O'Donoghue MTh_Thesis-FinalCopy.pdf - South African Theological ...

produce wealth.6.2.3The Giver of the SermonAs mentioned it is beyond the scope of this thesis to embark on a detailed analysesof Christology, but clearly there needs some attention paid to the giver of thereSermon. Jesus is designated as the Messiah or the Greek language equivalent, theChrist (Green 2000:39). Messiah or Christ means, “anointed one.” Israel as a nationwas familiar with the anointed roles of prophets, priests and kings. Israel wasexpecting a Messiah that would embody these three offices of ministry.It was stated in the previous chapter that in Matthew 6:19-34 Jesus assumed theright to speak prophetically about the ways of God. Matthew 16:14 and 21:11designates Jesus as a prophet, but also notes that this designation does not suffice,He is clearly more than a prophet (Green 2000:40). Dunn (2009:54) argues thatMark 6:4 shows that Jesus believed that he was a prophet and this role was“appropriate to his (sic) mission.” Enforcing this idea is the historical context ofchapter two which showed Jesus in parallel to Moses, both ascending a mountain tobring God’s word to His people.Hebrews teaches that Jesus fulfilled the role of a Priest (Heb 4:15). Of interest to thisthesis is that Jesus as Priest signifies that Jesus is able to sympathise with adisciple’s weakness, and was tempted as disciples are. Chapter two showed thatJesus was, at least for a time (perhaps his whole life) from a poor family and knewwhat it was like to be in want and short of money.That Jesus, who is the embodiment of how discipleship should look, would haveknown the reality of suffering in regard to material possessions is significant.Especially as this will affect the expectation attached to the content of the Sermon.For example, can the loyal disciples expect no suffering related to material wealth?Clearly they can.Some attention has already been paid to Jesus as King. It was noted previously thatJesus is God’s King come to establish God’s Kingdom on earth. Worth adding is that79