February 22, 2022

The Year of our Lord, Jesus Christ

Matthew 13:57

And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

Leaving the parables for a time, consider the truth that the Lord teaches to any and all who will learn it. In the Lord’s own country they rejected His teachings, demeaned Him personally, and were offended in Him (read the previous three verses). Leading the Lord to state an eternal truth. A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

Every pastor has probably experienced something like this. He does his best to speak a truth over and over and over again. Another preacher visits their church, states the same truth, and members are amazed at the brilliance of the visiting man of God. Frankly, this is wonderful in that the members finally get the truth that their pastor wants them to have. That is just the way it is. Oftentimes the familiar person does not receive honor, not the honor they should receive from those closest to him.

This happens everywhere, not only in church. On the job, in marriages, within the parent/child relationship, throughout all society in all walks of life.

If this takes place with you, look at it this way. The other party finally gets it. Whatever the “it” is, they get it. Who cares if the nugget of truth comes from the pastor, the spouse, the parent, the co-worker or someone else? They get it! Don’t let pride rob the joy of understanding that they get it.

Notice also, Jesus did not get offended at them…they became offended at Him. So, dear leader of whatever capacity you are. Be like Jesus, communicate the truth. If another comes along and speaks or teaches the same thing and people get it. Great! If the hearers never get it…well, that’s their issue.

They should have honored the Lord no doubt, but they couldn’t get past their familiarity with Him. May we do better.

Until Next Time,

William T. Howe, Ph.D.