What does it mean that a prophet is not without honor except in his own country (Matthew 13:57)?

Answer

When Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth to teach in the synagogue, He experienced firsthand how familiarity can breed contempt. The Nazarenes, who had known Jesus since His childhood, were astonished and puzzled by His wisdom and mighty works. But rather than accept His message, they were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him. Thus, Jesus told them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house” «And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. », (Matthew 13:57, NKJV).

The phrase—a prophet is not without honor except in his own country—contains a double negative. A more straightforward wording would be “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family” «And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. », (Matthew 13:57, NLT). With this statement, Jesus recognizes the discredit prophets and ministers of the Lord often confront among their closest relatives, friends, and neighbors. Crowds of people throughout the region were hearing Christ’s message, witnessing His mighty works, and responding in faith to God. But the people of His “own country” and “own house” rejected His message and claims.

His “own country” is Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. His “own house” is His family. Jesus’ brothers didn’t believe in Him or accept His messianic claims until after His resurrection see John 7:5 and Acts 1:14. Mark’s record of this same incident says, “And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick.

People and heal them” «And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. », (Mark 6:5, NLT). Imagine how sad and disappointed Jesus must have felt to find so little faith among His closest loved ones.

In his 1977 “Song to My Parents (I Only Want to See You There),” Keith Green expressed the incredulity of the people of Nazareth with these lyrics:

Isn’t that Jesus? Isn’t it Joseph and Mary’s son?

Well, didn’t he grow up right here? He played with our children!

What? He must be kidding! Thinks he’s a prophet!

But prophets don’t grow up from little boys,

Do they? From little boys, do they?