A Prophet Without Honor...

Have you noticed how it so often happens that the people who are closest to us---family members, friends, neighbors---are the very ones who seem to appreciate us the least?

A classic example of this is the person who takes his/her spouse for granted---seldom giving the praise and positive feedback that is necessary for marital growth.

Another example is a person who does not recognize the accomplishment of a friend because of jealousy or pride.

There are many more examples.  But, I have noticed that strangers are much more likely to praise me for an accomplishment than my friend or neighbor or even a family member (I am not talking about my wife here, but many marriages I know of do suffer from this).

I find this curious in the extreme.  One would certainly think that friends and neighbors and family would rush to praise someone close to them before a perfect stranger would do so. 

But, Jesus was aware of this phenomenon when he was rejected by the people in His own home town.  He said in Matthew 13:57, A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.

What are your thoughts on this subject?  Can you think of close friends or family who take you for granted?  Is there a good explanation for this?  Comments, please.