Metaphor always the same
The only value a symbol has as a symbol is if it always means the same thing. It does not symbolize anything if it always has a different meaning. How much more do we expect God to understand this principle and use it in his own writings?
John the Baptist declares that the one who follows him will be mightier than he is. [1] This is alludes to John and Jesus being a pair who share a ministry as did Ejijah and Elisha. [2] He is using 'drash' as he makes the comparison. Implied in the drash is the use of the mantle to tie together the works of Elijah and Elisha, since garments are always works. [3] Later we will see that John and Jesus share the work of preaching repentance.
Mark also defines a metaphor for future use. Now he doesn't so much as define it as use the one he finds in the Old Testament. This is the image of the strong or valiant man.
- Mr 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier <2478> than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.</ref>
The Mighty men, the valiant men, the captains of the Old Testament are all prophetic riddles and metaphor for Christ. Mark is using the term in the same way. He directly points to Christ as the fulfillment of these earlier scriptures. But he also sets the meaning firm so that we do not misunderstand him when he records Jesus using the same term.
Consider the parable of the strong man.
(Mt 12:29; Mr 3:27; Lk 11:21 f.)
- Mt 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
- Mr 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
- Lu 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
- Lu 11:22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
A quick lesson in letting the Bible speak for itself:
- Mt 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s <2478> house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man <2478>? and then he will spoil his house.
The Greek church argues about who the strong man is. Some even go about binding Satan here and there.
The rule says that a metaphor is always the same thing. Who was the strong man in the OT scriptures? It was always a shadow of Christ!
Let's let Matthew define it for us: (I use Strong's numbers to help you see it is the same word.)
- Mt 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than <2478> I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mathew and John the Baptist together define the strong man as Christ. So what was Jesus talking about? What happened to the disciples (the house of Jesus) while he was dead? They were broken, fearful, hiding and scattered! One might say they were spoiled after Jesus had been bound.
As for Satan? Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
So much bad doctrine comes from those who don't understand the languages, and don't follow the rules.
Jesus had just been falsely accused of working with Satan. The accusers were actually satans (accusers) attempting to spoil Jesus's house (his followers). He displays confidence that his work with his disciples will prevail. The only way to spoil them will be to bind (wrapped in linen) him in death.
Who is the house of Jesus? Who did he eat Passover with?
References
- ↑ Mr 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
- ↑ 2Ki 2:9 ¶ And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
- ↑ 2Ki 2:13 ¶ He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;
