Subverting the Status of the Householder (Essay Sample)

Gospel on Justice and Householder
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Subverting the Status of the Householder
As the head of the household, the householder has the duty of managing and protecting the available resources including children. According to Grassi (2003), in reference to the Gospel of Matthew, male head is just another name for a householder. He refers to Aristotle who defines household as level of authority with the husband having the power to manage and supervise workers and business. The levels of authority illustrate the power husband exercises over wife, children, and household workers. However, Jesus subverts these beliefs. In Jesus’s new family, there is no defined household manager or paterfamilias title, challenging the traditional householder. For instance, in Matthew 10:37, Jesus says to the disciples, “If you love your father or mother more than you love me…not worthy of me.” From the verse, it is clear that Jesus has power over the householder. The verse also subverts the power given to the head of the family, illustrating there is someone powerful than the householder, and any loyalty should first go to Jesus. Jesus also counters the standard roles of a householder by stating in Matthew 25:36 that “He has prepared a future kingdom for those serving the hungry and needy.” It changes the view of a householder as children and wives learn another way to live apart from obeying and looking after the householder. Jesus promises a kingdom for those serving more than just their father.
Jesus and Justice
1 I agree with Keller that private morality and social justice go together. It is hard for a selfish person to show kindness or justice. However, such individuals pretend to be kind in public but when confined in their private spaces, they are completely different. Keller’s interpretation is in line with Jesus teaching “Woe to you…. hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup…but inside…full of greed and self-indulgence.” Hypocrisy means that one’s intentions are not pure. However, for there to be social justice, people must act with pure intentions. One’s private and public morals must be the same. Unfortunately, in many instances people pretend to be well-mannered. They go to church but on the inside they are full of greed and pride. It is advisable for p