Sárospataki Füzetek 18. (2014)

2014 / 4. szám - TANULMÁNYOK

Az Újszövetség megismerésének határai

This picture says a lot. John Bunyan paints a similar image in ’The Pilgrims Progress’ when the pilgrim reaches the cross and is allowed to put all his burdens down. However, we find no real evidence to this explanation. A detailed description of the wall of Jerusalem is given in the book of Nehe- miah; all the gateways are listed but we don’t find one of this name. Neither archaeological findings, nor the accounts of medieval pilgrims support this argument. It looks like we have hit another wall; we have found another border. But instead of the urge to explain everything, we must pay attention to the way Jesus’ first audience understood his words. According to Matthew 19:26 “They were greatly astonished and asked ’who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said ’With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” From this answer it is clear that there is no need for an explanation at all! Jesus wanted to demonstrate the impossible.

Later on, Jesus himself shows us that things, which are impossible for man to achieve, are possible for God. He does so by telling us the story of Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was a rich and sinful man: he even saw himself like that. But when Zacchaeus accepted Jesus and promised to share his wealth, he found the way to God. Jesus himself declares that salvation has come to Zacchaeus. This is how God takes something that is impossible and makes it possible!

(ford. Győri Csilla)

Sárospataki Füzetek 18. évfolyam | 2014 | 4

19