Hosea 6:6 and Identity Formation in Matthew

Abstract

Matthew uses Hos. 6:6 in two scenes of conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees. He defines the differences between Jesus and the Pharisees in terms of adherence to the Law with focus on the mercy that God desires. Matthew depicts Jesus as one who teaches and enacts Hos. 6:6 in continuity with the original prophetic intention of this statement. Jesus teaches by example by enacting mercy towards the marginalized and people in need. He loves the way Hosea announces that God intends his people to love. Jesus Himself becomes the presence and source of mercy. Jesus forms the central focus and prototype of the Matthean community. The community should follow his example.

“Those who are well”: Lessons from COVID for non-crisis times via Matthew 9:9-13

“…The line is thus an invitation to adopt a compassionate disposition to others that allows followers to expand their circle of "fellowship." 18 This ability is essential if society is ever going to realize a shift toward public health, because the only way people can change their perspective to account for the well-being of the whole population is if they readily accept that everyone in that population is as worthy of their concern as they consider themselves to be. By calling his followers to compassion and turning them away from sacrifice, Jesus is reminding his followers that people do not have to prove their worth through a series of tests that establish their commitment.…”

External cultic tradition and internal ethical purity in Matthew 15

“…Viljoen (2013c) on the halakhic argument in the Sermon on the Mount. Viljoen (2014) on the use of Hosea 6:6 in Matthew 9:13 and 12:7. Viljoen (2011) on the Sabbath controversy in Matthew.…”

DEEL 55, Nommers 1 & 2, Maart en Junie, 2014 (Full Volume)

“…8:1-4) (see Viljoen, 2014a), Jesus responding to Pharisees who question why He eats with tax collectors and sinners (Mt. 9:9-13) (see Viljoen, 2014b) and Jesus responding to the Pharisees and teachers of the law who accuse Jesus' disciples for not washing their hands before they eat .…”

“…8:1-4) (see Viljoen, 2014a), Jesus responding to Pharisees who question why He eats with tax collectors and sinners (Mt. 9:9-13) (see Viljoen, 2014b) and Jesus responding to the Pharisees and teachers of the law who accuse Jesus' disciples for not washing their hands before they eat .In this article two occasions with purity implications are investigated: Jesus was supposed to avoid or at least purify Himself after contact with a woman with abnormal menstrual discharge (Lev. 25-30), but Matthew's Jesus does not object when such a woman touches Him and no mentioning is made of any purification rites (Mt.…”