Book of Matthew - Chapter 13 - Verse 56

When Jesus returned to his hometown, the people there were astonished by his teachings and miracles. They questioned, "And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?" This verse reflects the skepticism and astonishment of the people who knew Jesus before he began his ministry. They were perplexed by the wisdom and power he displayed, as they remembered him simply as the son of a carpenter. The verse highlights the disbelief and doubt that can arise when witnessing someone they once knew in a new light. It serves as a reminder that God's plan and purpose for individuals may not always align with the expectations of those around them. Despite the familiarity of Jesus' background, his divine gifts and authority were beyond their understanding.

When looking at the theological interpretation of the verse 'And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?', it is important to consider the context in which it was spoken. This statement was made by the people in Jesus' hometown after he had started performing miracles and teaching with great authority. They were skeptical of his abilities, questioning how he could possess such wisdom and power when they knew his family and background. Some theologians believe that this verse highlights the theme of familiarity breeding contempt, as the people's preconceived notions about Jesus prevented them from recognizing and accepting his divine nature.

Furthermore, a word study of this verse can provide additional insights into its meaning. The word 'whence' is particularly interesting, as it is an archaic term that means 'from where.' By using this word, the people were expressing their disbelief and confusion about Jesus' origins and abilities. This highlights the theme of Jesus being underestimated and misunderstood by those who were close to him. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder to not let our biases and preconceptions hinder our ability to recognize and appreciate the divine presence in our midst.