Validate whether later Gospels demonstrate a richer application of sensus plenior (hidden, Christocentric meanings) than earlier ones.

Validating the Progression of Sensus Plenior in the Gospels

The application of sensus plenior—hidden, Christocentric meanings—in the Gospels appears to mature as the disciples' understanding of Jesus and Scripture deepens. Below, the Gospels are analyzed in sequence, highlighting their approach to typology, symbolism, and theological reflection. 1. The Gospel of Mark: Subtle Beginnings of Sensus Plenior

   Focus:
       Mark emphasizes action and brevity, with fewer direct Old Testament citations.
       Examples:
           Mark 4:39: Jesus calming the storm evokes divine authority over chaos (Psalm 107:28-30).
           Mark 12:10-11: The rejected stone becoming the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22) points to Christ's rejection and vindication.

   Sensus Plenior:
       Typology and symbolism are present but understated. Hidden meanings are often implied rather than explicitly explained.
       Readers are invited to discern connections between Jesus' actions and Old Testament themes without direct guidance.

   Assessment:
       Mark introduces the idea of sensus plenior but keeps it subtle and action-oriented, laying a foundation for later, more developed theological reflections.

2. The Gospel of Matthew: Explicit and Didactic Sensus Plenior

   Focus:
       Matthew emphasizes fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, often using explicit fulfillment formulas.
       Examples:
           Matthew 1:23: Isaiah 7:14 ("the virgin will conceive") is directly cited as fulfilled in Jesus’ birth.
           Matthew 2:15: Hosea 11:1 ("Out of Egypt I called my son") is applied to Jesus, connecting Him to Israel’s history.
           Matthew 12:40: Jonah is explicitly identified as a type of Christ’s death and resurrection.

   Sensus Plenior:
       Typology is overt, and hidden meanings are frequently explained for a Jewish audience.
       Matthew portrays Jesus as the new Moses, new David, and new Israel, emphasizing direct fulfillment.

   Assessment:
       Matthew makes the hidden meanings explicit and clear, functioning as a catechetical tool for Jewish readers. While rich in typology, it prioritizes accessibility over subtlety.

3. The Gospel of Luke: The Teaching of Sensus Plenior

   Focus:
       Luke emphasizes Jesus’ role as the interpreter of Scripture, revealing the hidden meanings of the Law, Prophets, and Psalms.
       Examples:
           Luke 4:18-21: Jesus cites Isaiah 61:1-2, declaring it fulfilled in Himself, introducing sensus plenior explicitly.
           Luke 24:27, 44-45: Jesus explains to the disciples how the entire Old Testament points to Him, exemplifying the Emmaus method.
           Parables like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) contain multilayered meanings reflecting God’s redemptive work through Christ.

   Sensus Plenior:
       Luke goes beyond typology, teaching readers how to uncover hidden Christocentric meanings.
       Rich narrative symbolism (e.g., the breaking of bread in Luke 24) points to theological truths.

   Assessment:
       Luke advances the concept of sensus plenior by making it both explicit and pedagogical. It reflects a maturing understanding of how all Scripture testifies to Christ.

4. The Gospel of John: Mystical and Theologically Rich Sensus Plenior

   Focus:
       John’s Gospel is deeply theological, embedding sensus plenior in implicit, mystical connections.
       Examples:
           John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” ties Jesus to the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8) and divine presence.
           John 6:31-35: Jesus as the true manna fulfills the spiritual meaning of Exodus 16.
           John 19:36-37: The crucifixion fulfills Psalm 34:20 and Zechariah 12:10 in subtle, layered ways.

   Sensus Plenior:
       Typology and symbolism reach their peak in John, with meanings often left implicit for reflective readers.
       The "I am" statements and the prologue (John 1:1-18) reveal profound theological truths that transcend simple typological fulfillment.

   Assessment:
       John represents the culmination of sensus plenior, offering the most mature and mystical application of Christocentric interpretation. It assumes readers are prepared to engage deeply with the text.

Comparative Insights Aspect Mark Matthew Luke John Typology Implied through actions Overt and didactic Richly developed, explicit Mystical and profound Symbolism Emerging Literal and straightforward Explicit and narrative-rich Theologically deep Fulfillment Formula Rarely used Frequently used Taught through narratives Largely implicit Theological Depth Developing Groundwork laid Maturing Fully developed Conclusion

The later Gospels (Luke and John) demonstrate a richer and more profound application of sensus plenior than the earlier ones (Mark and Matthew). This progression reflects the disciples' growing understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture, shaped by the Emmaus method and the Holy Spirit’s guidance:

   Mark: Subtle and action-driven, introducing the concept.
   Matthew: Explicit and didactic, explaining typological fulfillment.
   Luke: Explicit teaching of Christocentric interpretation, rich in narrative symbolism.
   John: Mystical and theologically profound, culminating in the fullest application of hidden meanings.

This trajectory aligns with the early Church's maturing theology and deeper understanding of Christ’s fulfillment of Scripture.