Greetings!
There are a couple of things still rattling around in my mind from yesterday's Gospel in Matthew chapter 4. First, did you notice that in Matthew's gospel, Simon is **already** called "Peter" when Jesus calls him? That's what it says in 4:18.....whereas in John's gospel Jesus is the one who gives him this title (Jn 1:42).
Another thing .....commentators often point out that this call of Jesus that is **immediately** responded to is not an _accurate_ portrayal of how things went historically. That, in order to understand a likelier flow of events, one must refer to John's gospel. Using the 2 gospels together, one gets a sense that Jesus has a relatively "low key" first year of ministry in which an inner circle of followers (Peter, Andrew, James, & John) know him & follow him as much as their work will allow, but that in Matthew chapter 4, his ministry jumps to a higher level and he calls these acquaintances to full-time committed service.
This is as likely of an explanation as any, regarding the way it went. HOWEVER, it is just as equally important to realize that Matthew doesn't say a word about any "prior knowledge" these disciples may have had. In at least one sense, it is important to let EACH GOSPEL STAND ALONE as a discreet document, with its own agenda. When looked at in this sense, Matthew wishes to highlight the **power** of the divine call, & its efficacy. Look how it causes lives to change immediately; look how it leads to new life immediately; look how it leads to following Jesus & building the new community of grace immediately.......etc. etc.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that even tho Jesus is referred to as "Rabbi" all the time (tho again, this is found much more in John's gospel, than Matthew's).......Jesus does something very non-rabbinic in Matthew chapter 4. In the world of the rabbis, prospective students would approach the rabbi for permission to become disciples. Jesus, however, turns the process upside down when he approaches individuals & bids them to a life of discipleship. This too resonates with us theologically, as we did not seek him, he sought us, etc.
Cheers,
TM
About Me...what is an 'evangelical-catholic?'
- Pastor Tim Manwell
- Elk Grove Village, IL, United States
- I was born & raised in rural mid-Michigan (M-go blue!). Life & work have taken me to many different places. God has too, as I've come to learn that faith is a pilgrimage. I very much resonate with the label 'EVANGELICAL-CATHOLIC.' I was raised Baptist, but found myself drawn to the Sacraments & Liturgy of the Church. I appreciate very much the words of the Augsburg Confession: "...nothing has been received among us, in doctrine or in ceremonies, that is contrary to Scripture or to the church catholic." Evangelical-catholic is a term of self-designation used by Christians coming from a broad spectrum of theological perspectives and commitments, ranging from Lutherans, Anglicans, and various Evangelicals yearning for greater catholicity .....to faithful Roman Catholics longing for an evangelical renewal of the Church. Perhaps beneath the apparent denominational differences there lies a common...groaning of the Spirit of God, who is seeking to draw the members of Christ’s mystical body into a communal life that is both fully catholic and fully evangelical. One can always hope and pray!
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Monday, January 28, 2008
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