←
Explanation for:
Matthew
13
:
57
And they were scandalized in his regard. But Jesus said to them: A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
8
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"It seems inherent that members of a community often find themselves envious of one another, as they focus not on an individual's true actions but rather on their past shortcomings, as if they too had not traversed the same path to maturity."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"They faced temptations regarding Him, just as the inhabitants of Nazareth questioned Christ's authority. They likely suggested that the Lord expelled demons by the power of Beelzebub. However, Jesus responded with, “A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country and in his own house.\\" Consider Christ’s response; he did not condemn them, but instead gently asserted that “a prophet is not without honour.” This highlights a common tendency among us to overlook those closest to us, while extending our admiration towards those who are distant. He mentioned “in his own house” because his brothers, sharing the same lineage, harboured jealousy towards him."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"They honored Him, referring to Him directly. Jesus responded, stating that a prophet is without honor only in his own country and in his own household. This is noted in Mark, which emphasizes that it is in his homeland, among his relatives, and within his own home. Here, Christ refers to Himself; He speaks of all of Nazareth as his homeland, his kin as his relatives, and his brothers specifically as his household. All of them looked down upon Him; some viewed Him as a mere local figure, others as just a family member, and still others as simply a brother. Thus, when He was gloriously exalted, their envy hindered their ability to believe in Him, leading to varying degrees of jealousy among them. Hence, He asserts that a prophet is often unrecognized in the places where he should be acknowledged, particularly among his own people. Though they recognize him as a prophet, they disdain him due to their familiarity and their tendency to undervalue what they frequently encounter. Luke also records that 'no prophet is accepted in his own country,' indicating that being 'pleasant' corresponds to being honored."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The people of Nazareth struggled to accept the truth of the Lord's message because, during His time with them, He did not possess an outward brilliance or captivating demeanor that naturally commanded respect. They remarked, \\"We know who He is; He cannot be anything remarkable.\\" Despite this, the Lord chose not to present Himself with a grand appearance; He maintained a humble outward form at all times, an attitude shared by the apostles and subsequently by all genuine followers and their imitators. This raises a question: why is it so? The reason is that one cannot fabricate a superficial brightness that truly reflects the divine light of life found in Christ Jesus. In fact, it is preferable to retain a modest exterior to prevent overshadowing the inner reality. Those who possess sight should focus on the inner essence rather than the outer façade. As St. Paul expressed, “We carry this treasure in earthen vessels” (2 Cor. 4:7). If we were to judge solely by the outward appearance of the individuals we now hold in reverence and pray to, we would likely be deceived by their simplicity. Yet, even today, those who grasp the profound life in Christ Jesus turn away from mere appearances and delve inwardly. Consequently, the outer facade diminishes on its own, while the inner light flourishes and develops. Often, this inner radiance goes unnoticed even by those who embody it."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"AND WERE DISTRESSED ABOUT HIM. The Lord listened patiently to their murmurs; He discerned their hearts. JESUS addressed them, saying, ‘Surely you will quote to Me this proverb: \\"Physician, heal thyself; perform here in your hometown the deeds we heard you did in Capernaum.\\" Yet there, faith was present and miracles were accomplished; but you do not have faith in Me, and thus are unworthy of miracles. Miracles are not meant merely to appease idle curiosity. You are, however, reminded of a regrettable truth that has echoed throughout history: A PROPHET IS WITHOUT HONOR, not a trace of respect is shown to a prophet except in his own homeland and within his own household. This was true for the prophet Elijah, as well as for Elisha. Just as they performed their wonders for outsiders, even for Gentiles—Elijah for the widow of Zarephath, Elisha for Naaman the Syrian leper—so I must do likewise. ‘Consider the humility of the Divine Teacher,’ St. Chrysostom remarks, ‘He does not chastise them, but speaks with profound kindness: a prophet is without honor, save in his own land—and He even extends this to his household, indicating His relatives who, as noted by the Evangelist John, did not yet believe in Him at that time. Nonetheless, despite the gentleness of the Savior's words, the people of Nazareth perceived that He was placing them beneath the Gentiles, lower than the lepers who received the ancient prophets with faith. This realization sparked their ire; in a frenzy, they leapt from their seats, encircled Jesus with a clamorous crowd, seized Him, and brought Him to the edge of the cliff with intent to cast Him down. Yet the compassionate Lord preserved them from their grievous act: for His hour of redemptive suffering had not yet arrived, and with calm authority, He passed through the midst of the wrathful throng of His furious townsfolk and departed. Thus, our Lord came to His own, and His own did not accept Him (John 1:11)."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They were 'tempted about Him': this very aspect hindered them from recognizing Jesus as the authentic Messiah—the Son of God. It is common for individuals to feel jealousy and animosity towards those who, emerging from similar or less privileged backgrounds, demonstrate remarkable talents and abilities, surpassing their peers. This scenario is particularly relevant here. His neighbors, perhaps those with whom He shared daily life, were reluctant to see Him as anything but ordinary. The saying, 'a prophet is without honor in his own country,' reflects a widely held belief that it is more challenging to gain recognition as an extraordinary individual in one's place of origin than elsewhere. This certainly applies to Christ, for He faced more resistance to His message and mission in His hometown than anywhere else, where they even attempted to take His life (Luke 4:28-29). He went on to say, 'and in His own house'; I believe He meant this to refer to His brethren (Chrysostom, cf. Theophilus), which aligns with John 7:3 and Mark 3:20."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Saviour acknowledged the shift in perception among His listeners and directly communicated that He was indeed the same Jesus they had previously known. He fully recognized their situation, for it is said, “verily, no prophet is accepted in his own fatherland.” They might argue that, as a prophet, He should demonstrate His miracles and extraordinary acts not in nearby towns where His fame was limited, but in His hometown, where He was familiar to everyone, from the least to the greatest. Thus, they naturally referenced the sarcastic saying, “Physician, heal thyself,” implying that He should reveal His divine abilities, not just in words but truly, given the accounts of His works in Capernaum that had reached their ears. However, the Saviour responded by clarifying that miracles are not confined to specific locations or familial ties, and that the ability to witness them relies on a willingness to believe."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The unwavering skepticism of the Pharisees, alongside the astonishment of the crowds witnessing the miracles of the Lord, underscored the undeniable accuracy of Simeon's prophecy regarding the Christ child Jesus, who was destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, with a sign that would be opposed (Luke 2:34). It was challenging for the Jewish people to relinquish their lofty hopes for a magnificent Messianic kingdom. However, it proved even more difficult for those closest to Him during His childhood, especially the residents of Nazareth, to accept His divine nature. After expressing their doubts during His early ministry, the people of Nazareth remained skeptical even after Jesus had preached the Gospel widely in Galilee and Judea, affirming His divine mission through numerous extraordinary miracles. When He returned to Nazareth with His disciples, He began to teach in the synagogue on the Sabbath. They asked, “Where did this wisdom and these miraculous powers come from? Is this not the carpenter? Is He not the son of the carpenter? Is not His mother named Mary, and are His brothers, James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas, not with us? And are not all His sisters here?” (Matt. 13:55-56) This skepticism was not limited to the townsfolk; even His non-believing relatives (John 7:5) shared in it, prompting the Lord to repeat a previously stated truth (Luke 4:24): a prophet is without honor only in his own country, among his relatives, and in his own home. Faced with such disbelief from His fellow countrymen, Jesus, as described by the holy Evangelist, was unable to perform any mighty works there, except for laying His hands on a few sick and healing them (Mark 6:5). St. John Chrysostom notes that He performed miracles to fulfill His mission, while refraining from others to prevent them from incurring greater condemnation. Amazed by the lack of faith among the Nazarenes, the Lord departed from His homeland, continuing His ministry in other towns and villages throughout Galilee."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
