Beware jealousy.

There are very few passages that talk of the family of Mary and Joseph. This is one of them: Jesus had brothers and sisters — three brothers were named. His trade was named: he was “the carpenter”.

The locals could not see him as a rabbi: they knew him as a tradesman. But then the tall poppy syndrome kicked in: they had to pull him down. The question was how did he get this — and not us.


Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief.

And he went about among the villages teaching.

(Mark 6:1-6 ESV)

We must be wary of jealousy. Of being envious of others doing well, and doing great things when we are not. Because what matters is not if I grow or if I am blessed, but that God is praised.

It is not our qualifications, nor our talents that matter. it is what we do with them and how they influence those around us. Let not your envy mean you do not honour God.