Matthew 13:54-58 – The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

BIBLE TEXT

Matthew 13:54-58

SUMMARY

The rejection of Jesus even in his home town 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 “blessing” and offense” (11:6), so here this parable 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).