The Sixth Sunday of Easter (CL)

Matthew 13:44-58

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

51 “Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” 52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, 54 and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58 And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 13:44–58). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus poses a great question before the people.  "Have you understood all these things?"  Most modern scholars or scribes pour over these words repeatedly and yet do not understand.  But these scribes and disciples exclaim publicly they understand.  There was a certain man who once told Jesus he did not understand but desired help in his unbelief.

But here comes the difficulty of this text.  Jesus is without honor in his hometown.  Apparently when Jesus previously had to explain his parables, the people did not understand.  But now Jesus has given them simple parables with a deep message, yet the people do not ask for an explanation.

Jesus goes from a place where he has finally reached people's minds to a place where they are closed off.  The people of his home town do not understand.  They see him as the little child, the son of a carpenter.  They do not see him as a grown prophet who preaches the truth.

It is simple for us.  We listen to the words of scripture.  We read them.  We mark them with thoughts of understanding.  We also inwardly digest this word making it part of our daily diet.  The Holy Spirit continues to give us understanding, through the Word of God.  These point us to Jesus not just being a simple child or son of a Carpenter.  Jesus is the Son of God.  He is the one sent to save us from eternal damnation.  Jesus will give everything he has even his life in order to purchase you.