The man of St Matthew

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Jesus goes home: Mt 13,54-58

We can see that 13,54 opens a new scene with Jesus going to his home town. It is also a follow on from verse 53 as we noted in our overview of the chapter. Compare this scene with the parallel passage in Mark 6,1-6. (Luke in chapter 4 does something very different with this incident.)

Verse 54 therefore tells of Jesus visiting his "home town". Matthew is aware of the name of the town (2,23). Can you suggest why he might not have named it here? Who are missing from Mk 6,1?

Note where Jesus goes in verse 54, with a subtle change from Mk 6,2. Who have been omitted from Mark's version? How does the message of this verse differ from 7,28? For this, see also verse 57.

Matthew in verse 55 has made a significant change to Mk 6,3: what is Matthew's point here? What are we to make of Jesus' brothers and sisters?

For the rejection of prophets in the Old Testament, consider Amos 7,10-17 or Jeremiah 28.

What is the conclusion in verse 58? Compare with 9,28.

Time now for my response.

We are ready therefore to continue to chapter 14 where Herod appears on the scene.