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Explanation for:
Matthew
18
:
1
At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?
8
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In this context, it is important to highlight my previous observations regarding the need to explore the significance behind the Lord's specific words and actions. After discovering the coin and settling the tax, one might question the sudden inquiry of the apostles: At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Recognizing that the same tax was paid for both Peter and the Lord, they mistakenly concluded that Peter held a superior position among the apostles, as he was deemed equal in the payment of the tax to the Lord Himself. This led them to ask, \\"Who is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?\\" Jesus, aware of their thoughts and the reason for their misunderstanding, sought to remedy their yearning for recognition by instilling in them a passion for humility."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Human emotions were evident among the disciples. The evangelist notes this when he mentions, ‘In that hour,’ referring to the moment when Christ chose Peter above the others. Although James was the first-born, Jesus did not extend that same honor to him. They were reluctant to express their feelings of jealousy openly, avoiding the direct question of, ‘Why have You chosen Peter over us? Is he superior to us?’ Instead, they inquired vaguely, ‘Who is greater than he?’ When Jesus honored the three of them, they did not exhibit such feelings. However, when recognition was granted to just one, they felt disheartened. Additionally, various other factors contributed to their agitation. Jesus had once told Peter, ‘I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah’ (Matt. 16:19; 17). In another instance, He said, ‘Give for me and for you’ (Matt. 17:27). This repeated assertiveness displayed by Peter also sparked their irritation. While Mark indicates that they were merely pondering among themselves, rather than questioning verbally, this does not contradict earlier accounts; both scenarios likely coexisted. They had experienced such feelings multiple times in the past, but here, they articulated them. It is essential not only to note their shortcomings but also to recognize certain positive aspects: first, they were not pursuing earthly gain at that moment; second, they later overcame this weakness and acknowledged one another's importance. In contrast, we often do not fixate on such spiritual comparisons; rather, we tend to inquire who holds prominence in earthly matters, who possesses wealth, or who has strength."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Observing the honor bestowed upon Peter by Christ—evidenced in the command for him to offer a tribute on behalf of both Christ and himself—those individuals felt a glimpse of human nature. Fueled by jealousy, they covertly approached, inquiring of the Lord, “Who is greater?”"},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The disciples encountered an aspect of humanity during their time with Christ. Observing that Peter was favored despite James being his elder and the presence of others, they felt a sense of sorrow yet were reluctant to admit their feelings. They inquired of the Master, uncertainly asking, \\"Which of them is greater?\\" Their feelings encompassed more than just this one sentiment. Even before the Lord had referred to Peter as blessed and made him promises, the courage displayed by Peter sparked jealousy among the disciples. The Gospel of Mark (Mk. 9:34) notes that initially they debated among themselves about who was the greatest, a sentiment echoed by Luke (Lk. 9:46). Prior to the arrival of the temple tax collectors who approached Peter, they had engaged in similar discussions along the way. Upon reaching Capernaum, where the collectors addressed Peter again, their agitation increased as they noted Peter's continued prominence. They seemed to inquire about something they already understood, yet deeper questions lingered. Although they recognized Peter's earthly distinction, they sought to know if he would receive greater honor in heaven. This stirred resentment, but later, as they matured in faith, they began to honor one another’s status equally."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the disciples journeyed towards Capernaum, they found themselves in a dispute, debating amongst themselves who among them might hold a greater position in the kingdom of heaven. The Lord chose not to chastise their ambition in front of others; however, when He again demonstrated His particular regard for Peter by instructing him to pay the temple taxes using the miraculous coin from the fish, their ambition flared up once more. At that moment, St. Matthew recounts that the disciples approached Jesus and inquired, \\"Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?\\" St. Chrysostom notes that they, embarrassed by the desire within them, refrained from directly questioning why Peter had been favored, instead phrasing it abstractly as, “Who is greater?” When Jesus honored three of them on another occasion, there was no sign of such discord; but when only one received distinction, they felt disheartened. They were reminded of Jesus's preference for Peter due to his confession and Peter's audacity in faith. St. Chrysostom observes that while the disciples demonstrated a human inclination, it's important to recognize, first, that they were not seeking anything worldly, and second, that eventually they overcame this weakness and began to attribute leadership roles to one another. In stark contrast, we often do not even reach their shortcomings; we do not ponder who is greater in the kingdom of heaven, but rather who is superior in the realm of men, who possesses more wealth, or who holds greater power."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"At that moment, specifically at that hour, when Jesus Christ favored Peter above all others by instructing that a tribute be paid for both Himself and Peter, the apostles posed the question of who would hold greater status in the kingdom of heaven. Their inquiry stemmed from a Jewish mindset of that era, anticipating that the Messiah would establish a formidable earthly dominion akin to worldly empires, where similar honors would be granted. The term “greater” indicated a position of elevated authority and power compared to others. The apostles used the present tense, indicating their belief that the kingdom of heaven, or the Messianic reign, was already manifested, which added an additional layer of perplexity to their question.\\n\\nThere was a human element influencing the disciples' thoughts. They felt too ashamed to directly ask why Peter had been given such prominence, questioning instead who among them was the greatest. Despite their inner turmoil and irritation, particularly in light of Peter’s boldness, they chose to express their feelings indirectly. This indicates a shift in their awareness, revealing their struggles with pride and rivalry, even as they had already forsaken earthly pursuits. This awareness did not prevent them from conceding to the primacy of one another in their discussions."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the apostles followed their Lord to Capernaum, they drifted some distance away and engaged in a debate among themselves. Upon arriving in Capernaum, Jesus inquired, “What were you discussing on the journey?” (Mark 9:33). They remained silent, feeling embarrassed to admit that their conversation revolved around who among them held the highest status. In response, Jesus instructed them, “Whoever desires to be first must be the last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Aware that their thoughts were not concealed from Him, the apostles turned to Him seeking clarity on their confusion and posed the question: Who holds the greatest status in the Kingdom of Heaven? Unable to shake off their Jewish interpretations regarding the Messiah’s Kingdom and equating it to earthly rule, they were eager to learn their respective ranks within this realm. They had been taught that the true first in the Kingdom of Heaven would be the one who humbly takes the lower position on earth, who refrains from dominating others and instead serves them in every possible way, embodying the role of a servant to all. Yet, they evidently did not grasp this teaching, as they approached Jesus to ask about who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The disciples, influenced by the remarkable events they had witnessed alongside the weighty messages and serious foretellings they received, could not shake the feeling that a significant transformation was impending for their Lord. The moment for His earthly glorification had yet to arrive, a time when He would cease being the humble instructor they had known and would reveal Himself with all the grandeur befitting the Messiah their people anticipated, establishing a magnificent and triumphant reign. This prospect exhilarated their hearts but also stirred up their existing biases, leading them to be anxious about obtaining favorable positions within the soon-to-be-launched kingdom of the Messiah. Even during their journey to Capernaum, a quarrel broke out among them regarding who would hold the highest rank in the kingdom of heaven. The Savior overheard their contention and, upon reaching the city, inquired what they had been debating along the way. This inquiry pricked their consciences, and they felt a sense of shame."}]}
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