The Passion Narratives - Matthew's Account
Here is a place where you can post the things you notice about Matthew's account of the Passion narrative. As we get more into the otehr Gospel accounts, you will be able to post the similarities and the differences you notice as well, but since we've only done one so far, just limit your comments to Matthew.
Some distinguishing characteristics about Matthew's account:
- Matthew places all the blame for the crucifixion on the Jewish crowds present at the time. He has Pilate literally wash his hands of the matter, taking the blame off of him. The line, "his blood be on us and on our children," is not justification for anti-semitic remarks or actions, but unfortunately, has been used as such throughout the ages.
- Matthew is very concerned with ritual and Jewish law. See Mt. 26:5, 17-18, 30, 65; Mt. 27:26 (cf. Psalm 22:1), 62; 28:1.
- The abiding presence of God is an important theme to Matthew. See Mt. 28:20, the last line of the Gospel.
- Of all the Gospel writers, Matthew is the most concerned with the fulfillment of Hebrew scriptures.
So, what have you noticed? Or, what do you want to say about who Matthew says Jesus is and how he presents the Passion narrative?
-Fr. Ryan
posted by St. Mark's Youth @ 10:08 AM
3 Comments:
I was wondering a few things as I read through the crucifixion stories. First, why do they think Jesus is calling to Elijah when he says 'Father do not forsake me'? And also, why does everyone mock him? I know the majority of the people didn't like him because what he taught was so radical to them, but mocking him is just cruel. But then again, so is crucifying him.
Other than that, most of the things I noticed were brought up tonight.
I'll try to explain this fisrt question on here, but it might make sense more in person when you can hear it. Ok, here we go, Hebrew 201:
The word that Jesus calls out from the cross, "Eli," (from Psalm 22:1) means in Hebrew, "My God." The word, "El" means "God" or "Lord", and adding the "i" makes it sort of like a possessive.
In Hebrew, there really is no "j" sound, so the name of the prophet Elijah would have been pronounced, "e-lie-ya." Now, break down his name. The first half is "eli," which is the same word as above, and the second half is "jah," which is a shortening of the divine name, YHWH (remember j=y). Elijah's name means literally, My God/Lord is YHWH. So, when he calls out "Eli, Eli," it might sound like the name of Elijah. Does that make sense?
-Fryan
Yep! Thanks. I thought they were being random. Gotcha, gotcha.
Post a Comment
<< Home