Portraits of Deficient Discipleship

A Theological Reflection on Matthew 8:18-27

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the way the evangelist Matthew illustrates the deficiency of discipleship by sketching three portrayals of deficient discipleship. The section under scrutiny is that of chapter 8:18-27 from Matthew’s Gospel. The first portrayal is that of a disciple-to-be, described in terms of much enthusiasm without much understanding of the kind of teacher Jesus is (Matt 8:19-20). He is a proper illustration of the first type of deficient human attempt to follow Jesus, namely, discipleship without costs. The second portrayal, is that of an acknowledged disciple, described in terms of manifest hesitation that comes from an insufficient clarification of his existential priorities and of the kind of master Jesus is (Matt 8:21-22). This portrayal is a helpful illustration of the second type of deficient attempt to follow Jesus, namely, discipleship without commitment. The third portrayal is that of the called disciples, described in terms of fear that comes from the lack of understanding of the kind of Lord Jesus is (Matt 8:23-27). This portrayal is a realistic illustration of the third type of deficient human attempt to follow Jesus, namely, discipleship without hardships. Yet, in his answers in the encounters with the three categories of protagonists in the biblical text, Jesus offers corrections to all three types of deficient discipleship. And Matthew combines the revelation of the symptoms of the three deficient types of discipleship with the solution coming from Jesus’ answers, to make the recipient-audience of his Gospel understand that discipleship is costly, is based on commitment, and involves hardships.