Rejection at Nazareth

Setting and Overview
Following the second major discourse in Matthew (the instructions to the disciples in Matthew 10), we started to see increasing examples of the type of opposition that Jesus had prepared them to expect in that discourse. While that opposition is sharp, it still overall seems outweighed by the positive responses that Jesus has been receiving from others. Following the third discourse (the Parabolic Discourse which took up most of Matthew 13), we start to grow even more aware of strong opposition, and the first account that we see of that in these chapters comes in his old hometown of Nazareth.

Exposition
The account in Matthew is almost definitely the same occasion as Mark 6:1-6 (which offers a few more details) and likely the same as Luke 4:16-31 (which is much longer.) If it is the same as Luke, then it is still pretty early in his ministry (likely occurring in Matthew around 4:12-13), but if it is a different account, then it would probably be occurring sometime after the incident in Luke. In either case, Jesus’ return to Nazareth is likely connected to his family coming to him at the end of chapter 12, possibly to demonstrate that he has not rejected them. As would be expected with a notable visiting teacher, Jesus is invited to speak in the synagogue. They are astonished at the wisdom of his teaching and the powers that he demonstrates. Since Matthew records that he didn’t do many miracles there, this is either in response to one of the few miracles that he did do, or to the reports that they have heard of his miracles elsewhere. Regardless, this is astonishing to them as they know him as someone from their town, and they are familiar with his whole family. We learn from this that Joseph had been a carpenter (most likely a more general reference to a builder) and Mark confirms that Jesus not only had the same occupation but likely also that he was the only one in town. The names of his brothers (two named after patriarchs and two after Maccabees) reflect the proud Jewish heritage of his family.
This familiarity, however, leads to resentment rather than pride. While they could be assumed to be taking offense because of regional jealousy (due to his performing greater miracles elsewhere) or resentment over his message (as often seen in the Gospels) the emphasis here is the offense due to their familiarity with him, and the difference between their response and the responses of others. Jesus’ statement that a prophet is not without honor in his hometown confirms that emphasis and is also preserved in the other Gospels. Its use in John 4:43-45 also ties back to their resentment that he doesn’t do their bidding in performing miracles. Mark also includes the somber note that Jesus was “amazed at their unbelief” a sad bookend to their astonishment at his wisdom and power.

Examination and Application
On one hand, this pericope should reflect something of a warning to us. Just as people rejected Jesus’ message because they were too familiar with him, so too might they reject us. This is especially true if, unlike Jesus, we give them an excuse to do so with out behavior or attitude. It can also be a warning that people who see only Jesus’ humanity and not his divinity may reduce him to the ranks of a wise but merely human teacher, and so reject his teaching of being God and then thus ultimately reject him as a savior. Finally, it should be a warning for us to examine ourselves. We too may reject the wise counsel of others, just because we can’t get past their familiarity. This is especially true in cases of jealousy or resentment, or when someone has grown up or into a new position. Ultimately, their teaching must be examined against Scripture and heeded according to how it measures up.