Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 13:57. It's a really important one that gets to the heart of understanding Jesus’ teachings about leadership and authority. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Essentially, Jesus is saying that people who are trying to make him look good or brag about his power are being arrogant and misguided. Let's unpack it a little: “They were offended in him.” – This means the people around Jesus weren’t happy with him. They felt he was overstepping, demanding too much attention, or acting like a king. Think of it as people feeling like he wasn't respecting them or their authority. “But Jesus said unto them…” – Jesus is addressing those who were upset. He’s gently correcting their behavior. “…A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.” – This is the core of the message. Let's break that down further: “A prophet…” - A prophet is someone who speaks truth or shares important news. “…is not without honour…” - This means a prophet isn’t just presently respected, but also has a certain level of standing and importance within their community, their family, or their own circle. They are seen as trustworthy and wise. “save in his own country, and in his own house.” – This is the crucial part. Jesus is saying that this respect only applies when those who are boasting or trying to be praised have a specific, limited context. It’s like a valuable skill only useful within a small group of people who know and appreciate it. So, what does this mean practically? Jesus is telling us: Don't try to get someone’s attention through boasting or pretending to be superior. It’s important to treat others with respect and humility – even when you disagree with them. Focus on being a good person within your own community, not trying to outshine everyone else. In short, Jesus is saying that true authority comes from serving others, not from seeking admiration for oneself. Does this make sense? Would you like me to: Explain it further with an analogy? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger biblical story?