SUMMARY
The rejection of Jesus even in his hometown of Nazareth confirms that not all will join the disciples in hearing and understanding the mission and message of Jesus. Even those who know him best will take offense at him and thwart the coming of the kingdom through their unbelief.
ANALYSIS
Jesus’ parable teaching has been a call to faith in Jesus and to the message of the kingdom. Once again, precisely when Jesus has concluded his teaching of the kingdom, Matthew poignantly reminds his readers that not all will welcome Jesus’ teaching, and that they should thus not be so surprised if that is the situation in which they live. Just as John’s question, coming at the end of the major section on Jesus’ ministry and mission, has called for Jesus’ remarks about “blessingBlessing is the asking for or the giving of God's favor. Isaac was tricked into blessing Jacob instead of his firstborn Esau. At the Last Supper Jesus offered a blessing over bread and wine. To be blessed is to be favored by God.” and offense” (11:6), so here this parableA parable is a brief story with a setting, an action, and a result. A prominent aspect of Jesus' teaching was telling parables to illustrate something about the kingdom, or reign, of God. discourse ends with a reminder of the blessing represented in the response of the disciples (13:51-52) and the “offense” taken by Jesus’ own people (13:57).
