Easter Workshop 1981
WRONG CONCEPTS OF GOD- T. J. Roffe

Useful books: “Tradition and Interpretation in Matthew” – Bornkamm, Barth, Held (1960) (E.T. 1963 SCM Press)
“Saint Matthew” – J. Fenton (1963 – Penguin Commentaries)

A comparative study of three well-known passages in the Gospels in which Matthew
emphasizes the disciples’ wrong concepts of God

1. Re God of the Storm: Matt. 8: 23-27 (cf Mark 4: 35-41)
In Matthew’s account of ‘the stilling of the storm’ emphasis is given to what discipleship involves in the light of who God is.

2. Re God of the master and his dog: Matt. 15: 21-28 (cf Mk 7:24-30)
The disciples’ reaction to the Canaanite woman reveals a superficial understanding of the God of miracle.

3. Re God of the funeral: Matt. 26: 6-13 (cf Mark 14: 3-9)
The disciples are indignant at the waste if precious ointment – “the word ‘waste’ had touched Jesus to the quick. He was thinking of His own death. No! His own reckless sacrifice was not waste.” –C. F. Andrews ‘What I owe to Christ’ (1934) p111 (a missionary in India.)