Introduction
Hope is a central element in Jesus’ message and the synoptic tradition of the New Testament. This article explores how hope is articulated in the Synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, highlighting the tension between the “already” and the “not yet” of salvation promises. We will examine how this hope manifests itself in Jesus’ message, his teachings, and the practices of the post-Paschal community, fostering a confident and patient expectation of the Kingdom of God.
Hope in Jesus’ Message
According to the Synoptic tradition, including the Acts of the Apostles, those who believe in Jesus are directed towards the future. In view of the promised inheritance (Matthew 19:29; Matthew 25:34) and the expected reward (Matthew 5:12; Luke 6:22), believers are called to remain vigilant and patient.The Pauline tension between the “already” and the “not yet” of salvation promises is also present in this tradition, appearing in the earliest sources, such as Source Q. When Jesus speaks in the name of God, his words of warning and encouragement reflect the coexistence of the presence and expectation of the Kingdom of God.
Presence of the Kingdom
The Kingdom of God has already arrived, but it faces resistance (Matthew 11:12-13; Luke 16:16), is opposed by demons (Matthew 12:28; Luke 11:20), and is the only true good to be sought with trust in divine providence (Matthew 6:25-33; Luke 12:22-31).
Expectation of the Kingdom
The Kingdom is still to come, to be proclaimed and awaited (Matthew 10:7; Luke 10:9). Its consummation will be accompanied by a divine harvest (Matthew 9:37; Luke 10:2), the final judgment (Matthew 13:40), and the full manifestation in the parousia of the Son of Man (Mark 8:38; Matthew 24:27-44).
2. Hope in Jesus’ Teachings and PracticesJesus encourages hope through various practices and teachings that foster trust in God’s Kingdom and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The BeatitudesThe Beatitudes proclaim blessed those who already experience the Kingdom and promise future rewards, such as the vision of God and the possession of the land (Matthew 5:3-9; Luke 6:20-23).
The Our FatherThe Our Father expresses hope in God’s future action, particularly in the second petition (Matthew 6:9-13).
Parables of the KingdomParables like the mustard seed and the leaven evoke hope in the growth and fullness of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:31-33).This hope requires vigilance (Matthew 26:40-41) and the liberation from excessive worry (Matthew 6:31-34). The post-Paschal community embraced these words of Jesus, recognizing in them the profound meaning of the tension between the “already” of the resurrection and the “not yet” of the final consummation.
3. Hope in the post-Paschal traditionThe apocalyptic discourse of Mark (Mark 13) is a clear expression of the message of hope. The destruction of Jerusalem points to the nearness of the redemptive event on the cross and the parousia of the Son of Man (Mark 13, 24-27), who will gather the elect. Vigilance and perseverance to the end become the order of the day (Mark 13, 5-36).Jesus’ response to the Sadducees about resurrection reinforces hope in the life to come: God, “God of the living,” does not abandon those who belong to Him (Mark 12, 18-27). The account of the Last Supper also bears the sign of hope in the coming kingdom (Mark 14, 25).In Matthew, this tension between “now” and “not yet” takes on a more ecclesiological reflective context. The evangelist:– Brings Jesus closer to his disciples, emphasizing the structures of the community (Matthew 18, 5; 16, 18-19), clearly distinguishing it from the Kingdom of God.
– Highlights the universal mission of the Church, sustained by the continuous presence of the risen Christ (Matthew 28, 18-20; 28, 20; 1, 23).
– Combines eschatological fulfillment with Christ’s parousia as the final judge (Matthew 24-25). He illustrates, in parables, the importance of vigilance and unwavering fidelity (Matthew 24, 32-51; 25, 1-13), presenting himself as the supreme example of hope, vigilance, and prayer (Matthew 26, 36-46).
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4. Hope in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles
With a comprehensive salvific vision, Luke expands the horizon of hope. For him, the Church, as the true people of God, has the mission to bear witness to Jesus “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).This perspective of hope not only illuminates the present but also points to the future consummation, connecting the experience of resurrection with the definitive fulfillment of God’s promises at the end of time. Luke emphasizes the action of the Holy Spirit as a guide and supporter of the Church’s mission, reinforcing collective hope in the expansion of the Kingdom of God.
Recommended Reading: Spe Salvi (Benedict XVI), the encyclical on Christian hope.
Dive Deeper into Your Studies: Explore Mariology, Marian Theology, Marian Apparitions, and the Postgraduate Program in Mariology.
ConclusionThe synoptic tradition of the New Testament articulates hope in a multifaceted way, integrating the tension between the “already” and the “not yet” of salvation promises. In the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the post-Paschal community, hope manifests as a vigilant and patient trust in the Kingdom of God. This hope not only motivates perseverance in the face of adversity but also guides the future vision of the Christian community, rooted in the resurrection of Christ and expecting his second coming.
The Locus Mariologicus Institute is the world’s academic reference point for Mariology. Discover our resources on Marian Theology, Marian Apparitions, and the Postgraduate Program in Mariology.To deepen your understanding of Marian hope, consult the encyclical Redemptoris Mater by Pope John Paul II.
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2. Hope in Jesus’ Teachings and PracticesJesus encourages hope through various practices and teachings that foster trust in God’s Kingdom and perseverance in the face of adversity.The BeatitudesThe Beatitudes proclaim blessed those who already experience the Kingdom and promise future rewards, such as the vision of God and the possession of the land (Matthew 5:3-9; Luke 6:20-23).The Our FatherThe Our Father expresses hope in God’s future action, particularly in the second petition (Matthew 6:9-13).Parables of the KingdomParables like the mustard seed and the leaven evoke hope in the growth and fullness of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:31-33).This hope requires vigilance (Matthew 26:40-41) and the liberation from excessive worry (Matthew 6:31-34). The post-Paschal community embraced these words of Jesus, recognizing in them the profound meaning of the tension between the “already” of the resurrection and the “not yet” of the final consummation.
3. Hope in the post-Paschal traditionThe apocalyptic discourse of Mark (Mark 13) is a clear expression of the message of hope. The destruction of Jerusalem points to the nearness of the redemptive event on the cross and the parousia of the Son of Man (Mark 13, 24-27), who will gather the elect. Vigilance and perseverance to the end become the order of the day (Mark 13, 5-36).Jesus’ response to the Sadducees about resurrection reinforces hope in the life to come: God, “God of the living,” does not abandon those who belong to Him (Mark 12, 18-27). The account of the Last Supper also bears the sign of hope in the coming kingdom (Mark 14, 25).In Matthew, this tension between “now” and “not yet” takes on a more ecclesiological reflective context. The evangelist:– Brings Jesus closer to his disciples, emphasizing the structures of the community (Matthew 18, 5; 16, 18-19), clearly distinguishing it from the Kingdom of God.
– Highlights the universal mission of the Church, sustained by the continuous presence of the risen Christ (Matthew 28, 18-20; 28, 20; 1, 23).
– Combines eschatological fulfillment with Christ’s parousia as the final judge (Matthew 24-25). He illustrates, in parables, the importance of vigilance and unwavering fidelity (Matthew 24, 32-51; 25, 1-13), presenting himself as the supreme example of hope, vigilance, and prayer (Matthew 26, 36-46).
Recommended Reading: Spe Salvi (Benedict XVI), the encyclical on Christian hope.Dive Deeper into Your Studies: Explore Mariology, Marian Theology, Marian Apparitions, and the Postgraduate Program in Mariology.ConclusionThe synoptic tradition of the New Testament articulates hope in a multifaceted way, integrating the tension between the “already” and the “not yet” of salvation promises. In the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the post-Paschal community, hope manifests as a vigilant and patient trust in the Kingdom of God. This hope not only motivates perseverance in the face of adversity but also guides the future vision of the Christian community, rooted in the resurrection of Christ and expecting his second coming.The Locus Mariologicus Institute is the world’s academic reference point for Mariology. Discover our resources on Marian Theology, Marian Apparitions, and the Postgraduate Program in Mariology.To deepen your understanding of Marian hope, consult the encyclical Redemptoris Mater by Pope John Paul II.
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