Woe Sayings

A prophet’s frustrations

Jesus’ meal-scolding ends in today’s gospel reading. The host (a Pharisee) might have regretted having called Jesus for the dinner. Jesus used strong confrontations called ‘woe sayings’ in his preaching. Jesus has really ‘spoilt’ their dinner mood. 

How do we understand Jesus’ woes? How can we interpret these types of hard sayings from the Son of God? 

1. We should understand the context of the situation in which the evangelist wrote this gospel. In Early Christianity the Christians needed a fight to establish its identity amidst the institutionalised Jewish religion. The early Christians must have rubbed shoulders with the Pharisees, the Scribes, and the Teachers of the Law. This tension reflects in the woe-formulae.

The two woe texts in today’s gospel reading are addressed to two different groups: one, in general, and two, in particular, to the Teachers of the Law. The evangelist also writes in the end the reaction of the groups.

2. We can understand these woes as the prophet’s frustrations. A prophet, when his message is not received, vents out his feelings in the form of curses or woes. Jesus knew very well what awaited other prophets as well. He is heading towards the wall to hit it when he utters these curses. In other words, Jesus in a way kindles the anger of his enemies.

3. Expression of Jesus’ prophetic role. A prophet’s role is not only to announce but also to denounce. Jesus denounces the existing structures of his time. However, he knew that his message was not welcomed.

4. It is A call for repentance. By using harsh words, Jesus invites his audience to repent, to convert, or to change their ways of life.

5. A lesson for his disciples. Jesus indirectly exhorts his disciples not to imitate the Pharisees, the Scribes, and the Teachers of the Law.

What’s the lesson for us?

When we assume a prophetic role, we too may face frustrations. And we also learn that a prophet’s frustration invites us to change our course of life.