What does Matthew 13:17 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 13:17 is a statement attributed to Jesus, which highlights the privilege of the people of His time in experiencing His teachings and miracles firsthand.

In the context of the verse, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, which He conveys through parables.

The "many prophets and righteous men" refers to individuals from the Old Testament period who longed for the Messianic age and the revelation of God's plans for salvation.

The deeper meaning suggests a sense of fulfillment or consummation with the coming of Jesus, as the mysteries that were once hidden are now being revealed to them.

It also suggests a continuity between the expectations of the past and their realization in the present.

Historical Context

This verse appears in the Gospel of Matthew, written primarily for a Jewish audience, to demonstrate Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

The historical context of this passage is in first-century Palestine, under Roman occupation, where there was a strong anticipation of a liberating Messiah among the Jewish people.

The "prophets and righteous men" of the past had prophesied about the coming of the Messiah, yet they lived in times before these prophecies were fulfilled.

Jesus' audience is living in the unique time when those promises are being realized.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer various interpretations of Matthew 13:17.

From a traditional Christian perspective, the verse affirms the belief that Jesus is the awaited Messiah fulfilling prophecies, thus asserting the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant.

A Liberation Theology viewpoint might emphasize the realization of social and spiritual liberation through Jesus' teachings.

In contrast, a more conservative eschatological interpretation might see this verse as highlighting the continuation of God's plan, yet still awaiting a future complete fulfillment at the end of time.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Matthew 13:17 can encourage believers to appreciate the spiritual insights and revelations they have access to through the teachings of Jesus.

It is a call to not take for granted the wisdom and understanding made available through the scriptures. Recognizing the long-awaited desires of those before them can instill a sense of gratitude and responsibility in believers to live out and share their faith.

Cross-References

• Luke 10:23-24: "And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."
• Hebrews 11:13: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."
• 1 Peter 1:10-12: "Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify..."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek that are central to this verse include:

• "Prophets" (προφήται, prophētai): Generally understood as spokespersons for God who spoke under the divine inspiration.
• "Righteous men" (δίκαιοι, dikaios): Those who lived in right standing with God, according to His laws and commands.
• "Desired" (ἐπιθυμέω, epithymeō): A strong longing or yearning for something.

Exploring these words in their original context provides insight into the deep longing and anticipation of God's revelation which the people of the Old Testament experienced.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Jewish expectation of a coming Messiah or liberator was not unique in the ancient world, many cultures had myths of heroes or divine figures coming to bring salvation or enlightenment.

For example, some ancient Greek myths speak of heroes who bring new knowledge or freedom to humankind.

Comparatively, in Judaism, the expectation was a Messianic figure who would establish God's kingdom on earth.

The revelation to the disciples, as stated in Matthew 13:17, can be seen as a unique fulfillment of this Jewish hope compared to other cultural myths.

Scientific Perspectives

There is little in Matthew 13:17 that directly intersects with modern scientific understandings, as the verse deals primarily with spiritual and theological matters.

However, the longing of ancient people for knowledge and understanding as expressed in the verse can be paralleled with the human drive for discovery and explanation that underpins the scientific endeavor.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of this verse:

• William Barclay points out that the prophets of Israel looked forward and preached about the coming age of God, yet they did not see it.

He emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the disciples' experience.

• John Calvin notes that the patriarchs and prophets would have "embraced" the revelations Jesus gave to His disciples, asserting that their desire for messianic revelation demonstrates the value of what Jesus taught.
• Matthew Henry highlights the grace that Christ's disciples had, being made privy to the secrets of the kingdom of heaven and contrasts it with the experience of those who lived before Christ's coming.