Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 13:55

"Is not this the carpenter`s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Judas?" — Matthew 13:55 (ASV)

(55–57a) Obviously some of the questioners’ motivation sprang from a serious desire to know whence Jesus derived his authority rather than from personal pique that a hometown boy had outstripped them. The questions are understandable. They knew Jesus had no special breeding or education. Whence, then, his wisdom and miracles? But by their questions the people merely condemned themselves; they could not doubt the fact of his wisdom and miracles, yet they rejected his claims. “They took offense at him” means they found in him obstacles to faith, even though the biggest obstacles were in their own hearts. On the question of Jesus’ brothers and sisters, see comment on 12:46–50.

(57b–58) The proverb in v.57b is true: most often a person is better received at home than anywhere else; but if one enjoys an elevated position, the reverse is true. Jesus did not do miracles there because of the people’s “lack of faith.” This was a source of profound grief and frustration for Jesus rather than something that stripped him of power (see comment on Mk 6:5–6).