Matthew 13:57

And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor."

Study Bible

And they took offense at Him
The phrase "took offense" comes from the Greek word "σκανδαλίζω" (skandalizó), which means to cause to stumble or to be a stumbling block. In the context of Matthew 13:57, it reflects the reaction of the people in Jesus' hometown of Nazareth. Despite witnessing His wisdom and miraculous works, they could not reconcile His humble origins with His divine authority. This reaction is emblematic of a broader human tendency to reject what is familiar when it challenges preconceived notions. Historically, prophets and messengers of God often faced rejection from those closest to them, as familiarity breeds contempt. This phrase serves as a reminder of the spiritual blindness that can arise from pride and preconceived biases.

But Jesus said to them
The conjunction "But" introduces a contrast between the people's reaction and Jesus' response. Jesus, fully aware of their skepticism, addresses the situation with a profound truth. His response is not one of anger or frustration but of teaching. The phrase "Jesus said to them" underscores His role as a teacher and prophet, who uses every opportunity to impart wisdom. In the historical context, Jesus often used parables and sayings to convey deeper spiritual truths, and this instance is no different. His words are meant to provoke reflection and self-examination among His listeners.

A prophet is not without honor
The term "prophet" (Greek: προφήτης, prophētēs) refers to one who speaks forth by divine inspiration. In the Jewish tradition, prophets were revered as God's messengers. However, Jesus highlights a paradox: while prophets are honored for their divine message, they often face rejection from those who know them personally. The phrase "not without honor" implies that prophets are generally respected, but there is an exception to this rule. This statement reflects a historical pattern seen throughout the Old Testament, where prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah faced opposition from their own people.

except in his hometown
The word "hometown" (Greek: πατρίδι, patridi) refers to one's native place or country. For Jesus, this was Nazareth, a small and seemingly insignificant town in Galilee. The historical context of Nazareth is important; it was a place of humble beginnings, and its residents likely struggled to see beyond Jesus' human origins. This phrase highlights the irony that those who should have been most supportive and accepting of Jesus' ministry were the ones who doubted Him the most. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing familiarity to cloud spiritual perception.

and in his own household
The term "household" (Greek: οἰκία, oikia) refers to one's family or domestic circle. This phrase extends the idea of rejection from the broader community to the more intimate setting of family. Historically, Jesus' own family, including His brothers, were initially skeptical of His mission (John 7:5). This underscores the profound truth that spiritual insight and acceptance are not guaranteed by physical proximity or familial ties. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and to ensure that they do not fall into the trap of dismissing God's work due to preconceived notions or personal biases.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching in His hometown and faces rejection from those who are familiar with Him.

2. Hometown
Refers to Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. The people here are skeptical of His authority and teachings.

3. Prophet
A messenger of God, often facing rejection and persecution. Jesus identifies Himself with this role.

4. Household
Represents Jesus' immediate family and close community, who struggle to accept His divine mission.

5. Offense
The reaction of the people towards Jesus, indicating their disbelief and rejection of His message.

Teaching Points

The Challenge of Familiarity
Familiarity can breed contempt, making it difficult for people to recognize the divine in the ordinary. We must guard against dismissing God's work in familiar settings.

The Cost of Prophetic Ministry
Being a messenger of God often involves facing rejection and misunderstanding, even from those closest to us. We should be prepared for this reality in our own lives.

Faith Beyond Sight
True faith requires seeing beyond the surface and recognizing God's work, even when it comes through familiar or unexpected sources.

Honor and Respect
We are called to honor and respect those who bring God's message, regardless of their background or our familiarity with them.

Perseverance in Rejection
Jesus' example teaches us to persevere in our mission, even when faced with rejection. Our identity and purpose are rooted in God's calling, not human approval.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reaction of Jesus' hometown reflect our own tendencies to dismiss God's work in familiar settings?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we honor and respect those who bring God's message, even if they are familiar to us?

3. How can we cultivate a faith that sees beyond the ordinary to recognize God's presence and work in our lives?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to persevere in our calling, even when faced with rejection or misunderstanding?

5. How do the experiences of other prophets, like Jeremiah and Isaiah, provide insight into the challenges Jesus faced and how we might face similar challenges today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 1:11
This verse highlights the theme of Jesus being rejected by His own people, similar to the rejection He faces in His hometown.

Luke 4:24
This passage parallels Matthew 13:57, where Jesus reiterates the principle of a prophet being without honor in his own country.

Mark 6:4
Another account of Jesus' teaching in Nazareth, emphasizing the disbelief of those who knew Him.

Jeremiah 11:21
The prophet Jeremiah also faced rejection from his own people, illustrating a common experience for God's messengers.

Isaiah 53:3
This prophecy speaks of the Messiah being despised and rejected, which is fulfilled in Jesus' experience.