What is the meaning of Mark 6:3? Isn’t this the carpenter • The townspeople reduce Jesus to His former trade, as though a manual laborer has no right to teach with authority. • Scripture consistently presents Jesus as fully sharing ordinary human life—He learned a craft (Matthew 13:55), worked with His hands, and knew the feel of fatigue (John 4:6). • His humble background fulfills Isaiah 53:2, where Messiah is pictured as having “no form or majesty.” • Philippians 2:7 reminds us that He “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” The objection in Mark 6:3 therefore highlights the profound contrast between earthly expectations and the divine plan. the son of Mary • In first-century culture, men were normally identified by their fathers; calling Jesus “the son of Mary” hints at scorn, possibly implying doubts about His paternity. • Yet Scripture declares the miraculous conception plainly (Luke 1:31-35); what Nazareth framed as an insult actually underlines fulfilled prophecy that Messiah would be “born of a woman” (Galatians 4:4) apart from human fatherhood. • John 6:42 shows a similar reaction: “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph?” Their confusion stems from unbelief, not from any lack in the Lord. and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? • The verse speaks of literal half-brothers, children of Mary and Joseph born after Jesus (Mark 3:31). • At this stage they are known locals, not yet believers (John 7:5). Later, James becomes a pillar of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13; 1 Corinthians 15:7). • Mentioning the brothers underscores that the townsfolk saw nothing “special” about the family. They assume ordinary roots disqualify extraordinary claims. Aren’t His sisters here with us as well? • The reference to sisters—whose names are not preserved—confirms Jesus grew up in a normal household. • Their presence “here with us” stresses accessibility: the villagers know the family address, shared meals, common memories. • Even so, earlier in Mark 3:21 His relatives tried to restrain Him, thinking He was “out of His mind.” Familiarity had not produced faith. And they took offense at Him. • “Offense” translates the idea of stumbling; they trip over the very One who could save them. • Isaiah 8:14 foretold Messiah would be “a stone of stumbling,” and 1 Peter 2:7-8 says, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” • Jesus explains the principle in the next verse: “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown” (Mark 6:4). Coming to His own, He is rejected by His own (John 1:11). • The offense does not reflect a fault in Christ but hardness in human hearts—proof that signs alone cannot manufacture belief (Luke 16:31). summary Mark 6:3 records Nazareth’s dismissive questions, each exposing a different facet of unbelief. The townspeople see only a carpenter, overlook the miracle of the virgin birth, point to ordinary siblings, and let familiarity breed contempt. Their reaction fulfills prophecy and illustrates a timeless warning: proximity to truth is no substitute for faith in the Truth. |
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