Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 28:1 (Sep 2019)
Article: Beyond Shame And Honour: Matthew’s Representation Of The Dignity Code Of Jesus
Author: William R. Domeris

Conspectus 28:1 (September 2019) p. 18

Beyond Shame And Honour: Matthew’s Representation Of The Dignity Code Of Jesus

Bill Domeris

Abstract

The Gospel of Matthew, across the centuries, has provided the bedrock for the instruction of Christians, especially new converts. The Gospel offers a multifaceted portrait of Jesus, perfect for an understanding of the Reign of Heaven (Kingdom of God) and challenging enough to remind the readers that like the home of the scribe, one can constantly find new treasures to discover. In this article, I examine the values which the Matthean Jesus espouses. I argue that Matthew’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ personal interactions and his ethical teaching in a deliberate manner. Jesus crosses boundaries, engages in economic discussions and promotes a praxis of caring for the vulnerable. In these interactions, we see Jesus challenging the prevailing honour and shame code and offering, through his actions and teaching, a positive alternative in the form of what I have termed his dignity code. Where the honour code promoted the pursuit of self-interest and personal glory, Jesus’ code personified humility and the dignity of others, especially those who were rendered vulnerable or were shamed by their society, including women, children and gentiles.

This article: https://www.sats.edu.za/domeris-beyond-shame-and-honour

Keywords

Matthew, dignity, honour, shame, vulnerable.

About The Author1

Bill Domeris

PhD , University of Durham, Bill is a Biblical scholar and a Senior Academic at the South African Theological Seminary. He is also a research associate at the University of Pretoria and the University of the Free State.

Conspectus 28:1 (September 2019) p. 19

1. An Iconic Gospel

From its opening verses to its epic conclusion, the Gospel of Matthew is an iconic gospel. This, the first of the gospels, has provided, across the centuries, the bedrock for the instruction of Christians, especially new converts. It offers a multifaceted portrait of Jesus, perfect for an understanding of his role within the Kingdom of Heaven,2 and challenging enough to remind its readers that, like the home of the scribe, one can constantly find new treasures to discover (Matt 13:52). I suggest that Matthew highlights Jesus’ personal interactions and his ethical teaching in a deliberate manner. Jesus crosses boundaries, engages in economic discussions and promotes the praxis of caring for the vulnerable, especially widows and children.

While Jesus-scholarshi...