Jesus is rejected in His own hometown, so He begins to go elsewhere. Why would anyone reject Jesus?
(Matthew 13:53-58)
Sermon Outline
“Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.’” (Matthew 13:57)
Amazed by Jesus (Matthew 13:53-54)
- The power of Jesus’ teaching
- Echoes of the Sermon on the Mount
- Different kinds of amazement
Misunderstanding Jesus (Matthew 13:55-57)
- Different types of questions:
- rhetorical questions
- probing questions
- Knowing what we know and what we don’t know
- Faith seeking understanding versus pride reinforcing ignorance
- The end: offended by Jesus
Making It Real:
- Asking the right questions of Jesus
- The life in pursuit of Jesus
- The radical openness to Jesus
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Name an example of a time when you severely misunderstood someone or something. What happened? What were the consequences?
- This week we begin the sixth part of our journey through the Gospel of Matthew with a new series, “Who Do You Say I Am?” This week we look at the end of Matthew 13:53-58. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word. Then, whether you’re on your own or with others, read those verses aloud.
- Background: This portion of Scripture marks a shift in Jesus’ travels. This is the last time we see Him return to His hometown of Nazareth and the final time we see Him teaching in a synagogue. From now on Jesus teaches in the open air before heading to Jerusalem.
- What do you think is the significance of peoples’ amazement or astonishment at Jesus’ teaching (verse 54)? How do you think this might be similar to or different from the amazement of the crowds at the end of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:28)?
- The people of the synagogue ask a series of questions about Jesus in verses 54-56. What would you say is the central point behind these questions?
- Why do you think the people were offended by Jesus (vs 58)?
- How have you ever misunderstood who Jesus is and what He is about? How has your faith grown through recognizing your misunderstanding?
- What is Jesus’ response to the people’s offense in verses 57-58?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Draw, paint, or ink this story as a way of reflecting on what is happening and what you are learning about who Jesus.
- Journal about your questions for Jesus, taking time to let the Holy Spirit search your heart about what you bring to Jesus. Then journal the questions you think Jesus may be asking you in your life.
- Consider reading a book about Jesus, such as Philip Yancey’s The Jesus I Never Knew or N. T. Wright’s Simply Jesus.
- Consider watching a theatrical version of Jesus’ life, such as The Jesus Film or The Chosen.