Kingdom Figure

Ref.

(c/f gospel)

Action

1. . Obtains pity

18:35-43

the disabled

Blind man of Jericho

18:35-43 It happened that as he drew near to Jericho a certain blind man was sitting by the wayside begging. On hearing a crowd passing through he asked what was going on. They reported to him "Jesus the Nazarene is passing by." He cried out saying "Jesus son of David. Pity me." Those who were walking in front of him rebuked him telling him to be quiet. But he cried out all the more. "Son of David. Pity me." On

standing still Jesus commanded him to be brought to him. As he drew near he questioned (the man). "What do you want me to do for you." He said "Lord that I may see again." Jesus said to him. "See again. It is your faith that has healed you." At once he saw again and followed (Jesus) glorifying God. All the people on seeing this also gave praise to God. (Note: Text is mainly a paraphrase of the Literal translation in the RSV Interlinear Greek-English New Testament, 1988)

Notice the description of Jesus as "Nazarene." Research by Dr Mary Coloe of Australian Catholic University shows that "Nazarene" was used at the time as a term for "community builder". So use of the term here does not necessarily mean they were just talking about Jesus as coming from Nazareth.

2. . Makes retribution

19:1-10

the reformed public servant

Zaccheus the tax collector

19:1-10 Having entered Jericho he was passing through it. And behold there was a man there who was called Zacchaeus. He was a major tax-collector and was rich. He tried to see Jesus and who he was. But he was not able to do so because of the crowd. He was too short. So he ran forward to the front (of the crowd) and got up onto a sycamore-tree so he could see him as he (Jesus) was about to pass along that way. And as He came upon the spot he looked up and said to him. "Zacchaeus. Hurry up and come down for today it suits me to

stay in your house." So making haste he came down and welcomed him (Jesus) with great joy. And all those seeing this murmured saying "Is he going to stay with a sinful man?" And standing forward Zacchaeus said to the Lord. "Behold half of my possessions I will give to the poor. And if I have accused anyone falsely about anything, I will restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him. "To-day salvation has come to this house. After all even he (Zacchaeus) is a son of Abraham and the Son of man has come to seek out and to save what has been lost."