Day 67, Matthew 20
Reading the four gospels chronologically is an exercise in learning from different viewpoints and synthesizing differing accounts into one inspired story. Today’s reading offers Matthew’s record of the ambition of Jacob and John and the healing of the blind men. Notice that Matthew has two blind men while Mark focuses on the one who was named. Such differences are sometimes used to claim contradictions in the gospels and thus invalidate them. However, the corroboration of detail from differing eyewitnesses is a factor that points to the veracity of the gospels rather than their fallibility. Matthew and Luke both draw from Mark’s earlier account (and all three appear to have drawn from another similar source that scholars have designated “Q”). In this way, we benefit from diverse insights that expand our understanding of and revelation of Jesus. For more on this topic, I recommend pages 397-411 of Derek Morphew’s excellent textbook “The Kingdom Reformation: Rediscover Jesus, Review Everything.”
Notice that Matthew includes some vital teachings from Jesus before his account of the request from the “sons of thunder.” “This will help you understand the way heaven’s kingdom operates,” says Jesus, and describes how the Kingdom is not “fair” as we measure fairness. You don’t get what you deserve in the Kingdom. Rather, everyone gets what they DON’T deserve! We have no right or reason to be jealous of God’s generosity (and we don’t need to get our mother to ask for favors on our behalf)!
Have a great day!
Mark.