The love for the poor neighbour: in memory of her (Matthew 26:6-13)
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Date
2016
Authors
Van Aarde, A. G.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State
Abstract
This article explores whether the Jesus saying in Matthew 26:11 contradicts the
Jesus tradition about caring for the poor. Bultmann’s understanding of the love
commandment provides a key to understanding this perceived paradox. On the
one hand, in Matthew 19:21, Jesus says that to love one’s neighbour as required
by the Decalogue means, in practice, to dispose of all riches and give the money
to the poor. On the other hand, in Matthew 26:6-14, Jesus pardons the woman who
anointed him with precious oil in anticipation of his burial rather than selling the oil
and giving the money to the poor. The article argues that the Matthean Jesus did
not contradict himself. Bultmann’s insight into the dialectical dissociation between
Christian ethics and Stoic ethics supports the coherence in Jesus’ view on caring
for the poor.
O Galilee, Galilee, thou hatest the law; thine end will be to have to
deal with brigands (Yohanan ben Zakkai, y. Shabbat 15d, quoted in
Elliott-Binns 1956:74).
Description
Keywords
Poverty, Jesus tradition, Matthew 26:6-13, Rudolf Bultmann, Stoic ethics, Love commandment
Citation
Van Aarde, A.G. (2016). The love for the poor neighbour: in memory of her (Matthew 26:6-13). Acta Theologica, 23, 150-175.