that He is the Messiah. Jesus to discuss the figure of Jesus and, holiness. In the Bible, demonic
possession is sometimes
states this when Martha asks Him ultimately, have faith in the power described in similar terms
to return to Bethany: He says that it of Christ above and beyond death. to what we regard as mental
will be done “so that God’s son may However, the importance of the illness today. One such
be glorified through it” (John 11:4). story of Lazarus extends further. example comes in Mark 5,
When Jesus approaches the When Martha and Mary send word when Jesus exorcizes multiple
tomb, the doubtful crowd suggests to Jesus that Lazarus is dying, their demons from a man in Gerasa.
that if He were truly the Son of God, message reads “Lord, the one you In ancient times many of
He would have healed Lazarus love is sick” (John 11:3) and Jesus’s those who were sick, such as
before his death. Jesus then prays compassion is clearly visible from lepers, were cast out of society
to God, telling Him that He is His interactions with Mary. More out of fear and hatred. Jesus
enacting the resurrection out loud than simply a display of divinity, focused on these individuals
for the benefit of the crowd, so that the story of Lazarus shows an during His mission and, in
they may see the glory of God. emotional depth in Jesus, which doing so, taught His followers
These details suggest that the acts as a powerful reminder that, that nobody is beyond Christ’s
redemption if they have faith.
primary purpose of raising Lazarus like God, Jesus feels profound love
is to inspire the watching audience and compassion for His people. ■
The “seven signs” proving that Jesus is the Christ form
the structural backbone of the Book of John. These miracles
become increasingly more impressive as the Gospel goes on.
2:1–11 5:1–29 6:16–24 11:1–44
Turns water to wine Heals on the Sabbath Walks on water Raises the dead
The seven signs of Christ in the Book of John
4:46–53 6:1–14 9:1–12
Heals the sick Feeds the 5,000 Heals the blind
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228 IN BRIEF See also: The Origin of Prayer 38–39 ■ The Lord’s Prayer 212–13 ■ The Last Supper 236–41 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–71 229
THE GOSPELS
AND TAKING PASSAGE
Matthew 14:13–21
Mark 6:31–44
THE FIVE LOAVES, Luke 9:12–17
John 6:1–14
THEME
AND THE TWO God satisfies material
and spiritual hunger
SETTING
FISH, HE LOOKED c. 27–29 ce Bethsaida.
KEY FIGURES
Jesus The Messiah and Son
of God during the height of
UP TO HEAVEN His ministry in Galilee.
The 12 disciples Jesus’s
Him to heal the sick and
LUKE 9:16, FEEDING THE 5,000 chosen followers, who help
feed the multitude.
The crowd Mainly Jewish
residents of the settlements
near the town of Bethsaida.
women and children were there, remote place near the town of The Feeding of the Five Thousand is
too. Some Bible scholars believe Bethsaida, likely located on the depicted by Flemish Renaissance artist
there may have been as many as River Jordan just north of the Sea Joachim Patinir. The painting, from the
20,000 people fed in total. of Galilee. However, the crowds Monasterio de El Escorial, Spain, has
the Sea of Galilee in the background.
find out where He is, and they leave
he feeding of the 5,000— Jesus seeks solitude their towns and villages to follow
also known as the Miracle According to Luke’s Gospel, upon Him there. Despite His desire for The disciples explain that this is
T of the Five Loaves and Two hearing that John the Baptist has solitude, when Jesus sees the large impossible, as they only have five
Fish—is one of the most celebrated been killed, Jesus withdraws to a crowd of people gathering around loaves of bread and two fish with
moments in the Bible. In fact, it Him, He feels compassion for which to feed the thousands.
is the only miracle, other than the them. He speaks to them about Jesus instructs the disciples to
resurrection, to appear in all four of the kingdom of God and begins make the crowd sit down in groups
the Gospels, which underlines its to heal those who are sick. of about 50 people. He takes the
significance. God’s compassion loaves and fish, looks up to heaven,
and limitless ability to satisfy both Feeding the multitude and gives thanks. He then breaks
physical and spiritual hunger are They do not need to Late in the afternoon, all 12 of the the loaves and fish into pieces and
shown here at their greatest. go away. You give them disciples approach Him, and remind hands them to the disciples, who
Although this miracle is most something to eat. Him of their remote location. They then feed everyone at the gathering
often referred to as “the feeding of Matthew 14:16 suggest that He send the people until they are all satisfied. There are
the 5,000,” the number of people away to the surrounding settlements even 12 basketfuls of broken bread
present could have been far greater. so they can find food and lodging left over at the end of the meal.
Matthew 14:21 estimates the for the night. Jesus instead tells His The miracle that Jesus has just
number of men alone at “about five disciples to give the hungry people performed is symbolic of God’s
thousand,” and goes on to say that something to eat where they stand. endless love and compassion for ❯❯
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THE GOSPELS 229
See also: The Origin of Prayer 38–39 ■ The Lord’s Prayer 212–13 ■ The Last Supper 236–41 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–71
women and children were there, remote place near the town of The Feeding of the Five Thousand is
too. Some Bible scholars believe Bethsaida, likely located on the depicted by Flemish Renaissance artist
there may have been as many as River Jordan just north of the Sea Joachim Patinir. The painting, from the
20,000 people fed in total. of Galilee. However, the crowds Monasterio de El Escorial, Spain, has
the Sea of Galilee in the background.
find out where He is, and they leave
Jesus seeks solitude their towns and villages to follow
According to Luke’s Gospel, upon Him there. Despite His desire for The disciples explain that this is
hearing that John the Baptist has solitude, when Jesus sees the large impossible, as they only have five
been killed, Jesus withdraws to a crowd of people gathering around loaves of bread and two fish with
Him, He feels compassion for which to feed the thousands.
them. He speaks to them about Jesus instructs the disciples to
the kingdom of God and begins make the crowd sit down in groups
to heal those who are sick. of about 50 people. He takes the
loaves and fish, looks up to heaven,
Feeding the multitude and gives thanks. He then breaks
They do not need to Late in the afternoon, all 12 of the the loaves and fish into pieces and
go away. You give them disciples approach Him, and remind hands them to the disciples, who
something to eat. Him of their remote location. They then feed everyone at the gathering
Matthew 14:16 suggest that He send the people until they are all satisfied. There are
away to the surrounding settlements even 12 basketfuls of broken bread
so they can find food and lodging left over at the end of the meal.
for the night. Jesus instead tells His The miracle that Jesus has just
disciples to give the hungry people performed is symbolic of God’s
something to eat where they stand. endless love and compassion for ❯❯
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230 FEEDING THE 5,000 THE GOSPELS 231
Bread as a symbol His people. From an impossibly disciples in the New Testament. both the numbers cited and the
of life small amount of food, an enormous The five pieces of bread that Jesus audiences are important. While
crowd is fed. The fact that they is handed could represent the the crowd at Bethsaida was
Bread is mentioned throughout are in such a remote setting shows Pentateuch of the Torah: Genesis, predominantly Jewish, scholars
the Bible. While this was the wide reach of God’s love, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and suggest that those gathered in the
one of the most important suggesting that no matter where Deuteronomy. Jesus takes these I [the Lord] will bless “feeding of the 4,000” were more
foods of ancient times, it one is, God’s love can still be felt. five loaves and multiplies them into [Israel] with abundant likely to be Gentiles. This feeding
also has a symbolic status as
a manifestation of human life something more, in the same way provisions; her poor I of the multitudes, therefore, was
itself. Nowhere is this idea Giving thanks to heaven that He takes the Mosaic Law from will satisfy with food. proof that God would provide for
underlined more thematically The sustenance that God provides the Torah and builds upon it. Psalms 132:13–15 all people, Jews and Gentiles.
than in the Miracle of the can be thought of as both physical This is not the only way in which
Five Loaves and Two Fish. and spiritual. Although the story the feeding of the 5,000 refers back Doubting disciples
Shortly after performing His focuses on the necessary physical to the Old Testament. In John 6, It is notable that when Jesus tells
miracle, Jesus states, “I am nourishment the bread provides, Jesus explains the miracle of the His disciples in the Gerasenes that
the bread of life. Whoever this is also a symbolic gesture of multiplication of the loaves with He plans to feed the multitude, they
comes to me will never go compassion. Many Christians a sermon that draws direct express doubts. They ask Him
hungry” (John 6:35). interpret this miracle as proof parallels between God providing Baptist, Matthew 15 goes on to “where could we get enough bread
The breaking of loaves of that if they remain faithful and for the multitudes at Bethsaida describe Jesus and the disciples in this remote place to feed such Jesus as the king
bread to feed the multitudes grateful to God, He will provide and His provisions for the Israelites feeding a crowd in a region of the a crowd?” (Matthew 15:33). They of the Jews
also foreshadows Jesus’s same them with everything they need, during their time in the wilderness. Gerasenes, near the Decapolis, a either do not quite believe He will
action during the last meal He both physically and spiritually. Jesus closes this sermon with a cluster of ten allied cities east of work in this “remote place” or they Since the prophet Isaiah, the
shares with His disciples. It is Jewish people had waited for
during this event that Jesus The 12 baskets of leftover bread difficult teaching that foreshadows the Sea of Galilee. The narrative is have forgotten how Jesus recently a king from the line of David
establishes that the bread exemplify the endless nature of the Last Supper: “I am the living similar to that in Matthew 14, except performed this very miracle for the to deliver them from their
and His flesh are one and the God’s love for His people, and bread that came down from heaven. for two key details: the numbers and 5,000 gathered at Bethsaida. Some enemies and preside over an
same, at least symbolically. serve as an illustration of why Whoever eats this bread will live the type of people who were fed. scholars have taken this skepticism era of economic prosperity
As well as providing the He deserves their worship. forever” (6:51). Some Bible scholars have to show that the disciples are, at and international influence.
people with sustenance, bread It is also noteworthy that in questioned why the Gospel writers this point, still learning: they do not Throughout His ministry,
also represents a connection three of the Gospels—Matthew, Feeding the Gentiles would include two such similar yet possess an unwavering faith Jesus, a descendant of David,
to Jesus. Its multiplication and Mark, and Luke—Jesus does not This is not the only miracle recorded miracles so close together in their in the power of God to do what, proves Himself to be this very
distribution in this miracle hand the food out Himself; instead, in which Jesus and His disciples accounts of Jesus’s life. However, to humans, seems impossible. ■ savior. He preaches the word
shows Jesus’s desire to satisfy He gives the bread and fish to the feed the multitudes. Both Matthew of God to the multitudes, heals
the people’s hunger, and also disciples to distribute to the crowd. and Mark describe two versions of the sick, and provides them
to spread the word of God. This not only suggests that anybody what is seemingly the same miracle. Feeding of Feeding of with food. Not concerned
can deliver the message of God’s While Matthew 14 tells the story the 5,000 the 4,000 with earthly kingdoms, Jesus
performs acts that show Him
love, but also teaches the importance of the feeding of the 5,000, which to be divine, leading many
of faith in God. It is implied that occurs after the death of John the Featured in Yes Yes who hear Him to accept Him
unless the disciples have faith in Matthew/Mark as the promised Messiah. The
Jesus and God, the bread and fish crowds that gather to listen to
will run out. It is not simply enough Featured in Yes No Him speak are testament to
to ask for something and to be Luke/John His growing support among
grateful in receiving it: one must Near the Decapolis, both Jews and Gentiles.
have total faith that God wants to Location Bethsaida in the Gerasenes Jesus’s following, of course,
and will provide for His people. The Lord Almighty will eventually becomes so great
prepare a feast of rich The people that enemies of His decide
Five loaves of bread food for all peoples. being fed Jews Gentiles that He poses too much of a
Numbers often carry a symbolic Isaiah 25:6 threat. As Jesus undergoes
significance in the Bible, and this Number of loaves/ Five loaves and Seven loaves and questioning at His trial, it is
no wonder that Pilate refers to
miracle is no exception. Not only fish before miracle two fish several fish
Bakers check the quality of the are there 12 baskets of leftover food, Him as the “king of the Jews,”
matza bread at a handmade matza Remaining food a title that also appears on the
factory in Kfar Chabad, Israel. recalling the 12 tribes of Israel in after miracle Twelve baskets’ worth Seven baskets’ worth cross on which He is crucified.
the Old Testament and the 12
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THE GOSPELS 231
both the numbers cited and the
audiences are important. While
the crowd at Bethsaida was
predominantly Jewish, scholars
suggest that those gathered in the
I [the Lord] will bless “feeding of the 4,000” were more
[Israel] with abundant likely to be Gentiles. This feeding
provisions; her poor I of the multitudes, therefore, was
will satisfy with food. proof that God would provide for
Psalms 132:13–15 all people, Jews and Gentiles.
Doubting disciples
It is notable that when Jesus tells
His disciples in the Gerasenes that
He plans to feed the multitude, they
express doubts. They ask Him
Baptist, Matthew 15 goes on to “where could we get enough bread Jesus as the king
describe Jesus and the disciples in this remote place to feed such
feeding a crowd in a region of the a crowd?” (Matthew 15:33). They of the Jews
Gerasenes, near the Decapolis, a either do not quite believe He will Since the prophet Isaiah, the
cluster of ten allied cities east of work in this “remote place” or they Jewish people had waited for
the Sea of Galilee. The narrative is have forgotten how Jesus recently a king from the line of David
similar to that in Matthew 14, except performed this very miracle for the to deliver them from their
for two key details: the numbers and 5,000 gathered at Bethsaida. Some enemies and preside over an
the type of people who were fed. scholars have taken this skepticism era of economic prosperity
Some Bible scholars have to show that the disciples are, at and international influence.
questioned why the Gospel writers this point, still learning: they do not Throughout His ministry,
would include two such similar yet possess an unwavering faith Jesus, a descendant of David,
miracles so close together in their in the power of God to do what, proves Himself to be this very
accounts of Jesus’s life. However, to humans, seems impossible. ■ savior. He preaches the word
of God to the multitudes, heals
the sick, and provides them
with food. Not concerned
Feeding of Feeding of with earthly kingdoms, Jesus
the 5,000 the 4,000 performs acts that show Him
to be divine, leading many
Featured in who hear Him to accept Him
Matthew/Mark Yes Yes as the promised Messiah. The
crowds that gather to listen to
Featured in Yes No Him speak are testament to
Luke/John
His growing support among
both Jews and Gentiles.
Near the Decapolis,
Location Bethsaida Jesus’s following, of course,
in the Gerasenes
eventually becomes so great
The people that enemies of His decide
being fed Jews Gentiles that He poses too much of a
threat. As Jesus undergoes
Number of loaves/ Five loaves and Seven loaves and questioning at His trial, it is
fish before miracle two fish several fish no wonder that Pilate refers to
Him as the “king of the Jews,”
Remaining food a title that also appears on the
after miracle Twelve baskets’ worth Seven baskets’ worth cross on which He is crucified.
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232 THE GOSPELS 233
See also: Demons and the Herd of Pigs 224–25 ■ Feeding the 5,000 228–31 ■ Flawed faith
TAKE COURAGE! Although Peter steps out onto
Peter’s Denial 256–57 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–69
the water, his faith is not
strong enough to overcome
IT IS I. DON’T his fear. This is not the only
time Peter loses faith in Jesus.
As Jesus accurately predicts
on the Mount of Olives
BE AFRAID immediately after the Last
Supper, “this night, before the
rooster crows, you will disown
Me three times” (Matthew 26:
MATTHEW 14:27, JESUS WALKS ON WATER 69–75). Fear and frailty usurp
Peter’s faith—but he learns
from these moments to go
on to become a pillar of the
early Christian Church.
His three denials of Christ
esus walking on the waters the disciples and, for the first time
IN BRIEF of the Sea of Galilee is one of in the Bible, they begin to worship are counterbalanced by his
J the most significant miracles Jesus, exclaiming, “Truly you are three declarations of love
PASSAGE recorded in the New Testament. the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). after Jesus’s resurrection.
Matthew 14:27 There are many examples
It follows on from another miracle— of flawed faith in the Bible.
THEME feeding 5,000 people with five A stormy sea The prophet Jonah fails to
God’s sovereignty over loaves of bread and two fish—and The scene takes place in the Sea go to the Ninevites and tell
all things is succeeded by Jesus’s retreat up of Galilee in the lower part of the they are terrified, because they Jesus walks on the water toward them to repent. Instead, he
a mountain to pray. The sight of Jordan valley. At 13 miles (21km) believe the figure is an apparition. the helpless disciples. Despite Peter flees through fear and because
SETTING Jesus walking on water astounds long and 8 miles (13km) wide, it is Jesus calls out to them to calm questioning Jesus’s identity and he does not think they deserve
c. 26–27 ce The Sea of Galilee. Israel’s largest freshwater lake. It them down, but Peter asks Jesus betraying his faith in the process, to be forgiven (Jonah 1:1–3).
is also prone to sudden storms, as to command him to come. When Jesus saves His servants. Just as Jesus rescues Peter,
KEY FIGURES Jesus and the the disciples discover to their cost. Jesus calls for Peter, Peter climbs Jonah is forgiven by God.
Jesus The Messiah and Son Sea of Galilee One evening, the disciples go out of the boat and starts walking The Gospel writers vary slightly in In renewed faith there
of God during His ministry down to the lake, get into their boat, on the water toward Jesus. When the way they tell the story of this is redemption—these stories
in Galilee and Judea. and set off for Capernaum. They Peter’s faith wavers, he begins to particular miracle. According to show that it is never too late
River Jordan Bethsaida to return to God.
Peter One of Jesus’s inner 1 soon find themselves struggling to sink, but Jesus rescues him. Matthew 14, Peter walks on the
circle of disciples, who later Capernaum 5 4 make headway against a powerful water in response to Jesus’s one-
denies knowing Him. Peter headwind. Even though most are word command, “Come,” before most. Jesus helps the disciples to
was one of several disciples 2 3 experienced fishermen, they his faith fails him. The focus of the go safely to their destination, and
who were originally fishermen. Magdala Sea of Galilee become exhausted after hours of story as told in Mark 6:47–51 and they hail Him as the Son of God.
6 straining on their oars in the face John 6:16–21 differs from that of It is also significant that Jesus is
Disciples Jesus’s close group Tiberias of the gathering storm. Immediately Jesus Matthew: in those Gospels, only shown as having the power to walk
Jesus is shown to walk on water.
on water. In the Old Testament,
It is at this moment—probably
of 12 followers, who often in the early hours of the morning— reached out his hand this ability is described as being
witness His miracles.
that Jesus comes to the disciples’ and caught him. “You Messages in the miracle unique to God. Genesis 6–7 and 9
rescue. He approaches them in a of little faith,” He said, There are two important points to and Exodus 14:21 and 15:8 all state
River Jordan
totally unexpected way, by walking “why did you doubt?” note in this particular miracle. One clearly that only God has power
Key on the turbulent waters as if they Matthew 14:31 is the lesson the disciples learn over the seas. This fact is also
1. The Sermon 4. Feeding the 5,000 are as stable as solid rock. when Jesus comes to save them confirmed by Job 9:8, which states:
on the Mount 5. Jesus Walks on
2. Calming the Water The disciples are confused. from the stormy waters. The “He alone … treads on the waves of
Storm 6. Feeding the 4,000 They see something or someone message is universal: Jesus will the sea.” Jesus's ability to walk on
3. Demons and coming toward them, but they do always be there for His followers at water is therefore proof of His close
the Herd of Pigs
not realize who or what it is. Rather, the times when He is needed the relationship to God. ■
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THE GOSPELS 233
See also: Demons and the Herd of Pigs 224–25 ■ Feeding the 5,000 228–31 ■ Flawed faith
Peter’s Denial 256–57 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–69
Although Peter steps out onto
the water, his faith is not
strong enough to overcome
his fear. This is not the only
time Peter loses faith in Jesus.
As Jesus accurately predicts
on the Mount of Olives
immediately after the Last
Supper, “this night, before the
rooster crows, you will disown
Me three times” (Matthew 26:
69–75). Fear and frailty usurp
Peter’s faith—but he learns
from these moments to go
on to become a pillar of the
early Christian Church.
His three denials of Christ
are counterbalanced by his
three declarations of love
after Jesus’s resurrection.
There are many examples
of flawed faith in the Bible.
The prophet Jonah fails to
go to the Ninevites and tell
they are terrified, because they Jesus walks on the water toward them to repent. Instead, he
believe the figure is an apparition. the helpless disciples. Despite Peter flees through fear and because
Jesus calls out to them to calm questioning Jesus’s identity and he does not think they deserve
them down, but Peter asks Jesus betraying his faith in the process, to be forgiven (Jonah 1:1–3).
to command him to come. When Jesus saves His servants. Just as Jesus rescues Peter,
Jesus calls for Peter, Peter climbs Jonah is forgiven by God.
out of the boat and starts walking The Gospel writers vary slightly in In renewed faith there
on the water toward Jesus. When the way they tell the story of this is redemption—these stories
Peter’s faith wavers, he begins to particular miracle. According to show that it is never too late
to return to God.
sink, but Jesus rescues him. Matthew 14, Peter walks on the
water in response to Jesus’s one-
word command, “Come,” before most. Jesus helps the disciples to
his faith fails him. The focus of the go safely to their destination, and
story as told in Mark 6:47–51 and they hail Him as the Son of God.
John 6:16–21 differs from that of It is also significant that Jesus is
Matthew: in those Gospels, only shown as having the power to walk
Immediately Jesus Jesus is shown to walk on water. on water. In the Old Testament,
reached out his hand this ability is described as being
and caught him. “You Messages in the miracle unique to God. Genesis 6–7 and 9
of little faith,” He said, There are two important points to and Exodus 14:21 and 15:8 all state
“why did you doubt?” note in this particular miracle. One clearly that only God has power
Matthew 14:31 is the lesson the disciples learn over the seas. This fact is also
when Jesus comes to save them confirmed by Job 9:8, which states:
from the stormy waters. The “He alone … treads on the waves of
message is universal: Jesus will the sea.” Jesus's ability to walk on
always be there for His followers at water is therefore proof of His close
the times when He is needed the relationship to God. ■
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234 GOSPELS 235
See also: The Baptism of Jesus 194–97 ■ The Crucifixion 258–65 ■
The Empty Tomb 268–71 ■ The Great Commission 274–77
HIS FACE SHONE LIKE
THE SUN, AND HIS The Five Milestones the heavenly and earthly realms,
allowing the disciples to glimpse
of Jesus’s Ministry
Jesus in His glory as the Christ,
CLOTHES BECAME Baptism the son of the living God.
In the Hebrew Bible, Yahweh
AS WHITE AS LIGHT reveals himself in a cloud on a
mountaintop to both Moses and
MATTHEW 17:2, THE TRANSFIGURATION Elijah. The cloud that descends
upon this mountain conveys the
Transfiguration same divine presence, known in
rabbinic literature as the Skekinah.
The words uttered by God from the
cloud are similar to those spoken The new Elijah
at Jesus’s baptism: “This is my Son,
ark, Matthew, and Luke— the stinging reply: “Get behind me, Crucifixion whom I love” (Matthew 3:17). According to the Hebrew
IN BRIEF the so-called Synoptic Satan!”—“Satan” here meaning God now adds a command: Bible, the prophet Elijah did
M Gospels—all tell the story simply an adversary of the Lord— “Listen to Him!” Luke’s Gospel tells not die in the usual sense.
PASSAGE of the Transfiguration. This event “Your thoughts are not thoughts us more about what this refers to. Instead, he was taken up into
Matthew 17:1–13; follows two outbursts by Peter, one from God but from men” (Mark 8:33). In Luke’s version of events, Jesus, heaven in a blazing chariot of
Mark 9:2–13; Luke 9:28–36 Resurrection fire. This gave rise to a belief
of Jesus’s favored disciples. In the Moses, and Elijah speak with Jesus that he would come back one
THEME first, Peter makes a bold statement Shining glory concerning His “departure, which day to prepare the way for the
Jesus is affirmed by God about Jesus’s identity: “You are the Six days after Jesus’s rebuke, He is about to bring to fulfillment Messiah. Indeed, the very last
Christ, the son of the living God” according to Mark and Matthew, at Jerusalem.” In other words, they verses of the Old Testament
SETTING (Matthew 16:15). After the second, or eight days in Luke, Jesus takes are discussing the suffering and make this prediction. “See,
c. 27–29 ce Mount Tabor. in which Peter objects to Jesus’s His closest disciples—Peter and Ascension death Jesus had recently warned I will send you the prophet
intimations that He will suffer the brothers James and John—up His disciples about. The use of Elijah before that great and
KEY FIGURES rejection and be killed, Jesus issues a high mountain. A tradition dating the word “departure”—exodus in dreadful day of the Lord
Jesus The Messiah and Son from the 4th century ce identifies it shelters to worship in: one each for Greek—draws a deliberate parallel comes,” the prophet Malachi
of God during His ministry. proclaims in Yahweh’s name.
as Mount Tabor in Lower Galilee, Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. However, to the Old Testament. Just as Descending the mountain
Peter Together with James but mounts Carmel and Horeb are as he speaks, a cloud envelops Moses had freed the Israelites from after the Transfiguration,
and John, a member of Jesus’s other candidates. There, the them and the voice of God comes Egypt, the suffering of Jesus would the three disciples ask Jesus
inner circle of three disciples. astonished disciples witness an forth: “This is my much loved Son. deliver the people from their sins. ■ about this prophecy. His reply
extraordinary metamorphosis. Listen to Him!” (Mark 9:7). After is that it has already been
James and John Sons of Jesus’s clothes become dazzling this, everything returns to normal. fulfilled in the person of John
Zebedee. Originally fishermen white—“no one on earth could When the disciples look around, the Baptist: “But I tell you,
on the Sea of Galilee. clean them so white” (Mark 9:3)— there is no one there but Jesus. Elijah has already come, and
while His face shines like the sun. they did not recognize him …
Moses Israel’s liberator and With Him are two other figures, Divine revelation In the same way, the Son of
lawgiver, who led the people whom the disciples identify as The Transfiguration has been seen We did not follow Man is going to suffer at their
out of slavery in Egypt. Moses and Elijah. The disciples are by some theologians as a blueprint cleverly devised stories … hands” (Matthew 17:12). John
Elijah A prophet active in the terrified and, as ever, it is Peter who for how to respond to the glory of we were eyewitnesses the Baptist suffered and died
at the hands of Herod Antipas,
reign of King Ahab of Israel in speaks. He suggests erecting three God. While the disciples’ first of His majesty. and Jesus says again that
the 9th century bce. response is to fear it, they learn to 2 Peter 1:16–18 He will suffer the same fate.
listen and believe, reassured by the
The Transfiguration of Christ touch of their friend, Jesus, who In fulfilling God’s plans for
(1516–1520), by Raphael, sets the redemption and restoration,
transfiguration against a story of the says, “Do not be afraid.” For a the way of glory and the way
Apostles, who, unlike Christ, are only moment, it seems, some kind of of suffering are inseparable.
human, failing to rid a boy of demons. partition is drawn back between
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GOSPELS 235
See also: The Baptism of Jesus 194–97 ■ The Crucifixion 258–65 ■
The Empty Tomb 268–71 ■ The Great Commission 274–77
The Five Milestones the heavenly and earthly realms,
of Jesus’s Ministry allowing the disciples to glimpse
Jesus in His glory as the Christ,
the son of the living God.
Baptism In the Hebrew Bible, Yahweh
reveals himself in a cloud on a
mountaintop to both Moses and
Elijah. The cloud that descends
upon this mountain conveys the
Transfiguration same divine presence, known in
rabbinic literature as the Skekinah.
The words uttered by God from the
cloud are similar to those spoken The new Elijah
at Jesus’s baptism: “This is my Son,
Crucifixion whom I love” (Matthew 3:17). According to the Hebrew
God now adds a command: Bible, the prophet Elijah did
“Listen to Him!” Luke’s Gospel tells not die in the usual sense.
Instead, he was taken up into
us more about what this refers to. heaven in a blazing chariot of
In Luke’s version of events, Jesus,
Resurrection fire. This gave rise to a belief
Moses, and Elijah speak with Jesus that he would come back one
concerning His “departure, which day to prepare the way for the
He is about to bring to fulfillment Messiah. Indeed, the very last
at Jerusalem.” In other words, they verses of the Old Testament
Ascension are discussing the suffering and make this prediction. “See,
death Jesus had recently warned I will send you the prophet
His disciples about. The use of Elijah before that great and
the word “departure”—exodus in dreadful day of the Lord
shelters to worship in: one each for Greek—draws a deliberate parallel comes,” the prophet Malachi
Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. However, to the Old Testament. Just as proclaims in Yahweh’s name.
Descending the mountain
as he speaks, a cloud envelops Moses had freed the Israelites from after the Transfiguration,
them and the voice of God comes Egypt, the suffering of Jesus would the three disciples ask Jesus
forth: “This is my much loved Son. deliver the people from their sins. ■ about this prophecy. His reply
Listen to Him!” (Mark 9:7). After is that it has already been
this, everything returns to normal. fulfilled in the person of John
When the disciples look around, the Baptist: “But I tell you,
there is no one there but Jesus. Elijah has already come, and
they did not recognize him …
Divine revelation In the same way, the Son of
The Transfiguration has been seen We did not follow Man is going to suffer at their
by some theologians as a blueprint cleverly devised stories … hands” (Matthew 17:12). John
for how to respond to the glory of we were eyewitnesses the Baptist suffered and died
God. While the disciples’ first of His majesty. at the hands of Herod Antipas,
response is to fear it, they learn to 2 Peter 1:16–18 and Jesus says again that
listen and believe, reassured by the He will suffer the same fate.
In fulfilling God’s plans for
touch of their friend, Jesus, who redemption and restoration,
says, “Do not be afraid.” For a the way of glory and the way
moment, it seems, some kind of of suffering are inseparable.
partition is drawn back between
US_234-235_The_transfiguration.indd 235 25/09/17 11:20 am
FOR GOD SO LOVED
THE WORLD,
THAT HE GAVE HIS ONE
AND ONLY SON
JOHN 3:16, THE NATURE OF FAITH
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US_236-241_The_nature_of_faith.indd 237 25/09/17 11:20 am
238 THE NATURE OF FAITH THE GOSPELS 239
See also: Ruth and Naomi 108–09 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–71 ■ Fruits of the St. Augustine
IN BRIEF Spirit 300 ■ Salvation Through Faith 301 ■ Faith and Works 312
Augustine (396–430 ce), the
PASSAGE that God raised him from the dead, Bishop of Hippo, an ancient
John 3:3–21 port on the coast of Roman
you will be saved. For it is with North Africa, advised that in
THEME your heart that you believe and studying the Bible, one ought
The nature of faith are justified, and it is with your not seek to understand in
mouth that you profess your faith order to believe, but rather
SETTING and are saved.” Ask God … and it will be believe in order to understand.
c. 27–29 ce Roman Palestine. given to you … but when Augustine’s counsel was
Walking by faith you ask, you must believe intended to produce humility.
KEY FIGURES
Jesus The Messiah and Christianity is defined by the and not doubt, because the It is too easy, he seemed to
tenet that those who believe in
say, to dismiss the parts of
Son of God, who requires Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection one who doubts is like a the Bible that are difficult to
that people believe in Him receive life, and those who do wave of the sea, blown understand as incoherent or
in order to be saved. and tossed by the wind. to say that the logic is fatally
not face condemnation. Though James 1:6
Nicodemus A Jewish leader this idea may serve to alienate non- flawed. Belief, on the other
hand, perseveres in study and
and teacher who came to Christians, its purpose is to convey often finds flashes of insight.
question Jesus. After Jesus’s the gravity of the call to faith and the Augustine, who had
death, he brings myrrh and urgency of believing in Jesus. previously studied the Bible
aloes to embalm His body This faith in Christ initiates as a pagan teacher of rhetoric
with strips of linen. the Christian life, but also drives and a student of Platonic
refers to an event that happened The Brazen Serpent, a sculpture by it forward. In his second letter to meaning: a Christian’s life should philosophy, argued that there
during the wilderness wanderings Giovanni Fantoni, in Madaba, Jordan, the Corinthians, Paul writes that be guided by trusting God’s was a connection between
of the Israelites; He describes how commemorates the bronze snake Christians should live by faith, not judgment, not by one’s own. faith and reason. He came
God judged the Israelites’ bitter erected by Moses, which Jesus draws by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). This to believe that even the best
attitude toward Him by sending on to illustrate His teaching on faith. did not mean that Paul understood The source of faith thinkers in the world made
venomous snakes into their camp. faith as being irrational or contrary The Bible most often uses the word mistakes, due to their human
When Moses cried out to God, he have eternal life.” John’s Gospel to evidence, or that the contrast “faith” to describe people believing nature. Faith, he argued, was
ifferent religious leaders was instructed to make a bronze goes on to say that God’s love is between faith and sight should some assertion or trusting in God illuminating, and allowed a
come to test Jesus as He serpent and lift it up where the for everyone, but can only be mean that faith is blind. Some or Jesus. People are commanded to philosopher to see the truth
D grows in popularity as a people could see it. The snakebites experienced through faith in Jesus. versions of the Bible translate the believe statements and to believe of scripture more clearly.
teacher. Some listen to His public of those who gazed upon the snake Although Jesus had come to save phrase as “walk by faith, not by that Jesus has done or said things.
preaching; others examine Him in were healed. Jesus compares the world, not condemn it, escaping sight,” which may illuminate Paul’s For this reason, it would be easy
more private settings. One leader, a Himself to the snake, saying God’s Final Judgment depends to conclude that faith is a purely
Pharisee named Nicodemus, comes that He must also be lifted up upon having faith in Jesus first. human response to propositions
to Jesus with questions. A member (a reference to the crucifixion), so According to John, those who or persons. Yet the Bible speaks of
of the Sanhedrin, the ruling that whoever believes would have do not believe in Jesus stand God as the One who produces faith
religious council, Nicodemus is an eternal life in Him (3:14–15). condemned already (3:17–18). in people. It is not an instrument of
important teacher in his own right. The result of believing in Jesus human will, adapted to accomplish
Nicodemus does not understand Faith in Christ is to enjoy eternal life instead of Faith is a living, daring human purposes. Instead, it is a
what Jesus means when He says Having acknowledged the promise divine judgment. Such faith confidence in God’s grace, gift of God that accomplishes God’s
that people must be born again to of eternal life, Jesus begins to involves trust in Jesus and belief so sure and certain that a purposes in those who receive it.
see the kingdom of God, and Jesus broach the topic of faith, which is that His death and resurrection is man could stake his life Paul held that belief in Christ was
tells him he should not be surprised the major precondition for salvation. sufficient for salvation. Paul teaches on it a thousand times. something that God granted to
by the statement, if he is truly a In what is perhaps the most famous that when a person has such faith, Martin Luther people (Philippians 1:29).
teacher of Israel. Jesus says, “I have statement in the Bible (John 3:16), affirmation through words and The idea of faith as God’s gift Augustine was an important
spoken to you of earthly things and Jesus tells Nicodemus that God deeds should be the result. Writing also appears in Ephesians 2:8–9, scholar in the early Church and
you do not believe; how then will you loved the world so much, “He gave in Romans 10:9–10, Paul states, “If where people are saved through a contemporary of St. Jerome.
This painting (c.1480) by Sandro
believe if I speak of heavenly His one and only Son, that whoever you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus faith that is “not from yourselves, Botticelli shows him in his study.
things?” (John 3:12). Jesus then believes in Him shall not perish but is Lord,’ and believe in your heart it is the gift of God.” The gift of ❯❯
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THE GOSPELS 239
See also: Ruth and Naomi 108–09 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–71 ■ Fruits of the St. Augustine
Spirit 300 ■ Salvation Through Faith 301 ■ Faith and Works 312
Augustine (396–430 ce), the
Bishop of Hippo, an ancient
that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved. For it is with port on the coast of Roman
North Africa, advised that in
your heart that you believe and studying the Bible, one ought
are justified, and it is with your not seek to understand in
mouth that you profess your faith order to believe, but rather
and are saved.” Ask God … and it will be believe in order to understand.
given to you … but when Augustine’s counsel was
Walking by faith you ask, you must believe intended to produce humility.
Christianity is defined by the and not doubt, because the It is too easy, he seemed to
tenet that those who believe in one who doubts is like a say, to dismiss the parts of
Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection wave of the sea, blown the Bible that are difficult to
receive life, and those who do and tossed by the wind. understand as incoherent or
not face condemnation. Though James 1:6 to say that the logic is fatally
this idea may serve to alienate non- flawed. Belief, on the other
Christians, its purpose is to convey hand, perseveres in study and
the gravity of the call to faith and the often finds flashes of insight.
Augustine, who had
urgency of believing in Jesus. previously studied the Bible
This faith in Christ initiates as a pagan teacher of rhetoric
the Christian life, but also drives and a student of Platonic
it forward. In his second letter to meaning: a Christian’s life should philosophy, argued that there
the Corinthians, Paul writes that be guided by trusting God’s was a connection between
Christians should live by faith, not judgment, not by one’s own. faith and reason. He came
by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). This to believe that even the best
did not mean that Paul understood The source of faith thinkers in the world made
faith as being irrational or contrary The Bible most often uses the word mistakes, due to their human
to evidence, or that the contrast “faith” to describe people believing nature. Faith, he argued, was
between faith and sight should some assertion or trusting in God illuminating, and allowed a
mean that faith is blind. Some or Jesus. People are commanded to philosopher to see the truth
versions of the Bible translate the believe statements and to believe of scripture more clearly.
phrase as “walk by faith, not by that Jesus has done or said things.
sight,” which may illuminate Paul’s For this reason, it would be easy
to conclude that faith is a purely
human response to propositions
or persons. Yet the Bible speaks of
God as the One who produces faith
in people. It is not an instrument of
human will, adapted to accomplish
Faith is a living, daring human purposes. Instead, it is a
confidence in God’s grace, gift of God that accomplishes God’s
so sure and certain that a purposes in those who receive it.
man could stake his life Paul held that belief in Christ was
on it a thousand times. something that God granted to
Martin Luther people (Philippians 1:29).
The idea of faith as God’s gift Augustine was an important
also appears in Ephesians 2:8–9, scholar in the early Church and
where people are saved through a contemporary of St. Jerome.
This painting (c.1480) by Sandro
faith that is “not from yourselves, Botticelli shows him in his study.
it is the gift of God.” The gift of ❯❯
US_236-241_The_nature_of_faith.indd 239 25/09/17 11:20 am
240 THE NATURE OF FAITH THE GOSPELS 241
Fra Angelico’s Entombment Israelites find in the example given by my deeds. You believe that
(c.1438–1443) shows Nicodemus (behind), by Jesus: God sends snakes into there is one God … Even the
the Virgin Mary, and John attending the the camp of the Israelites because demons believe that—and shudder”
dead Christ. Belief in His death and they do not have faith that God and (James 2:18–19). James writes that
resurrection are cornerstones of faith.
Moses are guiding them on the it is not enough for Christians to
best path through the desert. believe in God, but they should
describes faith as being more also show this belief through
than merely an affirmation that Active faith their actions—just as, in the Old
something is true. Faith is also The Bible therefore stresses the Testament, Abraham showed his
about entrusting oneself to God importance of an enduring and faith through his willingness to
or Jesus. Here there is a personal obedient faith. Having faith that sacrifice his son, Isaac.
aspect to faith: one has “faith in” God knows best—because He is Paul takes the idea of active
or “believes in” Jesus. all-knowing and all-loving—is key faith even further in his letter to
Trust or entrusting one’s self to to ensuring obedience to His laws, the Romans, when he tells them
God is perhaps the most essential and throughout the Bible a lack of that “whoever has doubts is
characteristic of faith in the Bible. adherence to God’s will usually condemned if they eat, because
One acknowledges the truth of correlates with a loss of faith. their eating is not from faith; and Darkness and light
what God has said because While assenting to true everything that does not come
one trusts the God who said it. statements, and even trusting in from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). In John 3, Nicodemus comes
to Jesus in the night. This
The biblical words for faith, such God are salient features of faith While reason and experience otherwise minor detail is part
as aman (Hebrew for “believe, trust, in the Bible, the active nature of can challenge a Christian’s faith, of a larger theme in John’s
be faithful”), emunah (Hebrew for faith (faithfulness) is significant. they can also vindicate it. Faith Gospel and one that originates
“certainty, faithfulness, trust”), and The epistle of James, in particular, produces the good, loving deeds at the very start of the Bible:
faith is understood to come by people in the Bible became some of pistis (Greek for “believe, trust, be deals with the question of whether that comprise a life lived in Christ, “Let there be light” (Genesis
hearing the Word of God, which its most powerful examples of faith— faithful”), also convey the idea of or not the faith in God that saves standing with hope and charity 1:3). John describes Jesus as
summons forth faith in a person’s for example, in the Old Testament fidelity, which points to persistent is mere assent or is naturally active, as one of the three theological the Light, and those who do
heart, just as God’s first words in story of Ruth, who demonstrates adherence to God or God’s will over producing good works. James virtues identified by Paul in his not believe in Him as being
the Bible, “Let there be light,” faithfulness to both God and time. Christians, therefore, must writes “Show me your faith without letter to the Thessalonians in darkness. Although the
summoned light into existence Naomi; or in the conversion of Paul, not only trust in God, but continue deeds, and I will show you my faith (1 Thessalonians 1:3). ■ light of faith was available
at the beginning of creation. a Pharisee who had previously and to trust in Him even when their to all who encountered Jesus
Understanding God as the zealously persecuted Christians, faith is tested. The wavering of a or His teaching, people still
creator of faith in human beings in the New Testament. person or people’s faith in God can Facets of faith rejected the light. They loved
Protestants
means that there is not an have dire consequences, as the identify eight the darkness that hid and
enabled their wicked deeds,
insurmountable barrier to the Characteristics of faith characteristics of while hating the light that
(Acts
production of faith in flawed people. Hebrews 11 defines faith as Penitent (Matt 9:29) faith that come up exposed them.
Assenting
Indeed, some of the least likely “confidence in what we hope for 17:30, 34) again and again in Jesus identified Himself
and assurance about what we do the Old and New as the “light of the world”
not see”; this definition summarizes Testaments, from and commanded His followers
the cumulative examples of faith I believe in Christianity Enduring (1 Pet 1:6-7) (Gen 15:6) the stories of the not to walk in darkness. The
patriarchs to
in the Old Testament. However, as I believe that the the teachings imagery of light and dark is
Trusting
faith is more complicated than this. sun has risen: not only Facets of the Apostles. also present in the miracle
Never be afraid to trust According to the Bible, faith has because I see it, but of faith of healing the man who had
been blind from birth, and
an unknown future many characteristics. because by it I see (Jas 2:26) the betrayal, arrest, and
to a known God. One of the most obvious is that everything else. Obeying (Rom 1:5) Working crucifixion of Jesus, when
Corrie ten Boom it gives assent to the truth of a C. S. Lewis foreboding shadow prevails.
Holocaust rescuer (1892–1993) statement. The New Testament Author, Oxford professor (1898–1963) Yet the triumph of the light
speaks of having “faith that …” (Phil 1:29) was also evident on the
and exhorts people to “believe that Given by God (Gal 5:6) Loving morning of the resurrection,
…” more than 20 times, with most and in each person who came
examples relating to statements to have faith in Jesus.
about Jesus. Yet the Bible
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THE GOSPELS 241
Israelites find in the example given by my deeds. You believe that
by Jesus: God sends snakes into there is one God … Even the
the camp of the Israelites because demons believe that—and shudder”
they do not have faith that God and (James 2:18–19). James writes that
Moses are guiding them on the it is not enough for Christians to
best path through the desert. believe in God, but they should
also show this belief through
Active faith their actions—just as, in the Old
The Bible therefore stresses the Testament, Abraham showed his
importance of an enduring and faith through his willingness to
obedient faith. Having faith that sacrifice his son, Isaac.
God knows best—because He is Paul takes the idea of active
all-knowing and all-loving—is key faith even further in his letter to
to ensuring obedience to His laws, the Romans, when he tells them
and throughout the Bible a lack of that “whoever has doubts is
adherence to God’s will usually condemned if they eat, because
correlates with a loss of faith. their eating is not from faith; and Darkness and light
While assenting to true everything that does not come
statements, and even trusting in from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). In John 3, Nicodemus comes
to Jesus in the night. This
God are salient features of faith While reason and experience otherwise minor detail is part
in the Bible, the active nature of can challenge a Christian’s faith, of a larger theme in John’s
faith (faithfulness) is significant. they can also vindicate it. Faith Gospel and one that originates
The epistle of James, in particular, produces the good, loving deeds at the very start of the Bible:
deals with the question of whether that comprise a life lived in Christ, “Let there be light” (Genesis
or not the faith in God that saves standing with hope and charity 1:3). John describes Jesus as
is mere assent or is naturally active, as one of the three theological the Light, and those who do
producing good works. James virtues identified by Paul in his not believe in Him as being
writes “Show me your faith without letter to the Thessalonians in darkness. Although the
deeds, and I will show you my faith (1 Thessalonians 1:3). ■ light of faith was available
to all who encountered Jesus
or His teaching, people still
Facets of faith rejected the light. They loved
Protestants the darkness that hid and
identify eight enabled their wicked deeds,
Penitent (Matt 9:29) characteristics of while hating the light that
(Acts
faith that come up
exposed them.
Assenting
17:30, 34) again and again in as the “light of the world”
Jesus identified Himself
the Old and New
Enduring (1 Pet 1:6-7) (Gen 15:6) Testaments, from and commanded His followers
the stories of the
not to walk in darkness. The
patriarchs to
Trusting
Facets the teachings imagery of light and dark is
also present in the miracle
of the Apostles.
of faith of healing the man who had
been blind from birth, and
Obeying (Rom 1:5) (Jas 2:26) Working the betrayal, arrest, and
crucifixion of Jesus, when
foreboding shadow prevails.
Yet the triumph of the light
(Phil 1:29) (Gal 5:6) was also evident on the
Given by God Loving morning of the resurrection,
and in each person who came
to have faith in Jesus.
US_236-241_The_nature_of_faith.indd 241 12/10/2017 15:02
242 THE GOSPELS 243
See also: The Temple Tax 222 ■ Workers in the Vineyard 223 ■ Cleansing the Temple 244–45 ■
FOR THE SON OF MAN evidence of his salvation—as Jesus The Pharisee and the tax collector
Faith and Works 312–13 ■ Holiness 314–15
CAME TO SEEK AND says, “the Son of Man came to seek
and to save the lost” (19:10).
TO SAVE THE LOST Unlikely redemption The Pharisee and the tax collector go to the Temple to pray.
Zacchaeus’s story is particularly
LUKE 19:10, JESUS EMBRACES A TAX COLLECTOR noteworthy because of another tale
that precedes it. In Luke 18, a rich
ruler queries Jesus about what he
must do to gain eternal life. Despite
The Pharisee pridefully
the man’s adherence to Jewish thanks God that he is not The tax collector humbly
teachings, he does not meet the “like this tax collector” says “God, have mercy on
final criteria that Jesus requires— (Luke 18:11). me, a sinner” (18:13).
that he give the proceeds from the
hroughout the Gospels, suggests to the people of Jericho sale of his belongings to the poor
IN BRIEF Jesus is the obvious that he extorts additional funds and follow Him. Jesus tells him
T protagonist. However, for personal gain. They therefore that it is extremely difficult for the
PASSAGE in the Gospel of Luke, there are deem him a sinner. wealthy to enter the kingdom of
Luke 19:1–10
several other figures who become God: it is harder for a camel to go
THEME unexpected heroes: notably those A second chance through the eye of a needle than for Jesus says “I tell you that [the tax collector], rather than
the other, went home justified before God” (18:14).
God’s kingdom is for all who were previously considered Zacchaeus makes up for in riches a rich person to enter the kingdom.
“unclean,” sinners, or otherwise what he lacks in stature—he is However, Zacchaeus’s example
SETTING socially unacceptable. so short that he cannot see Jesus shows it is not impossible: he
c. 27–29 ce Jericho. Luke 19 describes one such above the crowds when He comes gives up more than half of his
KEY FIGURES outcast by the name of Zacchaeus. into town. Consequently, Zacchaeus total wealth because he has been
made righteous by Jesus. This turn
climbs a sycamore-fig tree to get
He is a chief tax collector in Jericho,
Jesus The Messiah and viewed by many in the Judean a better view. Of all the people of events exemplifies the power of Those who exalt themselves will
Son of God at the height community as a traitorous enemy, assembled, Jesus notices Zacchaeus. Jesus’s ministry: He transforms the be humbled, and those who humble
of His ministry.
seizing money from his own people He calls to him by name, beckons sinner, loves the rejected, and saves themselves will be exalted.
Zacchaeus A rich tax to fill the Roman coffers. Zacchaeus him down from the tree, and the lost—showing that no one is
collector, whose salvation is also a rich tax collector, which proclaims “I must stay at your ever fully “lost.” ■
is proclaimed by Jesus after house today” (Luke 19:5).
he gives up half of his riches While the people of Jericho Roman taxation resisted Roman occupation and
to the poor and defrauded. complain that Jesus has chosen to taxation, which led to revolts
be the guest of a sinner, Zacchaeus The Roman Empire, like all and subsequent military
eagerly welcomes Jesus into his empires, levied taxes so it could interventions. Eventually, in
home. Zacchaeus then says he grow and thrive—its subsumed 70 ce, the Romans invaded
will give half of his possessions to nations bore the financial weight Jerusalem and destroyed
the poor, and that, if he has ever of Rome’s imperialism. Judeans the Temple, resulting in the
cheated anyone, he will pay them who lived in Palestine had a displacement of many Jews into
back fourfold. His newfound particular distaste for new other parts of the empire. These
generosity toward the poor is Roman taxes, because they events would resonate with
already paid local and religious readers of New Testament stories
taxes. While Roman taxes of Jesus’s interactions with tax
Jesus spies Zacchaeus (in red) brought roads, aqueducts, and collectors (Luke 19) and others
watching from a sycamore tree as other societal needs to the area, who question Him about His This 2nd century ce relief from
He enters the city of Jericho in this political and religious tensions opinions on the empire and its a Roman mausoleum depicts a tax
1908 illustration by English artist still rose. Some Jewish factions compulsory tributes (Luke 20). collector making an entry in a ledger.
William Brassey Hole.
US_242-243_Jesus_embraces_a_tax_collector.indd 242 27/09/17 10:17 am US_242-243_Jesus_embraces_a_tax_collector.indd 243 27/09/17 2:54 pm
THE GOSPELS 243
See also: The Temple Tax 222 ■ Workers in the Vineyard 223 ■ Cleansing the Temple 244–45 ■
Faith and Works 312–13 ■ Holiness 314–15
evidence of his salvation—as Jesus The Pharisee and the tax collector
says, “the Son of Man came to seek
and to save the lost” (19:10).
The Pharisee and the tax collector go to the Temple to pray.
Unlikely redemption
Zacchaeus’s story is particularly
noteworthy because of another tale
that precedes it. In Luke 18, a rich
ruler queries Jesus about what he
must do to gain eternal life. Despite
The Pharisee pridefully
the man’s adherence to Jewish thanks God that he is not The tax collector humbly
teachings, he does not meet the “like this tax collector” says “God, have mercy on
final criteria that Jesus requires— (Luke 18:11). me, a sinner” (18:13).
that he give the proceeds from the
sale of his belongings to the poor
and follow Him. Jesus tells him
that it is extremely difficult for the
wealthy to enter the kingdom of
God: it is harder for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle than for Jesus says “I tell you that [the tax collector], rather than
a rich person to enter the kingdom. the other, went home justified before God” (18:14).
However, Zacchaeus’s example
shows it is not impossible: he
gives up more than half of his
total wealth because he has been
made righteous by Jesus. This turn
of events exemplifies the power of Those who exalt themselves will
Jesus’s ministry: He transforms the be humbled, and those who humble
sinner, loves the rejected, and saves themselves will be exalted.
the lost—showing that no one is
ever fully “lost.” ■
Roman taxation resisted Roman occupation and
taxation, which led to revolts
The Roman Empire, like all and subsequent military
empires, levied taxes so it could interventions. Eventually, in
grow and thrive—its subsumed 70 ce, the Romans invaded
nations bore the financial weight Jerusalem and destroyed
of Rome’s imperialism. Judeans the Temple, resulting in the
who lived in Palestine had a displacement of many Jews into
particular distaste for new other parts of the empire. These
Roman taxes, because they events would resonate with
already paid local and religious readers of New Testament stories
taxes. While Roman taxes of Jesus’s interactions with tax
brought roads, aqueducts, and collectors (Luke 19) and others
other societal needs to the area, who question Him about His This 2nd century ce relief from
political and religious tensions opinions on the empire and its a Roman mausoleum depicts a tax
still rose. Some Jewish factions compulsory tributes (Luke 20). collector making an entry in a ledger.
US_242-243_Jesus_embraces_a_tax_collector.indd 243 27/09/17 2:54 pm
244 THE GOSPELS 245
See also: A Child in the Temple 188 ■ The Temple Tax 222 ■
Betrayal in the Garden 254–55 ■ The Crucifixion 258–65
HE SCATTERED THE COINS
OF THE MONEY CHANGERS is used elsewhere in the Gospel crucified by the Romans for trying
to incite a riot and that His actions
when He expels demons. The power
in the Temple would have been
of Jesus’s command alone is enough
AND OVERTURNED to force the corrupt to leave His viewed as those of a rebellious
Father’s Temple.
Jewish leader.
THEIR TABLES Jesus’s motives actions as evidence of Him looking
Some Christians see Jesus’s
JOHN 2:15, CLEANSING THE TEMPLE In the 1st century ce, there were toward a reformation and split
a number of sectarian groups
from traditional Judaism. Others
unhappy with the administration see His actions as working to fulfill
of the Temple. One such group was Mosaic Law and institute a new
the Essenes, some of whom had covenant. According to this Palm Sunday
exiled themselves to the Dead Sea. interpretation, Jesus is not a rebel:
Jesus’s anger in the Temple has He is exercising responsibility and Jesus enters Jerusalem on
esus chasing money house into a market!” (John 2:16). led some to suggest that He may authority as an heir to King David a day now known as Palm
IN BRIEF changers and merchant Many people remember only the have been a member of the Essenes, to order the service of the priests Sunday, and does so by
J priests from the Temple in compassionate, “turn the other but there is little evidence of this. and ensure the purity of their humble means, on the back
PASSAGE Jerusalem is described in all four cheek” descriptions of Jesus; Some historians believe Jesus was of a donkey. This fulfills the
Matthew 21:12–17; Mark Gospels. Often referred to as the however, Jesus is angry here. obedience to the Mosaic Law. ■ prophecy of Zechariah, that
11:15–19; Luke 19:45–48; cleansing of the Temple because John’s narrative states that Jesus the king would come in riding
John 2:13–16 a donkey. As Jesus enters the
Jesus expelled corrupt, “impure” “made a whip out of cords and Solomon builds the Temple (10th century bce) as city, people gather to greet
THEME priests, the event shows Jesus drove all from the Temple courts, a house of prayer for all nations (1 Kings 6–7) … Him. The crowds spread
Challenging corruption fulfilling prophecies of Isaiah (56:7) both sheep and cattle” (2:15). their cloaks and branches
in the old religion and Zechariah (14:21). This and other accounts from palm trees to cover
When Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, describe Jesus “driving out” the the ground, and proclaim
SETTING it is the height of the Passover priests and money lenders—in Hosanna—the imperative form
c. 27–29 ce The Temple pilgrimage season, a time when the Greek, the same word is used of the Hebrew word meaning
courtyard in Jerusalem, Jews would travel en masse to the for Jesus cleansing the Temple as … Babylon destroys the Temple (587 bce), which “save”—as a form of praise.
before Jesus is crucified. city to visit the Temple. Priests had become a focus of Israelite pride … The crowd also quotes Psalm
would often sell offerings to the 118, proclaiming that Jesus
KEY FIGURES pilgrims to be sacrificed in their is the Son of David coming
Jesus The Messiah and Son name, as only priests could in the name of the Lord.
Although it takes place
of God, who is filled with anger approach the Temple’s innermost at a different time of year,
at the corruption He finds in altars. Such transactions typically … Ezra rebuilds the Temple (c.520–15 bce), Palm Sunday is reminiscent
His Father’s Temple. took place outside the Temple evoking humble worship from the people … of the Jewish holiday of
walls. However, when Jesus goes Sukkot. During this festival,
Temple merchants Priests
who sold offerings to Jewish inside, He sees money changers, Jews weave together pieces
as well as priests selling sheep,
of palms and wave them
pilgrims visiting the Temple, cattle, and doves. in each of the four cardinal
capitalizing on the fact that directions. The palm frond
they could not enter the Anger of Jesus … After Herod’s renovation (19 bce–63 ce), the Temple is also a symbol of life and
Temple’s innermost altars. Jesus sees this as corruption. again becomes a focus of nationalistic pride … resurrection, and a symbol
The priests are profiting from the for the Assyrian Tree of Life.
faithful and not allowing them Some scholars believe that the
palm fronds of Palm Sunday
clear access to God. He proceeds Jesus drives out the corrupt in could therefore signify that
this 19th-century oil painting by
to overturn the priests’ tables and Danish artist Carl Heinrich Bloch. Jesus will die in Jerusalem,
call them a den of robbers. He tells Jesus is shown holding the whip Jesus cleanses the Temple for all nations. but soon also be resurrected.
them: “Stop turning my Father’s above His head, ready to strike.
US_244-245_Cleansing_the_temple.indd 244 27/09/17 10:17 am US_244-245_Cleansing_the_temple.indd 245 27/09/17 10:17 am
THE GOSPELS 245
See also: A Child in the Temple 188 ■ The Temple Tax 222 ■
Betrayal in the Garden 254–55 ■ The Crucifixion 258–65
is used elsewhere in the Gospel crucified by the Romans for trying
when He expels demons. The power to incite a riot and that His actions
of Jesus’s command alone is enough in the Temple would have been
to force the corrupt to leave His viewed as those of a rebellious
Father’s Temple. Jewish leader.
Some Christians see Jesus’s
Jesus’s motives actions as evidence of Him looking
In the 1st century ce, there were toward a reformation and split
a number of sectarian groups from traditional Judaism. Others
unhappy with the administration see His actions as working to fulfill
of the Temple. One such group was Mosaic Law and institute a new
the Essenes, some of whom had covenant. According to this Palm Sunday
exiled themselves to the Dead Sea. interpretation, Jesus is not a rebel:
Jesus’s anger in the Temple has He is exercising responsibility and Jesus enters Jerusalem on
led some to suggest that He may authority as an heir to King David a day now known as Palm
have been a member of the Essenes, to order the service of the priests Sunday, and does so by
humble means, on the back
but there is little evidence of this. and ensure the purity of their of a donkey. This fulfills the
Some historians believe Jesus was obedience to the Mosaic Law. ■ prophecy of Zechariah, that
the king would come in riding
a donkey. As Jesus enters the
city, people gather to greet
Solomon builds the Temple (10th century bce) as
a house of prayer for all nations (1 Kings 6–7) … Him. The crowds spread
their cloaks and branches
from palm trees to cover
the ground, and proclaim
Hosanna—the imperative form
of the Hebrew word meaning
… Babylon destroys the Temple (587 bce), which “save”—as a form of praise.
had become a focus of Israelite pride … The crowd also quotes Psalm
118, proclaiming that Jesus
is the Son of David coming
in the name of the Lord.
Although it takes place
at a different time of year,
… Ezra rebuilds the Temple (c.520–15 bce), Palm Sunday is reminiscent
evoking humble worship from the people … of the Jewish holiday of
Sukkot. During this festival,
Jews weave together pieces
of palms and wave them
in each of the four cardinal
directions. The palm frond
… After Herod’s renovation (19 bce–63 ce), the Temple is also a symbol of life and
again becomes a focus of nationalistic pride … resurrection, and a symbol
for the Assyrian Tree of Life.
Some scholars believe that the
palm fronds of Palm Sunday
could therefore signify that
Jesus cleanses the Temple for all nations. Jesus will die in Jerusalem,
but soon also be resurrected.
US_244-245_Cleansing_the_temple.indd 245 27/09/17 10:17 am
246 THE GOSPELS 247
See also: The Raising of Lazarus 226–27 ■ The Last Supper 248–53 ■ Betrayal in the Garden 254–55 ■
SHE HAS DONE to prepare for My burial” (Mark reference Mary she is generally
The Crucifixion 258–65 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–71
A BEAUTIFUL 14:8). None of the Gospel authors portrayed as a good and devoted
tell us how the disciples responded
servant of Jesus.
to Jesus’s claim.
Jesus portrays Mary’s actions
as a sign that she knows what is
The poor you
THING TO ME Mary of Bethany coming: she, unlike the disciples, you, and you can help
will always have with
In the version of this scene in
accepts His imminent death. The
John’s Gospel, the anointing takes
Gospels give no other clues to her
them any time you
place at a dinner held in Jesus’s
motives, although some scholars
MARK 14:6, JESUS ANOINTED AT BETHANY honor in Bethany. Here, Mary, the propose it was to show gratitude want. But you will not
sister of Lazarus, whom Jesus had
always have me. She
to Jesus for raising her brother
previously resurrected from the from the dead. Whatever Mary’s did what she could.
dead (John 11:1), anoints Jesus. reasons, Jesus asks the disciples Mark 14:7
According to John, she pours oil to remember her act: “wherever
over His feet and then wipes them this gospel is preached … what
IN BRIEF with her hair (John 12:3), filling the she has done will also be told, in
house with perfume. This action memory of her” (Matthew 26:13).
PASSAGE would have been doubly shocking,
Matthew 26:6–13; Mark given that it was against custom Preface to betrayal
14:3–9; John 12:1–8
for Jewish women to let down When Mary anoints Jesus, the implied, wanted the money for
THEME their hair when in public. disciples are taken aback, not himself (John 12:6). The story
Foretelling Jesus’s death John’s description echoes by the scale of her devotion, but closes with Judas going to the
another Gospel event (Luke 7:36– rather her extravagance. As John chief priests, who offer him money
SETTING 50), in which a “sinful woman” notes, the nard cost 300 denarii, in exchange for handing Jesus to
c. 29 ce The village of Bethany, weeps at Jesus’s feet, before or a year’s wages (a laborer at the them. Scholars have long debated
near Jerusalem. drying His feet with her hair and time would earn one denarius per the correlation between the events
anointing them. While Mary of day). John’s Gospel attributes the at Bethany and Judas’s subsequent
KEY FIGURES Bethany is sometimes incorrectly objection about wasting money to betrayal. It is not clear if Jesus’s
Jesus The Son of God, in the confused with this sinful woman, just one disciple—Judas Iscariot, foretelling of His own demise is
last days of His earthly life. in all the biblical accounts that the group’s treasurer, who, it is a trigger for Judas’s actions. ■
The woman Possibly Mary
of Bethany, who anoints Jesus. Anointing for burial anointed a rock in Genesis 28:18,
onto His head from an alabaster jar. A woman anoints Jesus with nard to designate a place, Bethel, as
Judas The disciple who later The perfume is nard—an expensive as He dines with friends in Bethany, In the ancient world, anointing the house of God.
betrays Jesus. oil imported from India. Following in this illumination from the Codex corpses for burial was a common These oils were also used as
its use in this symbolic act of de Predis by 15th-century Italian practice. This symbolic act a form of medicine for centuries
miniaturist Cristoforo de Predis.
anointing, Jesus foretells His consisted of pouring aromatic by many different cultures. They
coming death to His disciples oil over a person’s head, feet, were thought to have special
n the last week of His life, and to the other guests that are defends the woman and tells her or entire body. The effect of properties that could drive out
Jesus has a moving encounter assembled in the house. accusers to leave her alone. He the ritual was to designate its demons that were believed to
I in Bethany. Two days before Afterward, the woman is argues that the poor will always object as belonging to God. It cause disease. To this day,
Passover, He is reclining at the rebuked by some of those present— be there, and the disciples can did not matter whether the European kings and queens are
table in the home of Simon the disciples and others—who accuse help them at any time. consecration took place when sanctified with oil in ceremonies
Leper in Bethany, near Jerusalem, her of wasting perfume that could Jesus then adds that He will the person—or creature— involving a divine blessing. When
Jesus is anointed in Bethany, this
where He is staying. Unexpectedly, have been sold “for more than a not be with His discipes for much was alive, or after their death. simple act represents a symbolic A pharaoh is anointed by gods
Sometimes, even inanimate
a woman enters Simon’s home. year’s wages” (Mark 14:5), raising longer and explains this to the objects were anointed in the preparation for His death and an Horus and Thoth in this bas relief
from the Temple of Horus and Sobek
Uninvited, and unprompted, she money to be given to the poor. assembled company: “She poured Bible—Jacob, for example, affirmation of His holiness. in Kom Ombo, Upper Egypt.
comes to Jesus and pours perfume However, Jesus immediately perfume on My body beforehand
US_246-247_Jesus_Anointed.indd 246 27/09/17 10:17 am US_246-247_Jesus_Anointed.indd 247 27/09/17 10:17 am
THE GOSPELS 247
See also: The Raising of Lazarus 226–27 ■ The Last Supper 248–53 ■ Betrayal in the Garden 254–55 ■
The Crucifixion 258–65 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–71
to prepare for My burial” (Mark reference Mary she is generally
14:8). None of the Gospel authors portrayed as a good and devoted
tell us how the disciples responded servant of Jesus.
to Jesus’s claim. Jesus portrays Mary’s actions
as a sign that she knows what is
Mary of Bethany coming: she, unlike the disciples, The poor you
In the version of this scene in accepts His imminent death. The will always have with
John’s Gospel, the anointing takes Gospels give no other clues to her you, and you can help
place at a dinner held in Jesus’s motives, although some scholars them any time you
honor in Bethany. Here, Mary, the propose it was to show gratitude want. But you will not
sister of Lazarus, whom Jesus had to Jesus for raising her brother always have me. She
previously resurrected from the from the dead. Whatever Mary’s did what she could.
dead (John 11:1), anoints Jesus. reasons, Jesus asks the disciples Mark 14:7
According to John, she pours oil to remember her act: “wherever
over His feet and then wipes them this gospel is preached … what
with her hair (John 12:3), filling the she has done will also be told, in
house with perfume. This action memory of her” (Matthew 26:13).
would have been doubly shocking,
given that it was against custom Preface to betrayal
for Jewish women to let down When Mary anoints Jesus, the implied, wanted the money for
their hair when in public. disciples are taken aback, not himself (John 12:6). The story
John’s description echoes by the scale of her devotion, but closes with Judas going to the
another Gospel event (Luke 7:36– rather her extravagance. As John chief priests, who offer him money
50), in which a “sinful woman” notes, the nard cost 300 denarii, in exchange for handing Jesus to
weeps at Jesus’s feet, before or a year’s wages (a laborer at the them. Scholars have long debated
drying His feet with her hair and time would earn one denarius per the correlation between the events
anointing them. While Mary of day). John’s Gospel attributes the at Bethany and Judas’s subsequent
Bethany is sometimes incorrectly objection about wasting money to betrayal. It is not clear if Jesus’s
confused with this sinful woman, just one disciple—Judas Iscariot, foretelling of His own demise is
in all the biblical accounts that the group’s treasurer, who, it is a trigger for Judas’s actions. ■
Anointing for burial anointed a rock in Genesis 28:18,
to designate a place, Bethel, as
In the ancient world, anointing the house of God.
corpses for burial was a common These oils were also used as
practice. This symbolic act a form of medicine for centuries
consisted of pouring aromatic by many different cultures. They
oil over a person’s head, feet, were thought to have special
or entire body. The effect of properties that could drive out
the ritual was to designate its demons that were believed to
object as belonging to God. It cause disease. To this day,
did not matter whether the European kings and queens are
consecration took place when sanctified with oil in ceremonies
the person—or creature— involving a divine blessing. When
was alive, or after their death. Jesus is anointed in Bethany, this A pharaoh is anointed by gods
Sometimes, even inanimate simple act represents a symbolic Horus and Thoth in this bas relief
objects were anointed in the preparation for His death and an from the Temple of Horus and Sobek
Bible—Jacob, for example, affirmation of His holiness. in Kom Ombo, Upper Egypt.
US_246-247_Jesus_Anointed.indd 247 27/09/17 10:17 am
THIS IS MY
BODY,
WHICH IS GIVEN FOR YOU
LUKE 22:19, THE LAST SUPPER
US_248-253_The_Last_Supper.indd 248 27/09/17 10:17 am US_248-253_The_Last_Supper.indd 249 27/09/17 10:17 am
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