Mark 6:3

Is not this the carpenter, the sonne of Mary, the brother of Iames and Ioses, and of Iuda, and Simon? And are not his sisters heere with vs? And they were offended at him. Mark 6:3 (KJV)

The passage belongs to the Gospel of Mark, which records the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this scene Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth and begins teaching in the synagogue, prompting the townspeople to react to his familiar background.

The people of Nazareth identify Jesus as the “carpenter” and the “son of Mary.” Mentioning his trade highlights his humble, working‑class origins and his skill with wood. This detail serves as a striking contrast to his divine nature and his role as the Son of God, underscoring that the Messiah came from ordinary circumstances.

The verse lists several of Jesus’ family members: James, Joses, Juda, and Simon are called his brothers, and it also notes that he had sisters. These names are commonly understood as half‑brothers, suggesting that Mary had other children after Jesus’ birth. However, the interpretation is debated. Some traditions, particularly Catholic and Orthodox, view the term “brothers” as referring to close relatives or cousins, and they maintain that Mary remained a perpetual virgin. Both perspectives are reflected in the historical discussion of the passage.

Nazareth’s residents were offended by Jesus’ teaching and ministry. Their familiarity with him as a carpenter and as the son of their neighbor Mary made it difficult for them to accept him as a prophet or teacher. This familiarity bred skepticism and a lack of faith, creating a barrier to receiving his message. The episode illustrates the broader challenge Jesus faced in his hometown—people struggled to see beyond his human identity to his divine authority. The passage invites readers to examine their own preconceptions, encouraging an open heart and mind that does not let familiarity or tradition hinder a true understanding of who Christ is.