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DiggBiblical Proportions
Two writers find empathy in the Bible. The first, in a surprising interpretation of Jesus’ encounter with a wealthy man. The second, in a contemporary re-telling of the Beatitudes.
Loving Intent
In the central section of Mark’s gospel, Mark presents Jesus’ collective identity three times as the suffering Son of Man whom true disciples imitate by following and taking up their crosses. Three times they misunderstand, and each time they are corrected.
As a counterpoint to this teaching, Jesus encounters a rich man whose possessions impede progress towards the kingdom. In response to his question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus lists the commandments including the injunction not to defraud. The young man declares that he has kept all these things from his youth. Then the narrative records, “Jesus, looking intently at him, loved him and said, ‘Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me.’” Jesus’ additional demand is not a dismissive trap but stems instead from a deep desire to free the man from “the cares of the world and the delight in riches which enter in like thorns and choke the word.” (Mark 4:19)
Jesus perceives, both narratively and personally, the impossible challenge his words pose. And his perception proves correct: at Jesus’ word, the man’s face fell, and he went away grieving, for he was unwilling to give up his many possessions. Jesus’ reaction empathizes with the rich man’s plight. He does not judge. “Looking around, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God.’” The disciples exclaim, “Then who can be saved?” This occasions Jesus’ second intense observation in the passage — this time of the disciples: “With humans it is impossible but not with God: for all things are possible with God.”
Mark’s Jesus looks intently at the rich man and at the disciples to perceive whether they, like he, can live out the challenge of discipleship. Some cannot. Jesus is sympathetic to their difficulties. Perhaps he lived out this challenge personally. After all, he told the parable of the Sower at the beginning of his ministry to demonstrate that much seed will not fall on good soil: it will instead be snatched away by Satan or not have enough root to withstand tribulation and persecution or it will be choked by cares of the world or delight in riches.
Deirdre Good is Professor of New Testament at The General Theological Seminary.
Twenty-first Century Beatitudes
The Beatitudes sting me every time I hear them. What are the ramifications of Jesus’ poetic words in our day?
Blessed are you who have no second chances;
Blessed are you who have no health care for your families;
Blessed are you who cannot move away from the gangs and their stray bullets;
For yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who beg for their daily bread;
Blessed are you who have eaten out of the trash;
Blessed are you who eat junk food as the affordable option;
For you will be filled.
Blessed are you who lost your partner to cancer;
Blessed are you who lost your child in battle;
Blessed are you whose world was taken by a storm;
For you will find joy.
Blessed are you who fade away in prison;
Blessed are you who were kicked out of your home;
Blessed are you who weren’t invited;
For that is what your ancestors did to the prophets.
The Rev. Matthew Moretz is curate at Christ’s Church, Rye, NY, and creator of the YouTube series Father Matthew Presents.
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