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The Ethnology Notebooks. 2026. № 5 (191), 1633—

UDK 27-247.4-277

DOI https://doi.org/10.15407/

  • Received: 26.08.2026
  • Accepted: 24.09.2026
  • Published: ??.??.2026

MATTHEW 9:36—38 AS A HERMENEUTICAL KEY TO A HOLISTIC THEOLOGY OF MISSION IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

RUSYN Ivan

  • ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9914-0040
  • Candidate of Philosophical Sciences,
  • Rector of Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary,
  • Lecturer in the Department of Theology,
  • Faculty of Theology and Christian Ministry,
  • Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary,
  • 57, K. Tsisyk str., 04075, Kyiv, Ukraine,
  • Contacts: e-mail: Ivan.rusyn@uets.edu.ua

Abstract. Introduction. This article is devoted to the study of Matt. 9:36—38 as a hermeneutical key to a holistic theology of mission in the Gospel of Matthew.

 Problem statement. The paper argues that an understanding of mission in Matthew cannot be limited solely to the Great Commission (Matt. 28:16—20).

Purpose. Since Matt. 9:36—38 already contains significant theological, missiological, and practical emphases that define the nature of the mission of Jesus and His disciples.

 Methods. Through an analysis of the literary context, it is shown that this passage serves as a transitional bridge between Jesus’ mission in word and deed (Matt. 4:23—9:35) and the mission of the disciples (Matt. 10). Particular attention is given to the exegesis of the missionary metaphors «sheep without a shepherd» and «the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few», as well as to the themes of mercy and urgency that shape Jesus’ missionary response.

 Results. It is demonstrated that the mission in Matthew is holistic in nature and includes both the proclamation of the Kingdom of God and service to people in their spiritual, physical, and social needs. The conclusions assert that Matt. 9:36—38 significantly complements the understanding of the Great Commission and serves as an important text for the formation of a contemporary holistic theology of mission, especially in the context of war and social crisis.

Keywords: мission, holistic mission, theology of mission, Gospel of Matthew, Matthew 9:36—38, Great Commission, mercy, social justice.

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