Commentary on Matthew 13:56

Verse: Matthew 13:56 - "And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?"

Contextual Background

The thirteenth chapter of Matthew's Gospel narrates the parables spoken by Jesus while He was in Galilee. The specific verse Matthew 13:56 occurs in the context of Jesus' return to His hometown, Nazareth, where He is met with skepticism and disbelief from the townspeople. This atmosphere of doubt is heightened by their familiarity with Jesus' earthly family.

Matthew Henry's Insight

Matthew Henry observes that the inhabitants of Nazareth had a close up view of Jesus' life; they watched Him grow up and witnessed His human life. Their familiarity with Him as the son of Mary led them to question how he could possess such wisdom and perform miracles (Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible). Henry highlights the human tendency to underestimate the extraordinary when it comes wrapped in the ordinary. The phrase “his sisters” indicates that Jesus had siblings, grounding His humanity and presenting a relatable context to His ministry.

Albert Barnes' Perspective

Albert Barnes points out the irony in the townspeople's reaction. They were incredulous at Jesus’ claims of authority and His miraculous works, primarily because they knew Him as a carpenter's son. This familiarity bred contempt; they could not reconcile the Jesus they knew with the divine authority He claimed (Barnes' Notes on the New Testament). Barnes emphasizes that this skepticism reveals the common human struggle to recognize greatness in the familiar—a theme that resonates throughout scripture.

Adam Clarke's Analysis

Adam Clarke sheds light on the implications of Jesus’ family dynamics. He notes that the mention of Jesus’ sisters signifies a substantial household and provides evidence of Jesus’ integration into a typical Jewish family setting. Clarke points out that the reference to His sisters serves to illustrate the point that even within His own family and community, Jesus faced skepticism and confusion regarding His divine mission (Clarke's Commentary on the Bible). Interestingly, Clarke expands this to suggest that personal relationships often lead to personal conflicts concerning faith.

Key Themes and Theological Implications

• The Familiarity with the Divine: The common thread in these commentaries is the struggle to perceive Jesus as both human and divine. This is a vital consideration for contemporary believers who might doubt the extraordinary because of personal familiarity.
• The Challenge of Faith: The verse underscores the challenge of faith in the face of skepticism. The townspeople’s reaction serves as a warning for theological leaders today to recognize the barriers that familiarity can erect against faith.
• Recognition of the Incarnation: Jesus’ identity as a sibling illustrates the concept of the Incarnation. While He operated in the realm of the divine, He was also intimately familiar with human experience, further blending the divine and human roles in scripture.

Practical Applications

This verse has several implications for pastors, students, and theologians:

• Recognizing Scepticism: Modern audiences may approach the gospel with preconceptions that hinder faith. Understanding this skepticism is essential in evangelism and pastoral care.
• Humility in Ministry: Leaders must remain humble and not underestimate the power of familiar dynamics in their congregations. Engaging with communities in relatable and genuine ways can foster deeper understanding and connection.
• The Importance of Family: The mention of Jesus' sisters invites reflection on the role of family and community in one's faith journey. This can encourage dialogue around the complexities of faith within familial contexts.

Conclusion

Matthew 13:56 is rich with implications concerning the nature of faith and the interplay between the divine and the ordinary. The insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provide a multifaceted understanding of how familiarity can cloud spiritual insight and how even the closest relationships can challenge one's perception of God’s work in the world. This commentary serves as a reminder that the divine often intersects with the mundane, inviting believers to look beyond the surface of everyday life to recognize the presence and power of God among them.