How does Matthew 13:56 challenge our perception of Jesus' earthly family? Text at a Glance “ ‘And are not all His sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?’ ” (Matthew 13:56) Immediate Setting - Jesus is teaching in His hometown synagogue (Matthew 13:53-55). - The listeners list His relatives by name, concluding with the mention of “all His sisters.” - Their question reveals surprise and skepticism: How could someone so familiar display such wisdom and power? Large, Normal Household - Four brothers are named (James, Joseph, Simon, Judas) and “all” sisters are referenced—implying more than one. - The verse portrays a bustling, everyday Jewish family, countering the idea of an isolated or mystical upbringing. - Mark 6:3 echoes the same family list, reinforcing the historical detail. Humanity and Humility of Christ - Philippians 2:7: “He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” Jesus’ incarnation placed Him in an ordinary family framework. - Isaiah 53:2 predicted Messiah’s lack of worldly splendor; growing among siblings underscores that ordinariness. - This challenges any tendency to picture His earthly life as detached from normal sibling dynamics—chores, responsibilities, and relationships. Familiarity Breeds Contempt - Luke 4:24: “No prophet is accepted in his hometown.” - The Nazarenes’ knowledge of His family blinds them to His divine authority. - The verse warns today’s readers against letting over-familiarity with Jesus’ story dull our sense of awe. Literal Brothers and Sisters - The wording “brothers” (adelphoi) and “sisters” (adelphai) is the standard Greek for biological siblings. - Galatians 1:19 identifies “James, the Lord’s brother,” confirming the same understanding in the early church. - Accepting the plain sense of Scripture affirms that Mary and Joseph had additional children after Jesus (Matthew 1:24-25). Scripture’s Unified Witness - John 7:3-5 records His brothers’ initial unbelief, matching Matthew 13:56’s portrayal of a family still processing His identity. - Acts 1:14 later shows these same siblings praying with the disciples—highlighting eventual faith and the transformative power of His resurrection. Spiritual Takeaways - Jesus fully entered human family life, making Him an empathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:15). - God often works through the ordinary; divine purpose can emerge from familiar settings. - We are cautioned not to let preconceived ideas—about Jesus or about people we know—keep us from recognizing God’s work among us. |
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