An exercise in noticing clues in a text that tell us An exercise in noticing clues in a text that tell us we need to look at what we need to look at what precedes precedes that text that text in order to better understand it . . . or . . . in order to better understand it . . . or . . . in order to understand it correctly in order to understand it correctly at all at all. It will help to have a Bible open at Matthew 20:16, and follow the screen. It will help to have a Bible open at Matthew 20:16, and follow the screen. Once you click it to begin, Once you click it to begin, the imbedded transition commands should keep the flow going the imbedded transition commands should keep the flow going automatically right down to the end. automatically right down to the end. But you can stop it anytime you want But you can stop it anytime you want . . . . .
Transcript
An exercise in noticing clues in a text that tell us An exercise in noticing clues in a text that tell us
we need to look at what we need to look at what precedesprecedes that text that text
in order to better understand it . . . or . . . in order to better understand it . . . or . . .
in order to understand it correctly in order to understand it correctly
at allat all..
It will help to have a Bible open at Matthew 20:16, and follow the screen.It will help to have a Bible open at Matthew 20:16, and follow the screen.
Once you click it to begin, Once you click it to begin,
the imbedded transition commands should keep the flow going the imbedded transition commands should keep the flow going
automatically right down to the end.automatically right down to the end.
But you can stop it anytime you wantBut you can stop it anytime you want
..
..
..
..
..
So , the last shall be first, and the first last.
Matthew 20:16
An exercise in context - directed interpretation
Intrinsic Clues of Context ? “So ,
the last shall be first,
and the first last”
Begins with “So” (or “Thus”)
{ Greek : Ou[twj }
Means the principle or proverb is the resolution of earlier discourse
WHAT precedes 20:16?
Parable of those hired at different times of day
( Matt 20:1-15 )
Those hired last are paid the same wages
as those hired earlier in the day
First-hired workers, paid last, are angry
that the last-hired workers are paid equally
The Owner says “I wish to give to this last
the same as to you.”
Context of the Parable?
20:1 begins with “For” (ga,r) , [though many English translations do not have it]
Is 20:1-16 really separate from chapter 19 ?
What precedes the parable?
What does Matt 19:30 say?
Matthew 19:30 says
“But many who are first will be last, and the last first”
The saying brackets the parable, ‘fore and ‘aft
“First shall be last ” ” ParableParable “Last shall be first”
The key to the meaning of the phrase
is found in the parable
The parable follows & illustrates the saying,
then, the saying is repeated as resolution.
19:30 says “BUT MANY WHO ARE FIRST WILL BE LAST, etc. ( greek de, )
What does it mean that “the first shall be last” principle is preceded with “ BUT ” ?
The whole teaching of 19:30 – 20:16
about “first-being-last”
is in contrast to something else prior
What idea did this proverb-like principle
counter ?
We have to see the previous context
Promise of 19:29 (‘Everyone having left houses, family, possessions, etc. for Jesus’ sake will receive 100x greater reward & eternal life’ )
is tempered by warning in :30
“Last shall be first ” is illustrated by landowner’s generosity to last-hired workers
in parable
In general: the saying warns against presumption for those who expect
greater rewards for greater service
Why did Jesus tell this parable?
Why (and to whom) did Jesus originally say “But the first will be last, and the last first?
Vs. 29 begins with “and…” (grk. Kai, ) vs.28
go back to Indicators : Vs. 28 “Jesus said to them . . .truly I say to you,
who have followed Me ...12 thrones … judging 12 tribes ... ”
Obviously, spoken to the first 12 disciples
ContextContext of Jesus’ Talk to the Disciplesof Jesus’ Talk to the Disciples What terms in 19:What terms in 19:2828 indicate that one must, indicate that one must,
again, again, go backgo back to understand ? to understand ?
“ “AndAnd” ( grk. ” ( grk. dede,, can be translated “and” can be translated “and” oror “so” “so” or or “but”) “but”)
[unfortunately, not all translations show this term] [unfortunately, not all translations show this term]
“ “to themto them” ” ,, “ “youyou” (a pronoun requires an antecedent)” (a pronoun requires an antecedent)
In 19In 19:27:27, , Peter asks JesusPeter asks Jesus “Look, we’ve left “Look, we’ve left everything to follow you. everything to follow you. So, what then will there be for us?”So, what then will there be for us?”
Jesus’ answer :Jesus’ answer : vs. 28 through 20:16vs. 28 through 20:16
CONTEXT OF PETER’S QUESTION CONTEXT OF PETER’S QUESTION
19:26b “…with God all things are possible”19:26b “…with God all things are possible” ““. . . . . . but but with God all things are possible”with God all things are possible” (grk. (grk. de,de, ) This phrase) This phrase
= is only = is only halfhalf of a two-part predication : of a two-part predication :
The other half is:The other half is:
“” “” “ “ With men this is impossible, With men this is impossible, butbut . . .” . . .”
Specificity of “Specificity of “thisthis” ? ” ? (a demonstrative pronoun)(a demonstrative pronoun)
– – What is the What is the antecedent antecedent of “ of “ this this ” ?” ?
WHAT is impossible for men, but WHAT is impossible for men, but possible with God?possible with God?
Vs. 25 (disciples):Vs. 25 (disciples): “ Well, then, who “ Well, then, who can can be saved?”be saved?” General question? General question?
Or specific context?Or specific context?
Terms in vs. 25 that indicate prior context:Terms in vs. 25 that indicate prior context:
“ “ well, then well, then ” ” oror “ “ in that case in that case ” ” ((grkgrk. . a;raa;ra ))
“ “ when they heard when they heard thisthis ””
“ “ they were greatly astonished they were greatly astonished ” ”
. . . . . . HEARD HEARD WHATWHAT ? ?
““Easier for camel to go through eye of a needleEasier for camel to go through eye of a needle than for rich man to enter Kingdom of God”than for rich man to enter Kingdom of God” vs. 24 ;vs. 24 ;
cf. vs. 23 “It is hard for a rich man to entercf. vs. 23 “It is hard for a rich man to enter
the Kingdom of heaven”the Kingdom of heaven”
Is this a universal maxim? Is this a universal maxim?
Or, a specific comment on Or, a specific comment on this manthis man’s ’s response to Jesus’ invitation to follow him? response to Jesus’ invitation to follow him?
““If You Want to be PerfectIf You Want to be Perfect . . . . . .vs. 21vs. 21
Get rid of your stuffGet rid of your stuff Give the proceeds to the poorGive the proceeds to the poor
(you’ll thereby deposit treasure in heaven)(you’ll thereby deposit treasure in heaven)
• AndAnd ComeCome, , FOLLOW MEFOLLOW ME ””
That That is is thethe most important thingmost important thing
BUT . . .BUT . . . he can’t do that ,he can’t do that ,
because he is bogged down with because he is bogged down with richesriches
Sadly , Jesus comments : Sadly , Jesus comments : ‘How hard it is‘How hard it is
for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven’for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven’
RESUME of Sequence:RESUME of Sequence: A certain man can’t give up his riches to follow JesusA certain man can’t give up his riches to follow Jesus
Peter saysPeter says, “, “WEWE gave up all to follow you ; gave up all to follow you ;
-- what will we get-- what will we get ?”?”
Jesus repliesJesus replies:: “Governing authority, great rewards, eternal life” “Governing authority, great rewards, eternal life”
But then Jesus cautionsBut then Jesus cautions: : ““But some who are first will be But some who are first will be lastlast ” ”
and illustrates that principle and illustrates that principle : : with thewith the Parable of the Workers : Parable of the Workers :
hired at different times of day hired at different times of day but all paid the samebut all paid the same
NO FURTHER LOOK NO FURTHER LOOK AT PRE-CONTEXT NEEDED?AT PRE-CONTEXT NEEDED?
Vs.15 Vs.15 ““He departed from thereHe departed from there . . .” . . .” appears to be transition appears to be transition
Little children brought to JesusLittle children brought to Jesus
Disciples attempt to stop that processDisciples attempt to stop that process
Jesus reverses their rebuke, saying:Jesus reverses their rebuke, saying:
“ “ Let the children Let the children come to mecome to me ”” which iswhich is
== the very goalthe very goal placed before rich young ruler : placed before rich young ruler :
. . . . . . To To Come and Be With JesusCome and Be With Jesus
OTHER THEMES COMMON TO OTHER THEMES COMMON TO BOTH STORIESBOTH STORIES
The young man sought to “get” (The young man sought to “get” (grkgrk.. e;cw e;cw ) but didn’t ) but didn’t :: ““eternal lifeeternal life” ” ((19:1619:16),),
“ “kingdom of heavenkingdom of heaven” (” (vs. 23vs. 23)) “ “kingdom of Godkingdom of God” ” ((vs.24vs.24))
While While Jesus Jesus said said,, rere: the children: the children,, “ “Let them come to meLet them come to me,,for thefor the kingdom of heaven kingdom of heaven belongs tobelongs to such as thesesuch as these ” ” ( (19:1419:14))
((or,or, “ “ is composed ofis composed of ””; ; grk.grk. tw/n ga.r toiou,twn tw/n ga.r toiou,twn evsti,nevsti,n))
I.e.,I.e., COMING TOCOMING TO AND AND BEING WITH JESUSBEING WITH JESUS IS EQUIVALENT TO IS EQUIVALENT TO BELONGING TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVENBELONGING TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Children do so simply & easily; Children do so simply & easily; adults with riches find it harder.adults with riches find it harder.
So, have we finished?So, have we finished?OrOr, does the , does the beginningbeginning of ‘the little children story’ of ‘the little children story’
indicate a still- indicate a still-largerlarger literary frame? literary frame?
19:13 “19:13 “ThenThen (grk.(grk. to,teto,te) they brought to him some children...) they brought to him some children...””
Of 160 x Of 160 x to,teto,te occurs in NT, 90 are in Matthew ( occurs in NT, 90 are in Matthew (cf. 6x Mark, 14x Lukecf. 6x Mark, 14x Luke))Rhetorical axel grease? …to keep discourse moving?Rhetorical axel grease? …to keep discourse moving?
( like ( like euvqu,jeuvqu,j [‘ [‘ immediatelyimmediately ’] , used 41x in Mark? ’] , used 41x in Mark? ))
No.No.
Matthew always uses Matthew always uses to,teto,te to signal temporal contiguity between to signal temporal contiguity between events.events.
So, Matthew sees the story of the little children in direct connectionSo, Matthew sees the story of the little children in direct connection to to what he had just recountedwhat he had just recounted. .
WhatWhat isis that previous context ? that previous context ?
( Okay. . .this may be a stretch. . .)( Okay. . .this may be a stretch. . .) At At vs. 12 vs. 12 Jesus had just been talking about Jesus had just been talking about “Eunuchs “Eunuchs ,, some who were born that way from their mother's womb;some who were born that way from their mother's womb; others : eunuchs made eunuchs by men; others : eunuchs made eunuchs by men; and and also also eunuchs who eunuchs who mademade themselvesthemselves eunuchs eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven”for the sake of the kingdom of heaven”• AND . . .AND . . . He spoke of that state of sterility (or celibacy... )He spoke of that state of sterility (or celibacy... ) ...APPROVINGLY...APPROVINGLY::
“ “ Whoever who is able to accept Whoever who is able to accept this , this , let him accept let him accept it it ”” . . . which sounds like . . . which sounds like a recommendationa recommendation ! !
This recommendation follows Jesus’ implied agreement in vs. 11 This recommendation follows Jesus’ implied agreement in vs. 11 with his disciples’ earlier assessment that with his disciples’ earlier assessment that ::
“ “ If that’s how it is , it would be BETTERIf that’s how it is , it would be BETTER NOTNOT TO MARRY AT ALL ! TO MARRY AT ALL ! ””
PREVIOUS CONTEXT OF PREVIOUS CONTEXT OF MARRIAGE & SINGLENESS PERICOPE MARRIAGE & SINGLENESS PERICOPE
19:3-7 19:3-7 Pharisees question Jesus about divorcePharisees question Jesus about divorce
:8-9 :8-9 Jesus says whoever divorces his wife and re-marriesJesus says whoever divorces his wife and re-marries ((except for adulteryexcept for adultery) commits adultery) commits adultery
:10 Disciples, astonished, say : “ :10 Disciples, astonished, say : “ If it’s like that, better NOT TO MARRYIf it’s like that, better NOT TO MARRY””
:11 Jesus implies agreement: {:11 Jesus implies agreement: {wouldwould be better to refrain from marriage be better to refrain from marriage if only one couldif only one could, , butbut … …}} “not everyone can accept this teaching ; “not everyone can accept this teaching ; only those to whomonly those to whom it is givenit is given.” .” (grk.(grk. avllV oi-j de,dotai avllV oi-j de,dotai ))
:12 (Jesus continues, re: value of being celibate, without family ):12 (Jesus continues, re: value of being celibate, without family )
“ “ Only a few canOnly a few can accept accept / / take hold of take hold of this matter . . .this matter . . .”” (grk :11 (grk :11 cwrou/sin cwrou/sin :12:12 o` duna,menoj o` duna,menoj cwrei/n cwrei,twcwrei/n cwrei,tw))
““......THOSE FEW WHO CAN, THOSE FEW WHO CAN, LET THEMLET THEM DO SODO SO ” ”
SO, IS JESUS AGAINST FAMILY LIFE?SO, IS JESUS AGAINST FAMILY LIFE?Jesus’ “recommendations” about not marrying & celibacy Jesus’ “recommendations” about not marrying & celibacy (vss.11-12) might make it seem so . . . (vss.11-12) might make it seem so . . .
His disciples seem to think so (see vs. 13)His disciples seem to think so (see vs. 13)
BUTBUT both “recommendations” are qualified by the same expression both “recommendations” are qualified by the same expression ::
“ “Not everyone can Not everyone can accept accept this matter; only a few”this matter; only a few” (grk :11 (grk :11 cwrou/sin cwrou/sin :12:12 o` duna,menoj o` duna,menoj cwrei/n cwrei/n
cwrei,twcwrei,tw))
AND AND very next verse begins, “THEN they brought children to Jesus” very next verse begins, “THEN they brought children to Jesus”
Perhaps disciples Perhaps disciples misunderstoodmisunderstood Jesus Jesus :: TThey try to prohibit children from approaching Jesus and rebuke hey try to prohibit children from approaching Jesus and rebuke
themthem,,as if a harsh and sterile celibacy were the norm.as if a harsh and sterile celibacy were the norm.
But Jesus says, But Jesus says, “ “ LET THE CHILDREN COME TO MELET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME ! ! ””and takes them and takes them in his armsin his arms and and blesses blesses them .them .
JESUS’JESUS’ SAYINGS ABOUTSAYINGS ABOUT CELIBACY CELIBACY AREARE TEMPERED TEMPERED BY HISBY HIS
WARMTH WARMTH TOWARDS THE TOWARDS THE CHILDREN CHILDREN
Simplicity of childrenSimplicity of children . . . . . . . .come to . . . . . .come to be with Jesusbe with Jesus
is contrasted withis contrasted with Cluttered life of a man Cluttered life of a man
who can’t get rid of stuffwho can’t get rid of stuff ... to come to ... to come to be with Jesusbe with Jesus
Peter, seeing the rich man’s difficulty, makes his claim :Peter, seeing the rich man’s difficulty, makes his claim :
“ “WEWE [[in contrastin contrast]] havehave left allleft all to be with you; to be with you;
-- what will we get?”-- what will we get?”
Jesus answersJesus answers: “: “MUCH! But don’t be presumptuous, myMUCH! But don’t be presumptuous, my
first followers; first followers; the first shall be last & the last firstthe first shall be last & the last first..” ” (i.e., God is good to (i.e., God is good to ALLALL who come to Him ) who come to Him )
Have we finished yet ?Have we finished yet ? Probably soProbably so . .Matt 19:1-2 Matt 19:1-2 sayssays,, ““And so it was, that when Jesus finished these mattersAnd so it was, that when Jesus finished these matters
[ [ tou.j lo,gouj tou,toujtou.j lo,gouj tou,touj ] he ] he left from Galilee and came into the region left from Galilee and came into the region of of
Judea beyond the JordanJudea beyond the Jordan, and , and large crowds followedlarge crowds followed Him, Him,
and and He healed them thereHe healed them there.”.”
With sweeping generalizations like these :With sweeping generalizations like these :
Geographical changes notedGeographical changes noted Mention of large crowds Mention of large crowds ( ( grk.grk. o;cloi polloio;cloi polloi,, )) General ministry descriptions, like “healing” General ministry descriptions, like “healing” or or teaching,” teaching,”
Matthew often begins a new block of material.Matthew often begins a new block of material.
Question of Pharisees in 19:3 is probably the beginning of theQuestion of Pharisees in 19:3 is probably the beginning of the
chain of related passages that stretches all the way to 20:16.chain of related passages that stretches all the way to 20:16.
Question of Pharisees in 19:3 is probably the beginning of theQuestion of Pharisees in 19:3 is probably the beginning of the
chain of related passages that stretches all the way to 20:16.chain of related passages that stretches all the way to 20:16.
