The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth (Mt. 13:54-58)

He came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? 55 Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? 56 Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” 58 And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.'

Jesus began his road to the cross at Nazareth, his hometown.  This was the second time he visited Nazareth after he began his ministry Mt. 4:13).  He taught in the synagogue and astounded the crowd (Mt. 7:28-29).  The crowds had heard about the miracle Jesus worked elsewhere and knew that he had no formal training at the rabbinic schools in Jerusalem, so they were astounded and asked twice, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? (vv. 54,56).  Jesus was known in his hometown by his parentage and his family so the crowd referred to him as "the carpenter’s son."

The townspeople named some of his family members to confirm his identity.  His ‘brothers’ were known to them, but James and Joseph were the sons of Mary of Cleophas (Mt. 27:56) who was identified in the Gospel of John as the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus (Jn. 19:25).  James and Joseph were cousins of Jesus.  This is an indication that in OT times, certain family members were referred to as brothers and sisters.  Familiarity breeds contempt and the townspeople rejected Jesus (v. 57).  Sadly, Jesus could not perform many wonders there because of their unbelief; “So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith (Mk. 6:5-6).

Lord Jesus, you know how it feels to be rejected, especially by family and friends.  Help us to share in the same bond of love and unity that you shared with your Apostles so that we may better serve the community and each other. This we ask of you, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, live and reign, God, eternal.  Amen!

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References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.

                Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.