Retcons in the Bible?

 What is "a retcon" or "to retcon"? According to the Idol of Knowledge (the Google), it is to “‘revise retrospectively’, typically by introducing a piece of new information that imposes a different interpretation on previously described events. It is typically used to facilitate a dramatic plot shift or account for an inconsistency. The Idol of Knowledge is referencing the Oxford dictionary, not the Wikipedia.

Retcon is short for ‘retroactive continuity’, essentially changing the continuity of what came before. It is a word that I have read relative to changes in the 'history' portrayed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Where is this going? Matthew 12:40, where Jesus says, “Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster (see yesterday for more on that), so for three days and three nights, the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth.”

This fits the portion of the definition that says “introducing a new piece of information that imposes a different interpretation on previously described events”. Jesus is citing the narrative of Jonah as prophetic anticipation of what will happen to him.

As a person of faith, I think that is so awesome. It draws together what happened to Jonah with what will happen to Jesus. Questions of fish aside, to read the prayer that Jonah shares from his time in the fish, it reads as the prayer of someone convinced of death as punishment for their sins now rescued by God. Which is what Jesus accomplished.

Doubters might seize on the ‘account for an inconsistency’ part of the definition of ‘retcon’, trying to read into Jesus’ words an imposition of his own experience on that of Jonah. Doubters are going to doubt.

But I will say that this passage does stretch my presuppositions of prophetic connections between Jesus as the Messiah in the Old Testament. I believe there is 'direct' prophecy, as when the Magi were told that the king of the Jews was to be born in Bethlehem by Herod’s scribes and experts.

There is 'indirect' prophecy, such as when not one of Jesus’ bones was broken at his crucifixion (bone breaking was done to accelerate death, like when they were trying to get bodies down from their crosses before the Sabbath sundown). I say indirect because it is from Psalm 34:20, a piece of Godly praise. It serves also as an 'echo' prophecy, no bones broken on Jesus at the time of the Passover, echoing the requirement in the law of Moses that the Passover lamb should have none of its bones broken.

But Jonah and Jesus, this is 'narrative' prophecy. That which happened to Jonah prophecies to what will happen to Jesus.

So maybe better to understand an apparent retcon as prophetic fulfillment. Or we might want to argue with God about that.

Hmmm. After due consideration.

Prophetic Fulfillment.

Peace,

Pastor Peter