A Prophet and His Honor
“A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.” (Matthew 15:37) “For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.” (John 4:44)
The validity of our Lord’s observance has always perplexed me. Frankly, honor has been extended to both those of familiarity and those without familiarity with their audience. Certainly, we know that with Jesus He received no honor from his own house (or from His kin as Mark records in Mark 6:4). Further, we know Jesus was severely abused by the general public of Israel, and from the rulers of the Romans, He also received rebuke. There were occasions when He was fervently honored for His miracles, His words of graciousness and wisdom, and His kindness, but all of these were, by comparison, fleeting moments in His life. We must remember the sad reality of His life as recorded by the apostle John: “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” (John 1:11)
Examine the word “prophet.” Strong defines it as “an inspired speaker.” Perhaps this would explain by “familiarity” cancels the honor due to Jesus and the apostles. Of His apostles, most were fishermen, another was a tax collector, and we have very little knowledge of the rest, other than to know these men were Galileans. To other Jews, Galileans were considered “ignorant and unlearned” (Acts 4:13). Even with Jesus, His countrymen marveled at His knowledge having never been taught by their scholars (cf. John 7:15) These had no respect for this Prophet because He was notable different than their expectations of a Messiah. Therefore, He was without honor among His own house and kindred.
No one in today’s world is a prophet as these men were prophets. Granted, if we use the word “prophet” to mean “teacher,” yes, there are prophets. But let’s not change the context just to make an argument in favor of modern-day preachers and teaching meriting some honor among mankind. The fact is, if we seek the praises of men more than the praise of God, we are seeking the wrong praise (John 12:43). If we preach Christ and Him crucified, then we should not marvel that men hate us (John 15:18). If we do that which is righteous, we should not marvel that the world hates us (1 John 3:13). Though we preachers/teachers are not inspired, what we preach and teach is (2 Timothy 3:16). Therefore, we need not seek honor from men when we serve Christ.
Let us not forget, however, that Jesus did receive honor from some uncommon people! Mark tells us “The common people heard Him gladly.” (Mark 12:37) We find a woman of Sychar enamored with Jesus’ knowledge of her life without ever having met her (John 4: 4 – 30). A centurion confessed after His death, “Surely, this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54). Yes, He received honor from those of lesser renown, but seldom from those who should have esteemed Him highly in love for His works sake.
Likewise, we need not expect our praise to come in tremendous quantity or quality from men! Jesus warned us, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26) We need to heed that warning! The inspired prophet Solomon wrote, “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” (Proverbs 27:2) We are best to remain humble, do our work and await the praise of God rather than the praises of men.
Whatever we do in word or deed needs to have the Lord’s authority, or we must leave it alone! (Colossians 3:17) If we have His authority, then it is because He merits the honor, not us! We’re just the messenger or servant. We are honored to do the work and need no further honor! Brethren, stop trying to receive praise from men and be content with serving God. Christ was, and we certainly are NOT more worthy than Christ Jesus our Lord!