“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?”

— Matthew 13:55

Have you heard of the term “Tall Poppy Syndrome”?

It comes from the idea of cutting down the tallest poppy in a field so that all the flowers remain at the same height. It’s a social phenomenon where people attack or criticize those who have achieved success and stand out from their peers.

We’ve all faced such experiences — and even Jesus Christ was not spared.

When Jesus returned to His hometown after preaching and teaching elsewhere, He was valued and appreciated outside His town. Yet when He came home, the people who had known Him since childhood were astonished by the wisdom He carried.

Their question was, “Is this not the carpenter’s son?”

They were offended because they could not see Jesus as more than the local carpenter’s son. It was a sarcastic attempt to level Him down — to prove that He was ordinary. They struggled to submit to His divine authority.

Jesus, knowing their hearts, said, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own hometown.” Even when He performed miracles, He often told those healed nearby to keep it a secret, but to the Gentiles, He said, “Go and testify.”

In spite of what His people thought, Jesus Christ was the divine plan of God to rescue mankind. Whether or not people acknowledged Him as the Son of God, He remained sovereign and came to dwell among us for a divine purpose.

All creation acknowledges Him. Even the very stones would cry out His praises!

Be encouraged — the blessing and position you hold are part of God’s divine plan.

Maybe you are in a hostile work environment where colleagues unfairly criticize or undermine. They might call you “arrogant” or “too ambitious” for being successful.

In other cases, High-performing students or athletes often face jealousy and exclusion. Even in families, older siblings may humiliate the younger when they see them rise beyond their own achievements.

Many people, instead of appreciating who you are, will be quick to criticize who you are not. Their mindset often says, “You can succeed, but not more than me.”

But do not be discouraged if you are not honored at your workplace or among your family. Jesus Himself proved that people can be biased in showing honor.

Regardless of people’s opinions, the gift you carry reflects God’s character.

Your value is not defined by critical eyes — your worth is seen through the Father’s eyes.

You are not what they say you are. You are a promise and a great work in progress. Jesus’ own people saw Him only as a carpenter, but the rest of the world saw Him as the Savior. They saw Him as a familiar family member, but He was the long-awaited Messiah.

You are not what others say you are — you are what God says you are.

You may not be honored now, but your feet will go to places that exalt the glory of God.

You may be a carpenter’s son or daughter — a child of humble beginnings — but God sees you as a revolutionist, like David, Esther, or Nehemiah, chosen to bring change from a lowly place to a place of divine exaltation.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me that my value is not measured by the world’s opinion but by Your truth. Strengthen my heart when I face rejection or criticism, and teach me to walk in humility and confidence, just as Jesus did.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.