Mark 6:3,4 - A prophet and honour

6:3

But the amazement and admiration of Jesus was not the only reaction. There was also a reaction of “who does He think He is?” He was a carpenter. It seems that Joseph was dead by now. Joseph was a carpenter and Jesus had probably worked in Joseph’s business. They knew who His mother was, who His brothers and sisters were. They thought they knew who He was, and someone from that background should not get above their station.

6:4

Jesus then explains the situation. One would normally expect support from one’s family and neighbours, so why doesn’t a prophet get this support? Because when one is getting local support it is as one coming from that community, reflecting the values and culture of that community. When a prophet comes he is bringing something from outside, from God, and that something will challenge some of the values and culture of that community. And when that prophet is from that same community there is resentment that he is bringing that challenge. When the prophet goes elsewhere there can be more of a willingness to listen to what he says.