Ziklag R8.1 The Ways

ὁδός in Matthew, Acts and John part I

SOS Discipline - Daily Proverb and Red Letter Reader

Listen to their words. They will tell you whether they bless or curse. cf Pr. 11:11

Order is hierarchy. cf Mt. 10:24

The Greek word “ὁδός”

ὁδός (hodos), meaning “way” or “path,” is significant in Jesus’ words in Matthew’s Gospel.

Sermon on the Mount

Structure:

• Introduction (Matthew 5:1-12): Beatitudes

• Body (Matthew 5:13 - 7:12): Ethical teachings and spiritual disciplines

• Conclusion (Matthew 7:13-27): Warnings and calls to action

Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way (ὁδός) is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way (ὁδός) is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

Jesus uses (ὁδός) to contrast two paths: one leading to destruction (wide and easy) and the other to life (narrow and hard). This metaphor encapsulates the choice facing his listeners: to follow his teachings (the narrow path) or to follow the more common, easier path that leads away from God.

Second Discourse (Missionary Discourse):

The instruction to the disciples regarding their journey implies the “way” or path they are to follow in their mission. Matthew 13:5: “These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, ‘Do not go the way (ὁδός) of the nations and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’”

Third Discourse (Parabolic Discourse):

The concept of “way” or path is evident in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9), where seeds fall on different types of ground, representing different responses to the message of the Kingdom. While (ὁδός) itself is not used, the parable implicitly deals with the various paths (ways) people take in response to God’s word.

Triumphal Entry:

“Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road (ὁδός) , and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road (ὁδός) .” Matthew 21:8-11:

Teaching on Authority:

“And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way (ὁδός) of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.’” Matthew 22:16:

5. Matthew 25:31-46:

Parable of the Sheep and the Goats:

• While (ὁδός) is not used directly, the judgment scene depicts the final outcome of the paths chosen by individuals.

6. Matthew 28:19-20:

Diagnostic of Structure

1. Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:13-14: Choice of two paths; Implication: Emphasizes the need for deliberate, disciplined following of Jesus’ teachings.

2. Missionary Discourse: Matthew 10: Implied paths for the disciples’ mission; Implication: The way (hodos) of the mission, directing efforts to the “lost sheep.”

3. Parabolic Discourse: Matthew 13: Responses to the message of the Kingdom (implied paths); Implication: The varied “ways” people receive and respond to God’s word.

4. Teaching and Miracles: Triumphal Entry and Teaching on Authority: Matthew 21-22: Acknowledgement of Jesus’ path and the true way (hodos) of God; Implication: Recognition of Jesus as the way, leading to confrontation with authorities.

5. Olivet Discourse: Judgment and End Times (Matthew 24-25): Final outcomes of the chosen paths; Implication: The ultimate destination of the paths taken by individuals.

Conclusion

The word (ὁδός) and its concept play a significant role in Jesus’ words throughout Matthew’s Gospel. Building on Solomon’s understanding of the path of wisdom vs the way of folly, Jesus themes of urgency and quest, emphasizing the true versus the deceptively “easy”.

Tomorrow, (ὁδός) in Acts and John

Addendum

Remaining Occurrences of “Hodos” in Matthew (Red Letter Text Only)

1. Matthew 10:10: “No bag for your journey (ὁδός), nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.”

2. Matthew 15:32: “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way (ὁδός).”

3. Matthew 20:17: “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death.” (This verse doesn’t directly mention “hodos,” but the concept of the journey is implied.)

4. Matthew 22:9: “Go therefore to the main roads (ὁδός) and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.”