Posted by PS on February 15, 2003 at 12:22:32:
2/9/03 NOTES
GR parabolé = comparison
HEB mashal = comparison (root), also means riddle
Parables
1. short
2. everyday language
3. allegory
. . . A. one meaning
. . . B. reader --> interpretation
4. extended metaphor
5. narrative
6. pithy
7. hyperbole
pericope = story about Jesus orally transmitted
nature miracles = least subjective (most subjective = healing, exorcism)
Nature Miracles
Calming the wind and waves
Walking on water
Feeding of the 5000
Feeding of the 4000
Cursing the fig tree
turning water into wine
raising the dead
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Exorcisms
Simple assumptions from the fact of exorcisms:
1. existence of good & evil spirits
2. evil spirits can inhabit humans
3. evil spirits do mischief
4. inhabitation is not permanent
5. exorcisms are possible
Theories about evil spirits (both in Jesus’ day and ours):
1. demons (either created as such or fallen angels)
2. dead humans in limbo (ghosts, poltergeists, etc.)
3. minor, troublesome spirits; mischievous more than evil (fairies, pixies,etc.)
In the gospels, exorcisms (like other stories) are vehicles for the writers to reveal something about Jesus.
christology = a revealed truth about Jesus as the Christ (Messiah)
Example of revealed christology previously discussed:
Subjugated nature by word alone -- not seen since the creation where God spoke and nature obeyed:
Shows Jesus as the creating logos of God.
Explains the terror of the disciples, greater than the fear of death experienced during the storm.
Revealed christology seen in exorcisms:
All demons immediately know him and know they are subject to him.
Demons call Jesus “Son of the Highest” or “Holy One of God,” etc.
Note again the concept of the “messianic mystery”--Jesus silences them.
Key concept observed: plurality
Demons call themselves “we,” even when apparently only one is present:
“We know who you are...”
Demon knows key people he has not met, but refuses to recognize unknown exorcist:
“Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?”
Suggests communication between spirits; common knowledge in spirit realm of those who are:
Marked, called, empowered by God = identity well known in spirit realm.
Human knows his/her own identity and Source of it as Person = power over spirit realm.
A question of identity, not acquisition of power as commodity (and not ritual correctness).
More on excorcism next week as we look at the story of the Geresene demoniac...