What does Matthew 13:56 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 13:56 relates to a passage where Jesus is teaching in His hometown, Nazareth. Despite the wisdom and miraculous signs He displays, the local people are skeptical about Jesus. They question His authority and legitimacy as a teacher, wondering where He acquired such wisdom and power.

The verse reads, "And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?" In this verse, the townspeople are referencing Jesus' immediate family, particularly His sisters, who are living among them, as a way to argue that Jesus is just an ordinary man from an ordinary family.

Their reasoning appears to be that since Jesus' family is known and ordinary, He cannot possibly have the extraordinary abilities He displays.

The deeper meaning indicates the inability of the people to accept the divine nature of Jesus due to their preconceived notions about His ordinary background.

Historical Context

During the time this Gospel was written, Jesus was living in an honor-shame society where an individual's status and honor were critical.

Family heritage, occupation, and social connections vastly influenced how a person was perceived and accepted.

Jesus grew up in Nazareth, a small and relatively obscure Galilean village, where He and His family were known to the local residents.

It was commonplace for people to know each other's families and backgrounds intimately. In this context, Jesus' emergence as a teacher with profound wisdom and miraculous powers was met with suspicion and disbelief by those who had known Him as the carpenter's son.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches on the concept of the Incarnation, which holds that Jesus Christ is both fully divine and fully human.

From a traditional Christian perspective, this verse is seen as emphasizing the humanity of Jesus.

It is a testament to how He lived a life that was fully integrated into human society, to the point where the people around Him could not discern His divine nature.

The verse also brings to light the notion of "familiarity breeding contempt," wherein the miraculous is often overlooked when it comes from a familiar source.

Additionally, some theologians might see in this reaction a prefiguration of the broader rejection of Jesus by His own people, the Jews, and a hint at the eventual Gentile mission.

Practical Applications

The verse can inspire believers to reflect on how they perceive and accept the extraordinary in their own lives.

It teaches the importance of seeing beyond the ordinary and not allowing familiarity to blind one to the true nature of people and events.

In daily life, individuals can be more open to the possibilities of change and transformation in those around them, even in those who seem the least likely to surprise us.

The verse also encourages the faithful to examine their own preconceptions and prejudices about familiarity and how these might limit their recognition of potential, growth, and even divinity in those around them.

Cross-References

• Mark 6:3 - "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him."
• John 7:5 - "For neither did his brethren believe in him."
• Luke 4:22 - "And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.

And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word used for "sisters" is ἀδελφαί (adelphai), which literally means sisters but could also be used to refer to close female relatives.

The verb “hath” (ἔχει, echei) indicates possession, holding, or having, leading to the question of how Jesus came to have wisdom and miraculous powers.

The key verbs in the questioning also reflect the incredulity and skepticism of the people: “are they not” (οὐκ ἰσιν, ouk isin) and “whence then” (πόθεν οὖν, pothen oun), which highlight their amazement and suspicion concerning Jesus' origins and abilities.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The questioning of Jesus' authority based on His family and background is not unique to Christianity.

Figures in other religious traditions have also faced similar skepticism.

For example, in Hinduism, Lord Krishna was often doubted by those who knew him as a mere cowherd.

In Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama's claim of enlightenment was initially met with doubt by those who knew him as a prince.

This type of skepticism can be juxtaposed against ancient myths where heroes often have obscure or hidden divine parentage, only later to be revealed as extraordinary.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might not directly intersect with the content of this verse, which focuses more on social perception and belief.

However, psychological studies on cognitive bias and the impact of familiarity on perception are relevant.

Research on the "halo effect" or "familiarity bias" suggests that people's pre-existing impressions and familiarity with a person can greatly affect their expectations and interpretations of that person's actions or capabilities.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse.

William Barclay noted that the people of Nazareth were blinded by their familiarity with Jesus to His real greatness.

John Calvin emphasized the offense taken by the townspeople at Jesus, interpreting their reaction as a mix of envy and contempt born out of Jesus' humble origins.

Matthew Henry's commentary underscores the amazement of the people, who could not reconcile Jesus' teachings and miracles with His lowly background.

These commentaries commonly reflect on the theme of not recognizing the divine when it comes in a familiar form.