Big Idea: Although Jesus’ miraculous powers are acknowledged, this leads not to universal faith but rather to unbelief (in his hometown) and confusion over his identity (by Herod).

Understanding the Text

Matthew concludes the third discourse of Jesus’ teaching with the transition formula (13:53) that he also uses at 7:28–29; 11:1; 19:1; 26:1. In two pericopes (13:54–58; 14:1–12), Matthew narrates two kinds of rejection of Jesus and his kingdom message: the unbelief of Jesus’ hometown (13:58) and Herod’s confusion about Jesus’ identity (14:1–2). This section continues the focus on Jesus’ identity tied to his healing power introduced at 11:2–5 (see 11:20; 12:15, 22; 13:54; 14:2). The passage also follows up the plotline about John’s imprisonment (4:12; 11:2; 14:3–12). The motif of “stumbli…