He returned (from the Sea of
Galilee) to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue,
everyone was amazed and said, "Where does he get this wisdom and
the power to do miracles?" Then they scoffed, "He's just the
carpenter's son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers--James, Joseph,
Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn
all these things?" And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in
him. Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his
own hometown and among his own family." And so he did only a few miracles
there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:54-58
This scripture passage tell us that the
people of Nazareth…were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. They were
offended—deeply offended. Scoffing at the wisdom of Jesus who obviously was a
good speaker and teacher, they couldn’t believe that anyone that grew up there
could be so knowledgeable and wise. Those people in Nazareth had a lot of nerve—self-righteous
snobs. Who did they think they were, judging Jesus? He was full of wisdom and
unusual power. Were they jealous that they themselves…or their son, grandson,
or even nephews didn’t get that wisdom and power? Why should this son of a
carpenter have it? Just unbelieving that anyone from Nazareth—that dusty little
village—could actually be a great teacher. Doubting drains energy. If no one
believed, then no miracles could happen. There were few miracles exercised on
that trip to Nazareth.
What does that tell us about faith? I think
we have to believe—in Jesus as the Son of God…and that He was a man, incarnate
God and man. In that belief the power of Jesus is released…and we can ask for
healing, for strength, or for wisdom. Ask and we will receive…
At that time you won't need to ask me for
anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will
grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask,
using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. I have
spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking
figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. Then you will ask
in my name. I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father
himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. John
16:23-27
Ask—it seems pretty simple, but there are a
lot of factors involved. Attitude. Action. Faith. God’s will. Just believe. God
will take care of you—in His way…at His time. Trust. Trust and Obey.
Prayer
~ Lord, as my day ends…a new day begins for someone in another part of the
world. Guide me into a restful sleep…and the person on the other side of the
world into decisions that would be pleasing to You. Help us all to have a
deeper faith in Jesus. No scoffing for us.
Happy 1st Anniversary to Ben and Elizabeth.
May God continue to bless you.
© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT)
unless otherwise noted.
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