/ The Gospel of Matthew: ch.8
The man of St Matthew

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

MORE DEEDS OF POWER: Mt 8,18-34

Following the short interlude, 8,18-22, we begin the second group of Jesus' deeds of power which continues into chapter 9 and the healing of the paralytic, 9,1-8. We need now to read through to 9,8. Consider how does the interlude, 8,18-22, prepare for what follows. Look for the links between the interlude and the following episode.
What types of deeds of power do we now have and how therefore does this second group differ from the first group?

Have a look now at my response.

Interlude, "Follow me": Mt 8,18-22

Verse 18 is a transitional verse. Who is taking the initiative?

There is a great contrast between the attitude of the scribe in verse 19 and that of the disciple in verse 21. What do they call Jesus? And what is their attitude to following Jesus?

The origins of the saying in verse 20 are obscure though the meaning is clear enough. This may be an inversion of Psalm 8 where there is a reference to "Son of Man" (often obscured by the use of inclusive language).
This is the first time in this Gospel that Jesus speaks of himself as "Son of Man". Overall the title will occur some thirty times. The background can be found in Daniel 7,13.

For the importance of burying the dead see Tobit 2,3-6. Here the reference is to Elijah and Elisha, 1K 19,19-21.

Have another look at my response.

The Calming of the Storm: 8,23-27

Begin by noting how verse 23 is linked to verse 22 and how the theme of the interlude continues. Compare verses 18 and 23: how has Matthew altered Mark 4,35-36?
This suggests already that there can be a symbolic reading of this incident. Consider therefore what is symbolized by the boat.

How does Matthew in verse 25 change Mark, Mk 4,38?

How has Matthew in verse 26 softened Mark, Mk 4,40?
For the rebuking of the winds and the sea see Ps 107,23-32.
What has happened in this story?

Have a third look at my response.

The Gaderene Demoniacs: 8,28-34

The best way to approach this story is to compare the versions of Matthew and Mark. Taking Mark (Mk 5,1-20) as the original, we can see that Matthew's changes are drastic. Summarise these changes; what is the effect of them?

The purpose of having two demoniacs instead of just one will become clearer when we read the next chapter (9,27). Who begins the exchange in Matthew? What does Jesus say? What does "before time" mean in verse 29 (see 25,31)? What is the contrast between verse 31 and its equivalent in Mark (Mk 5,12)?

What is the only word of Jesus in this story (verse 32)?

What is the significance of the pigs in verses 30-31 (Leviticus 11,6-7)?

What is the significance of the demons and pigs going into the sea?

What happens to the two demoniacs? Why do the townspeople react as they do in verse 34?

Look once again at my response.

We now continue to the overview of chapter 9 before we read the third episode in this cycle.