Spring 1999 - Quarterly Review

these little ones." The parallel and earlier text in Mark 9:41 describesthe disciples merely as "youMatthew's expression is both traditionaland very Matthean (cf. 11:11; 13:32; 18:6, 10, 14). In this context themotif anticipates the discussions about who is the greatest of Jesus'disciples (18:1-5; cf. 20:20-28).Since the evangelist uses "one of these little ones" to describe theweaker and marginalized members of the community (18:6, 10,14),the saying in v. 42 has additional implications. It implies that the"haves" within the community should provide the "have nots" withtheir basic needs. The rationale is simple. Even the "have nots" areamong the disciples of Jesus. They are the little ones in God's flock. Itis sometimes necessary for the leaders of the community to make aradical and seemingly rash decision to care for them (18:10-14). Eventhe apostles were not to forget this.July 4,1999—Sixth Sunday after PentecostMatt. 11:16-19,25-30Ps. 45:10-17Gen. 24:34-38, 42-49,58-67Rom.7:15-25aToday's Gospel lection (cf. Luke 7:31-35) presents Jesus commentingupon two contrasting responses to the gospel message. 'Thisgeneration" is an incredulous and evil group of people (cf. 12:39, 41,42, 45; 16:4; 17:17; 23:36; 24:34) who do not accept the message ofthe coming of the kingdom no matter in what prophetic form it comes.Both John the Baptist and Jesus proclaimed the coming of thekingdom (3:2; 4:17). The Baptist was an ascetic figure (3:4; 9:14), Intheir rejection of him and his message, people caricatured him assomeone possessed by a demon. Jesus, on the other hand, joinedpeople at dinner (9:10-13), so he was derided as a gluttonous drunkwho hung around with sinners. The evangelist's point is that thisgeneration is adamant in its refusal to receive the gospel message.Nothing will bring them to believe. They are as fickle as a group ofchildren at play. Jesus' parable has a proverbial ring, but the proverb isnot otherwise attested in extant literature. It speaks of children playingthe flute, as at a wedding, but no one would join in the dance. Incontrast it speaks of children singing a dirge, but no one would join inthe funeral procession. There is simply no way for a prophetic figureto convince people who are adamant in their refusal to believe.106 QUARTERLY REVIEW / SPRING 1999