Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 91 No. 2, 2021.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.91.2.5
Knowledge and Wisdom of Jesus's Disciples
Taras Barščevski
orcid.org/0000-0003-2132-1105
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Starting from the fact that it is possible to teach wisdom to someone (see Wis 6:9; Job 33:33; Ps 51:8; Sir 51:8, etc.) and from the presupposition that wisdom can be acquired (see Job 28:18; Prov 3:13; 4:5.7; 8:33, etc.), the article presents a wide spectrum of knowledge and ignorance of Jesus's disciples by primarily paying attention to those places at which Jesus himself states knowledge of his disciples or a lack of it and calls them to acquire certain knowledge or wisdom. Gospels state that from his childhood Jesus grew in wisdom (see Lk 2:40.52) and that his wisdom manifested later on in his teaching and mighty works. Jesus claims for himself that he knows where he comes from and where he is going, that he knows the Father, that he knows who he has elected, and that he knows his sheep. However, he also wants to teach his disciples so that they too might know one true God and the one He has sent - Jesus Christ, so that they might have life eternal (see Jn 17:3). Jesus teaches his disciples in parables how to prepare for his return, while at the Last Supper he gives them the example of mutual love while following him will make them blessed (see Jn 13:15). In order to avoid the fierceness of the enemy in proclaiming the Gospel, Jesus advises his disciples to be wise as a snake. True wisdom is primarily manifested in the decisive moment of Christs return and the Last Judgement. Through examples of characters of the wise builder of the house on the rock (see Mt 7:24-27), the faithful and wise governor (see Lk 16:1-8), and five wise virgins (see Mt 25:1-13), Jesus gives his disciples through parables the most important lesson in wisdom and that is how to enter the eternal joy of the heavenly Father.
Keywords
wisdom; knowledge; Jesus's disciples; parables; wise as a snake; house on the rock; faithful and wise governor; five wise virgins; dishonest governor.
Hrčak ID:
266220
URI
Publication date:
29.7.2021.
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