festive hermeneutics
Posted by Paul | Filed under uncategorised
I’ve never really noticed just how much the start of Matthew’s gospel sets Jesus up as the new Moses/representative of Israel. But, going back to the ‘Christmas’ stories over the last few days it really lept out at me. So, with acknowledgement to the reformed catholic blog and Tom Wright’s Matthew for Everyone, here is a set of parallels. I think I’m roughly following the order in Matthew’s narrative:
* Moses escapes Pharaoh’s slaughter of baby boys
Jesus escapes Herod’s slaughter of baby boys
* Moses comes out of Egypt (with Israel)
Jesus comes out of Egypt
[aside 1: see reformed catholic for interesting overtones of Israel-is-Egypt]
[aside 2: but it's interesting that both are in Egypt due to the dreams of a guy called Joseph, but maybe that is pushing things too far...]
* Moses takes Israel through the waters of the Red Sea
Jesus is baptised
* Moses and Israel head from the water into the desert and face challenges of trusting God
Jesus heads from baptism into the desert and is tempted, but trusts God
[aside 3: Jesus' temptations cover bread and worship of someone/thing other than God. Israel complain about provision of food and tragically worship the golden calf]
* Moses is advised to select leaders to help him
Jesus calls the disciples
* Moses brings the law down from the mountain
Jesus preaches the sermon on the mount
3 Responses to “festive hermeneutics”
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matthewmason Says:
December 22nd, 2007 at 10:13 am
Hi Paul,
Nice to discover your blog. Re Joseph the dreamer, I think you’re exactly right to make the link.
Matthew
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jonnyjpg Says:
thats great.
eugene peterson makes a similar conclusion about the sermon on the mount. -
Paul Says:
December 24th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Thanks Matthew & Jonny.
I suspect I subconscious stole the sermon on the mount bit from Peterson (if not all of it
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