Pride & Prejudice (Matthew 13:53-58)
As we conclude the series of parables in earlier verses, we now move on to another section where Jesus continues to be rejected and He shifts His ministry to His disciples.
In Matt 13:54-56, many questions are posed:
● Whence hath this man this wisdom?
● Whence hath this man these mighty works?
● Is not this the carpenter's son?
● is not his mother called Mary?
● and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon,
● and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us?
● Whence then hath this man all these things?
Pride & Prejudice
While these may be reasonable questions to ask, the ultimate response (v57-58) of the people clearly reflect their attitude and spirit / heart condition, and thus their motive in asking those questions:
In fact, this is not the first time men rejects Jesus is rejected because of their pride. In Luke 4:16-29, the Jews were offended when they realized that the Kingdom is also for the gentiles.
Humility & Spirit of Bankruptcy
On the contrary, if the people posed those questions out of humility and a state of spiritual bankruptcy, it results in a faith response as they are able to realize the obvious evidences that has been presented. Consequently, glory is prepared for them. Such positive examples are Nicodemus (John 3:2), the Samaritan woman (John 4:29), and Jesus’ brothers, James and Jude (James 1:1, Jude 1).
Do I embrace Jesus to be my King?
The Nazarene Jews were insulted by the lowly background of Jesus, and rejected Him as their King. Nonetheless, since then, Jesus has been reigning as King over His Kingdom. The rejection of Jesus does not change the fact that He reigns.
The question facing every soul is: do I embrace Jesus to be my King?
All man makes a choice. The respective outcomes awaits: the furnace of fire where there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth, or a glorious outcome where the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.
Comments