Familiarity Breeds Contempt

“A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” Matthew 13:57 NLT

A common trait in most people is the ability to find fault in someone. It becomes a lot easier the longer we know someone, just ask any marriage counselor or a Pastor. It is hard at times to view someone in a different light from what we have been exposed to over time. It could be said that our perception of someone is based only by what we see. We think we know them well enough to know everything about them only to find out we do not. We let our observations blind us to see the real person, who they really are, what is important to them, and what their skills and desires are. There are many who are misunderstood and even rejected due to the fact that others know them only by their familiarity. Their actions today do not match the visual profile of them compiled over the years.

The Lord Jesus faced such rejection from those in His hometown of Nazareth. Jesus grew up in Nazareth spending most of His life there until the start of His ministry. No doubt He had many friends and acquaintances during those years. Jesus trained in His earthy father’s craft as a skilled carpenter and was known for His work. Living and working alongside those in His community He got to know them well and they grew to know Him, or so they thought. When Jesus return to Nazareth during His ministry, those who knew Him as the carpenter welcomed Him as Jesus the carpenter, Joseph’s son.

The gospel writer Matthew records Jesus’s return to His hometown in Matthew chapter 13. The city folk were amazed and could not believe this was the same Jesus they knew, for He was teaching in the synagogue to their unbelief.  “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?’ Then they scoffed, ‘He’s just the carpenter’s son…… Where did he learn all these things?’ And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.” (Mt. 13:54, 55, 57 nlt) They did not take notice of any characteristics of Jesus beside His carpentry work in the previous years. Jesus modeled a perfect life as the Son of God, but apparently they missed it. Those around Him during His life should have noticed something different about His demeanor. They should not have been surprised by His knowledge and teaching. Sadly they were, and they rejected Him.

Have you been rejected by childhood friends, family, and associates who have known for years for taking a stand for Christ? The sentiment is ‘you can’t be the person I knew in high school,’ but you are by the grace of God. If God has called you to serve Him you will face opposition, especially from those who know you. But take heart, Jesus who lived a perfect life was rejected by those who knew Him well, familiarity breeds contempt.