Jesus stated a new proverb and prophecy. “No prophet is accepted in his hometown.” He gave two examples to support this simple truth. Elijah and Elisha were two ancient Israelite prophets who had similar ministries to Jesus. All three did great miracles. All three preached the truth of God in evil times. All three continued the work of God to people who not only rejected their teaching but also physically tried to harm and even kill them.
Living and obeying the truth can cause division and hostility, even within families, as Jesus said in Matthew 10:34-36, “…I have come to turn mother against son…” and so on (paraphrased).
Most people are not religious or active in the congregation and denomination they say that they belong to until they believe someone is insulting and/or challenging their religion. They take offense and lash out even though the truth is spoken. I know of a young man who was told by his mother, who seldom went to her hometown church, “If you ever convert your siblings, I will disown you.” This never happened, and when she knew she would die soon, she eagerly listened to the son she once threatened to disown. Yet, his younger brother has now disowned him. Elijah, Elisha, and Jesus experienced the same.
Jesus gives a promise to his disciples when their family and hometown treated them as Jesus, Elisha, and Elijah were treated. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)
