![]() ![]() Thus, such approaches as the Sociological (social setting of the text) and Historical-Critical Methods have also been applied to help in the clear understanding of the text, as well as the firm establishment of our message. Realistically though, sticking to a single approach cannot possibly complete this entire study. This paper will expound on the meaning and interpretation of Matthew 18, particularly verses 5 and 6, using the ‘New Literary Approach.’ This is precisely what this Hermeneutical-Exegetical paper aims to do. Why? Was it because of mere pity? Or was it borne of the necessity of His role as Teacher and King? If the answer to this question is indeed rooted in His nature, what does this say about those of us who claim redemption in the very nature of our Lord? They are ‘the branded’ that is, they are those who have been marked as ‘hopeless.’ Yet, for a so-called Messiah, the long-awaited King of the Jews, it is quite illogical that, instead of focusing on the religious, political and social authorities alone, so as to bring the then much awaited religious, political and societal reforms, Jesus centered His ministry on these little ones. In short, the handicapped, the uneducated, and the poor. The insignificant, unimportant and negligible people in the Bible are the marginalized people – the social outcasts: children, women, widows, beggars, lepers and sinners. In the eyes of our society today, many people fall under ‘the insignificant.’ The same is true in the society during Matthew’s time. Insignificance is unimportance it is negligibility. Insignificance is such a painful word to wrestle with, that one wonders – if one has courage enough to do just this: wrestle. ![]() Finally, after 30 years of relentless search, I have finally gone through all the details of the importance of the ‘unimportant’ people whom My Master Jesus protected, cared for and put upon pedestals. From a young age, these verses – particularly those that refer to the unsung heroes, the insignificant people, the little guys and the little ones – have held my mind captive. Bobot Bernardo, Director for Education and Discipleship Department,Ĭertain verses in the Bible have held such a deep impact on me since childhood. (A Hermeneutical-Exegetical Paper on Matthew 18:5-6) ![]()
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