The People's Questions Concerning Jesus - Matthew 13:55

Matthew the apostle wrote how Jesus said, “And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed there. And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Where has this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?”, and in chapter thirteen and verse fifty-five of his book, Matthew wrote how Jesus, “is not this the carpenter's son?” where we read:

Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary?

and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

The verse reads, “Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary?” Matthew began with the words, “Is not this” which means “isn't Jesus” “the carpenter's son” or “the wood workers, joiner and builder's male child”? “is not his mother” which means “isn't Jesus' mother” “called Mary” or “named Mary whose name means “their rebellion”? Matthew shared how the people questioned Jesus' relationship to His “father” who was a “carpenter” and His mother who was named “Mary”.

The verse goes on to say, “and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?” Matthew continued with the words, “and his brethren” which means “and Jesus' brothers”, “James” whose name means “supplanter” and was the half-brother of Jesus, “and Joses” whose name means “exalted” and was the half-brother of Jesus, “and Simon” whose name means “a rock or stone” and was the half-brother of Jesus, “and Judas” which means “he shall be praised” and was the half-brother of Jesus? Matthew shared how the people knew Jesus' half-brothers as well.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how the people in Jesus' own city were perplexed by the familiar relationships within His home town. The people knew Jesus' father, mother and brothers, and this caused them to be troubled in their minds concerning Him. It is often said, “familiarity breeds contempt”, and because the people of His home town Nazareth knew Him, they had difficulty understanding His role as Messiah. God desires to have a relationship with every person, and when they yield themselves to Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”, no personal relationships will impede believing Him for who He says He is.

Next time Matthew shares how the people continued to ask, “and his sisters, are they not all with us?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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