OFTEN OUR WISDOM IS NOT RESPECTED IN OUR OWN HOMES

PROCLAMATION

“When Jesus had finished these parables, He moved on from there.  Coming to His hometown, He began teaching the people … ‘Where did this man get this wisdom …?’ ‘Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?’ …  And they took offense at Him.  But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.’ ”  Matthew 13:53-57 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  After Jesus had healed all of the sick people in the crowd that followed Him, and all those who were brought to Him, He left and went and sat by the lake.  A large crowd gathered around Him, so He got into a boat and sat in it while the people stood on the shore. (Matthew 13:1-2)  Then He told them many things in parables, including the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9), the parable of the weeds (Matthew 13:23-30), the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast (Matthew 13:31-33), the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl (Matthew 13:44-46), and the parable of the net. (Matthew 13:47-50)  After the people had left, He explained the parables to His disciples and told them why He spoke to the people in parables. (Matthew 13:10-17)  Then He left that town and went to His hometown and began teaching and preaching in the synagogue.  The people were amazed at His wisdom, but they questioned Him.  That was when He said, “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.” (Matthew 13:57)

APPLICATION

Our family and friends may love us, but because they know us, they frequently have difficulty accepting us as a wise and knowledgeable person (expert) on any subject.  Even when they know that we have been educated and trained, our wisdom is frequently questioned.  They will ask us for our opinion and then argue with us about it.  Do not let this bother you, the family of Jesus, The Christ, did not respect His wisdom or abilities.  Often those who are less familiar with our past are more likely to accept and respect our credentials, wisdom, knowledge, and opinions.  While this is not always the case, all too often we are more likely to be honored by outsiders than we are by our own family members.  Don’t be discouraged, continue to study and gain wisdom and knowledge, and continue to share it with others because our goal is to be approved by The Lord God, not by man. (2 Timothy 2:15)