A PROPHET WITHOUT HONOR

Passage: Matthew 13:53-58

Key verse: 57b,58

NIV

A Prophet Without Honor(A)

53 When Jesus had finished these parables,(B) he moved on from there. 54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue,(C) and they were amazed.(D) “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?(E) Isn’t his mother’s(F) name Mary, and aren’t his brothers(G) James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense(H) at him.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”(I)

58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

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ESV

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, 54 (A)and coming to (B)his hometown (C)he taught them in their synagogue, so that (D)they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 (E)Is not this (F)the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not (G)his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And (H)they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, (I)“A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58 And he did not do many mighty works there, (J)because of their unbelief.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. They were amazed (53-54)

Jesus had been teaching the multitudes. He healed the sick and cast out demons. People who recognized him as their true shepherd were blessed. Jesus wanted to share God's love and blessing in his hometown too, so he taught in the synagogue in Nazareth. The people were impressed by his popularity and amazed at his wisdom and power. They had the opportunity to accept him and receive God's blessing.

2. Isn't this the carpenter's son? (55-58)

They had second thoughts about Jesus and began to talk about his human background. They did not accept him as God's servant, so they missed his blessing. Jesus cannot work in an atmosphere of unbelief and human thinking. When we look at God's servant and God's work from a human point of view, we become spiritually blind. Then Jesus cannot work in or through us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see your servants and your work from your point of view. Take away my proud mind and give me a humble heart and spiritual eyes.

One Word: Believe God's word; see his work